Ando Kozo Hanshi

[hamish]

It is with deep regret that I pass on the following news: Ando Kozo Hanshi, well known and respected kendo sensei, passed away suddenly on October the 8th, after suffering a stroke. His funeral will be held today, Saturday the 11th.

His direct efforts to spread kendo around the world were felt by many, and he will be sorely missed.

Our condolences go out to his family in their time of loss.

Kendo World team

[Mr.Tvola]

It is with deep regret that I pass on the following news: Ando Kozo Hanshi, well known and respected kendo sensei, passed away suddenly after suffering a stroke. His funeral will be held today, Saturday the 11th.

His direct efforts to spread kendo around the world were felt by many, and he will be sorely missed.

Our condolences go out to his family in their time of loss.

Kendo World team

Huh, I remember him from a seminar a year ago in Poland. He seemed so vital and brisk. Very sympathetic and wise sensei. This news make me sad :-(

[Lynn]

I was truly sadden to hear of this news. It still doesn't seem quite real. He came down to Singapore last year and actually came down to our school to train us for 1 training. I was very much a beginner then, still a beginner now actually but he really strikes me as a very nice sensei. Patient with our mistakes and such. A stroke! how sudden...Truly a sad thing to happen.

[mingshi]

I only SAW him once last Xmas. He did a personal holiday trip to Hong Kong. He was invited to the squad training (open to all), and then he spent the whole session on footwork with everyone not holding their shinai...

I missed that one... Rei to Ando Sensei.

[KATSUJIN]

Yes.... although he did not directly teach me much due to time constraints.. i respect him for his gentle approach and patience with young kendokas... this is a sad news indeed....

[Witek]

We are still shocked. Professor Ando was our great friend, mentor and teacher. It was his idea, back in 1973, to start kendo in Poland. He was the real founder of kendo clubs in Lodz and Warszawa. He came to my country almost every year, as the summer camp instructor or tournament referee. Mere two days before his death, he visited us again, to celebrate 30th Anniversary of Kendo in Poland. He even gave the Nihon Kendo Kata demonstration with his long-time friend and student, Mr. Andrzej Kustosz. He was among us - live, vigorous, and full of kendo spirit. And he will be remembered exactly that way. Sensei-ni rei!