Said’s Farewell – Next Tuesday 26th January at 8pm (Studio 2 upstairs)

Unfortunately Said Nassor will be returning to Tanzania for good on Wednesday. He is coming along on Tuesday to say his farewell. We shall hold the training session as normal and if time permits, go for a drink afterwards at the local pub, the Willow Walk. Please join us!

I first met Said in 1997 in Tanzania. I was working out there and a guest instructor for the Shorinji Kempo club in Dar Es Salaam. I have fond memories…35-40° heat, 90% humidity and lots of mosquitoes. That didn’t deter the Tanzanian’s who packed out the dojo like the Bruce Lee craze of the seventies. Training was very basic and very hard. 5 days a week and full on. I used to get muscle cramps just teaching.

Said came to the U.K. in mid 2004 and joined me at the Covent Garden Dojo. His loyalty and commitment was unparalled. He was by far the most regular student, always training hard and always with a friendly smile. For years I tried to re-mold his style but I admired the way he always managed to retain his original instructor’s form. Said got his black belt and continued to train with me on and off over the years.

Said even kindly agreed to help in the Bushin opening demonstration at late notice. I had a last minute pull out and Said appeared unexpectedly during rehearsal night to say hello. Without a thought he agreed to stand in, put on his dogi and got to work. Without a doubt a loyal, true friend and the real hero of the night!

Please come along and say your farewell to our dear friend. Said, I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours. We shall all miss you.