SENSEI Ken Hensley, 5th Dan, Sensei/Senior Instructor

Full Name: Kenneth Hensley    Rank: Godan   
Date of Rank: February 1999

Instructors: Soshu Lee Dawson, Bob Kisting, and Bob Garien

Styles you have studied: Taekwondo/Chinese Kempo(blend), American Kyokushin and Seishin Ryu

Age: 53    Date of Birth: 5/29/49   
Born: Born in Waterloo, Iowa, USA

Significant events in my life:

a) Having a very demanding mother, my father died when I was two became very self reliant.

b) Growing up on the streets taught me to fight for what was mine.

c) Because I grew up alone and because kids used to use me as a brunt of jokes I learned to believe in myself. This did not always work, but I tried.

d) I had a terrible stuttering problem, due to "c" philosophy not working and a friend of mine, Jim Weiser, got me into radio where I learned I could be a very good communicator. This lead to become self confidence, I lost the stuttering problem.

e) Last but not least, my relationship with Soshu who has helped me though a lot of problems in karate and out. Soshu has the most positive influence in my life than anyone on this Earth!

People who motivated me, or helped  arrive at this point in my life:

a) Our Lord, Jesus Christ who showed me, through His word, I learned of   unconditional love.

b) Coach Don Buck, junior high football coach, the first adult who believed in me.

c) My mother who pushed, prodded, and swatted me to make me an independent person.

d) Soshu who has showed me that I can achieve more than I ever thought possible.

Obstacles I had to over come: Many injuries that kept me from training, my size where people told me I should not be in karate, many plateaus, and people creating problems for me both in and out of the dojo.

Family, Friends, Instructors, etc. who are important at this time in my life: Soshu Lee E. Dawson, Renshi Veronica L. Perry, Sensei Dreyer, Jim Weiser, and Loretta Neher.

Why I am studying my present style: I have had the opportunity to see many different systems in my karate-life. Soshu’s philosophy in Seishin Ryu is what I believe in. I cannot imagine studying another system. Seishin Ryu has everything for the mind, body and spirit.

What I have learned from studying the martial arts: I have learned that along with the very dangerous techniques I know, a true warrior does not brag or uses that power to dominate others. True strength comes from within the person. Things like kindness, humility, listening rather than speaking, being a very loyal friend, and looking for peace in our world is more important than how many people you can maim or kill! The true warrior wins those battle within himself with the end resulting being a better member of society.

Philosophy I try to live by: What can I do today to be better than I was yesterday?

Advice which may help others in life, and with their study of the martial arts. I would advise anyone to listen to their own heart. Do not allow anyone to tell you that you cannot or should not continue your training. When you think you are finished and you have no more to learn or give, talk with your instructor. Seishin Ryu Karate is a puzzle with really no end.

You write the events of each day in your own personal training. Do not cheat yourself, give 110% each and every class or training period. It is only through this method that you will learn and grow as an individual and a karateka.