04/01/2026
Hi all, I hope you are all well, have had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. ☺️👍🏻
I have recently had the all clear from the consultant oncologist for my neck cancer. And my thanks to all for your wonderful support and patience during the past 8 months or so.
Which brings me to the main point. The treatment has taken its toll and wrecked my body, I am still 12 kg lighter than I was when I started with a lot of muscle lost, plus my fitness and strength totally gone.
I have to sincerely apologise, as I am going to be what I consider to be very selfish and take 6-months to a year out from teaching to get myself back to full fitness, knowledge and skill base. This is not a decision I have made lightly, far far from it, but one that i consider necessary and sensible at this point in my life after everything that has happened and one that is fully supported by my oncologist. I must consider the long term as well as the highest of standards and calibre of teaching before I recommence.
However, my mats and weapons etc. will remain in the sports hall in storage and they will definitely be put out again in the future. I can’t predict how my body and mind will respond to everything to get back up to what I consider a robust capability to teach effectively again. I will of course keep comms and let you all know directly should things go well. In the meantime, I hope you can understand my need to do this, but alas, the Dojo must remain closed whilst I progress on this personal and professional journey back to full health.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all of your kind support and patience and humbly ask for a little more. And I hope you can all understand why I need to do this. Many thanks and take care. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Warmest Regards
Dean Sensei