Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Kancho Robert Sullivan
Kancho Robert Sullivan recently travelled to New Zealand to host 4 seminars for GKR Karate students and instructors in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton.
Over 800 students in total attended the seminars, enjoying the opportunity to train with Kancho and gain insight and wisdom from the founder of our club.
While Kancho was in New Zealand he had the honour of being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, by Hanshi Dennis May, President of the International Goju Ryu Karate Association, at the conclusion of the Auckland seminar.
“I’ve known of Dennis May for many years as a top Karate person in New Zealand who is so very highly regarded, and it was an honour to be presented with the award in front of around 377 students in Auckland.
“There’s a sense of pride or appreciation on a personal level that comes with the (Lifetime Achievement) award,” Kancho Robert Sullivan said.
The award recognises Kancho’s outstanding contribution to Karate in Australia and worldwide over the past 60 years while also acknowledging his vision, leadership and teaching that has inspired countless people over the years. To remember the days as a 17-year-old kid, just starting off training, where to get a green belt was like ‘wow’. You then keep training and learning year after year, and before you know it, you’re a 1st Dan. When I think about this and then compare it to where GKR is today, it is quite surreal.” Kancho said.
“GKR has always been totally independent and has never been afraid to break down barriers and chart it’s own course. I also know that an organisation is nothing more than an extension of people and the attitude of people within that organisation. Every person is one brick in the building and adds strength to the building – including our students. Everybody gets to build this club which is in the spirit of what GKR is.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award highlights Kancho Sullivan’s commitment to Karate and his dream of ‘Karate for everyone’ which continues, to this day, to be a driving force behind the success of GKR Karate.
“Two sayings which I like and that I remember from early on are, ‘For things to change, you have to change’ and ‘You can give more than you’ve got because you could become more than you are’. I think these are good to remember and strive towards” Kancho said.
