05/20/2026
It’s surgery day for Hanshi Palmer…..please keep him in your prayers.
Dear Olathe Karate Academy Students and Families,
I want to start by saying thank you to everyone for making OKA the very special dojo that it is today. From the little Karate Kubs to the senior Black Belts, I appreciate all of you.
As many of you know, I will be having a total hip replacement surgery tomorrow. Apparently, 40 plus years of martial arts training along with playing soccer as a kid, being a state champion track athlete in high school, etc. have all taken their toll. I went to a doctor about 4 years ago and after X-rays he said, "Well...your hip is a lot older than you are." After trying various therapies over the past few years to avoid surgery, increasing pain, discomfort and lack of mobility has made it simply time for the replacement. I am grateful for the recommendation by one our karate moms that is a physical therapist to consult Dr. Jeffrey Salin. Dr. Salin performs the surgery in a manner that recovery is much quicker than other methods. He is very optimistic. Although I will be somewhat limited for a few weeks, I should be back on the mat in no time barking at students. :)
As I prepare for surgery and recovery, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you — our instructors, students, parents, and families — for your continued support, encouragement, and loyalty to the dojo. One of the greatest blessings of my life has been watching our school continue to grow and thrive because of the amazing people who make up our karate family.
The dojo will continue to operate as usual and there will be no changes to the daily schedule. Shihan Ashleigh, with the help of our amazing black belts, will continue leading classes, preparing for belt tests, etc. I know everyone will come together in the following days and weeks!
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers...probably more so Shihan Ashleigh having to deal with me as a patient. :)
Sincerely,
Your "Soon to be round kicking students in the head again"...Hanshi Palmer
