A very very sad day in US Kendo

[nothing]

This morning John O'Connor (AKA Ignatz (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/member.php?u=5992)) of Kenshin kai Kendo Dojo lost a long battle with Cancer. One of my sensei put it best, John exemplified the Samurai and the Warrior spirit. he fought hard, and never gave up... he showed true zanshin that resonated through all aspects of his life. He fought and scored ippon against the disease never giving up. John even planned on attending the US championships this year.

He passed surrounded by friends and loved ones.

I ask that you all say a prayer for John and his family tonight. And make sure at your next practice you train extra hard, and hit a perfect men in John's memory.

He will be sincerely missed at kenshin Kai, in New York, and in US kendo...


Rest in piece sempai..

[yohed55]

Thats really too bad. He was a great asset to the kendo community and I always looked forward to reading what he had to say.

My condolences to his family, friends, and dojo mates.

[1stdan]

Domo Arigato Goziamashita O'Connonrsan..................Rei!

[Rob W.]

That's really sad. My condolences to his family and friends. Kendo, kendo world, and the rest of the world has lost a good man.

[Masahiro]

I am sorry to hear about Ignatz! . . . . . . .(moment of silence!!)

[ShinKenshi]

My sincere condolences to Mr. O'Connor's family. I really wish I had the chance to meet him. May he rest in peace. The kendo community will miss you, John!

[Oroshi]

I'm very sorry to hear this news. Although I never had a chance to meet Mr. O'Connor I always enjoyed reading his posts on the forum. He will be missed by budoka throughout the globe.

My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and all at his dojo.

[Big One]

I am totally shock to hear about our Ignatz. We will dearly miss all of his posts. Rest in peace John. My condolences to his family. I still keep all the private post from him. They are funny and full of living experience. A Truly gentleman.

[ben]

Very sad news. I will miss his dry wit and his no-bullshit intelligence. A shame I never got to meet him in person.

Farewell Ignatz.

b

[chainz]

I'm sorry for the lost of a felow kenshin, My sincere condolences to Mr. O'Connor's family

[Lady_Kitsune]

I can not believe it. I really didn't know he was sick, I am really sorry and I hope O'Connor Family finds the strength to move on and smile again I know he would wanted that.

Arigato for all those advises, sempai Ignatz, never had the chance to say that to you.

[tango]

Man, this news is a real downer.

By the tone of his posts, most folks would never have known Iggy was battling anything.... which is maybe just the way he would have wanted it.

My sympathy and condolences go out to his family, both at home and the dojo.

He'll be greatly missed by everyone at Kendo World.

[Ookami7]

My condolences to friends,family, and everyone in Kendo community!!! Rest in peace O`connor san! Train extra hard with everyone you meet, for you never know how long you may have to meet and practice with them!!!! The memory of loved one can never be forgotten if it is held in the heart and mind`s eye!!!
また、狼より/ Jeff

[ZtefaNNN[K]]

I´m quite touched by this... I imagine it´s very hard for you guys, that knew him better. I had started to miss his posts some time ago, I thought he might have got bored of backyard ninjers and endless discussions over the same subjects.... his voice of reason will be missed.

[always_learning]

John's (Ignatz) signature contained the following quote.

"Take your dying with some seriousness, however. Laughing on the way to your execution is not generally understood by less advanced life forms, and they'll call you crazy."
Messiah's Handbook


...It makes sense now! Our lives are short, from my atheist perspective all that remains after we die the impact of our actions upon others. There could be no more noble human life than one in which we live to help others, and clearly he was such a person.

[aloe]

Rest in peace in Kendo heaven where the bogu dont smell.

[Fukuryu]

My condolences to Mr. O´Connor family and his friends. A sad day indeed for the kendo community. Ignatz will be missed, his posts always commanded attention and respect. He was a great lesson in life.

Rest in peace.

[imnothere]

Rest in peace. I am sure we will meet you one day in afterlife, where there are plenty of ale, shiai and shiai.

