This week in history…(21 August – 27 August)

23 August

On 23 July 2011, Steve Arneil was awarded his 10th Dan.

24 August

On 24 August 2000, Andy Hug died from breathing difficulties and multiple organ failure. He was only 35 years old. His death was reported on all the major news channels in Japan. He was survived by his wife Ilona and their son Seya.

25 August

On 25 August 1993, Kazuhiro Sawada returned to Belgium at JKA Belgium’s request, to continue Satoshi Miyazaki’s work. He had been Miyazaki’s assistant for ten years, before returning to Japan in 1984.

26 August

On 26 August 1941 Karate instructor and humanitarian, John Van Weenen was born in Enfield, just outside London. He was the second of six children.

In 1964 Van Weenen, along with his brothers, Jeff and Garry emigrated to Australia settling in Adelaide. He and his brother Jeff began Karate training under Moss Hollis, who originally hailed from Birmingham, England. In 1966, Van Weenen was awarded his 1st Dan, just before returning back to the UK.

In 1967 Van Weenen travelled to Japan with friends Eddie Whitcher and Mick Peachey. They hoped to train with their legendary instructor Hirokazu Kanazawa in the country of his birth, at the JKA headquarters.

During the 1990s Van Weenen led humanitarian efforts to help the starving people of Albania and Kosovo.

27 August

On 27 August 2000, Andy Hug’s funeral was held. His body was cremated and his ashes were placed in the cemetery of the Hoshuin Temple, in Kyoto, Japan. His pallbearers included Kyokushin fighters Francisco Filho, Nobuaki Kakuda, and Nicholas Pettas.

On 27th August 2005, Katsuaki Sato travelled to Los Angeles where he conducted a special training course. He was assisted by two of his students, Kentaro Onishi and Jun Watanabe.