zondag 26 augustus 2007: Shane Thomas behaald Nidan 2de Dan zwarte gordel Kyokushin Full Contact Karate te Rab (Kroatië)

OSU to everybody I want to thank everyone for supporting my 50 Man Kumite. To cut a long story short…I succeeded. The 50 Man Kumite was held out doors, on the island of Rab (Croatia) in the midday sun with a temperature of 38°C! Shihan Semmy Schilt (K-1 Grand Prix World Champion) conducted the kumite and witnessed/verified my pass. My opponents included 6th Dans, 5th Dans, 4th Dans, 3rd Dans, the East German Knockdown Team, former champions, current champions and I am proud to say my own students. – Each round was 1:30 minutes with around 10-15 seconds to change opponent. – At times gave up more than 40 kilos. – There were times I wanted to quit but Shihan Eric Van Vaerenbergh made me believe I could succeed. He NEVER failed me. He stayed at my side. – Many times I couldn’t breathe. My lungs failed me. But Shihan Lionel Bricnet NEVER failed me. He fought me and he guided me. – During the twenty-seventh fight…I saw Lynn Peene from Belgium… screaming in pain – yet she continued!!! She succeeded in fighting her 30 man!!! – SEEING LYNN SUCCEED IS THE REASON I SUCCEEDED THE FIFTY MAN KUMITE – Lynn is the PERFECT example of Kokoro. I am DWARFED by her skill, her heart and her dedication. – During my last fight…number 50; I was not able to counter with strikes and I simply accepted the attacks. My body could not continue. – During my last fight, number 50; I was knocked down three times and stood up each time in less than 1 second. My mind refused to stay down. – I survived, I’m alive and I’m happy. – The 50 man is usually a test for 3rd Dans. – I completed this test as a Shodan with just one week’s notice – but I’m glad I did it. – I did it with the support of my wife. – I did it with the support of my Budo family. – I did it with the support of my teachers. – I did it with the support of my students. – I did it because “without Kokoro, Budo is an empty shell”. As a result; – I’ve now achieved something that I’ve been dreaming about since I was 14 years old. – Kaicho Bluming (10th Dan) decided to promote me to Nidan (2nd Dan) in Kyokushin and All-Round Fighting. – Shihan Eric Van Vaerenbergh (6th Dan) decided to promote me to Nidan (2nd Dan) in Kyokushin Budokai All-Round Fighting. Great fun… I’m bruised (see photo of my blocking arm) but happy! :-))))) Thank you for supporting me. OSU & Always with Respect, Shane. One Year Ago; Doctor: “Shane, you have a condition called Atopy. Your respiratory system is genetically disfunctional. I’m sorry but this cannot be cured”. Shane: “What can I do about this? I run out of breath when I lift my daughter into my arms!” Doctor: “Nothing. If you have this condition, it always wins in the end. These drugs will help your breathing a little.” I was devastated. Two Days Later; Shane: “Shihan, the doctor says I cannot fight or train. Please give me the 30 man kumite.” Shihan Eric: “No. It will kill you. Train… lose 20 kilos… and come back.” Shane: “I can’t believe this is happening to me.” Shihan Eric: “You already have the skill for 50 men but your body will break cannot survive three. Learn to breath again – come back in one year.” I was imprisoned. Two Weeks Ago (one week before Kumite); SMS from Shihan Eric: “50 man kumite in Croatia?” SMS response from Shane: “Kokoro. Always ready to fight.” I was frightened. 1 Minute before the Kumite (26th August, 2007); Semmy Schilt: “You are Shodan! Why are you fighting 50 man kumite? It’s not necessary for Shodan!” Shane: “I am doing it for me.” I was free…