[tango]

At the risk of this being overly corny, I would encourage everyone -- as a sign of respect -- to give +rep to O'Conner-san's last post here:

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?p=324674#post324674

[Neil Gendzwill]

Actually, John mentioned a number of times both publicly and in PMs that he was fighting this beast. I have long admired his tenacity and dignity in dealing with his disease. Whenever he was gone for long periods I worried that he might not be back. I'm very sad to hear he's left us for good. Although I never met him in person, I feel I came to know him a little bit through his posts here, and I grew very fond of him. My sincere condolences to John's family and friends.

[Curtis]

I am sad to know I will not meet him in person. We talked on the phone and I enjoyed our conversation immensely. I would have enjoyed his company.

My thoughts are with those who have lost his wit and charm.

[Maro]

Very sad news. I will miss his dry wit and his no-bullshit intelligence. A shame I never got to meet him in person.

Farewell Ignatz.

b

Ditto that - he was always exceptional with his posting. Vale

[kuzu70]

My prayers are with Mr. Occoner, his family and friends.
He is an inspiration to us all.

[ghostdancer]

Sincere condolences to his family , you will be greatly missed by all who knew you, even if only through this Forum

[Martino]

What do you say.

John O'Connor opinion and character were respect by a lot of people. While none of us knew him as closely as his friends or family his presence will be missed.
My condolences are with you family and friends John.

[bobdonny]

Sad news, I would think he was an exlemplary sempei and will be dearly missed by his dojo and his friends and family. He seemed to have lived a good life from some of the pics he shared, i.e. flying and running marathons etc.

Hope he's in a better place.

[Mokujin77]

I was really sorry to hear about Ignatz's passing. When I first had correspondance with him, I think we got off on the wrong foot but, over time, I came to see him for the intelligent and witty man he was. I even met one of his fellow dojo mates at the Mumeishi 3's who had nothing but nice things to say about him. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

[H.Sandsleth]

I'm sorry to hear that. Although I didn't know Ignatz personally, I always enjoyed his witty and insightful posts. My condolences to his family, friends and dojo mates.

[Legionario]

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ignatz.

Sit tibi terra levis.

[NorthernKendoka]

A great loss for the kendo community. Not that I have ever met Ignatz/John but he was a greatly appreciated member here. Todays keiko will be in his memory, never give up, allways fight back.

[Fred27]

Dang...Ignatz was just 58..

Only the good die young (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5r3R_P-nM4)

:(

[Ralutin]

My sincere condolences to Mr. O'Connor's family and friends. I enjoyed reading his posts here on the forum and I regret not ever meeting him in person or doing keiko with him. May he rest in piece and hit perfect ippon wherever he may be...

[mugen no junin]

may he rest in peace, at least all the people that are paying their respects in this thread testify that he has won in his life.

[JCM]

I didn't realise he was so sick, this comes as a shock, thanks for letting us know.

We will really miss his sense of humour and his experience around here, my heart goes out to his family and friends.

I always thought the measure of a man's character is how many people remembers him with affection. Going through this thread says something very special about John.

Best of luck wherever you are at now, 'Iggy'

[Mr. T.]

Bummer, this sucks. It's all I can say. My thoughts go out to his familly and friends.

He was one of those guy you would like to have met in real life. :(

[Paburo]

six months ago we also lost another kenshi friend from my dojo on cancer, illness. we used to call him robocop cause he had so many protesis and surgeries on his body from accidents. he would still do kendo no matter what. bad joints, titanium reinforced bodyframe and bones, no kneecaps, you name it. he'd still come religiously and give all he got on keiko.

like uncle Igz, he was a fighter. it is people like them who show us the true spirit of kendo and not giving up no matter how adverse the circumstances. truly inspiring.

my sincere condolences, and thanks to the o'connor family and his dojo for breeding such a remarkable man, an example for the rest of us.

[Obulco]

I am going to miss John O’Connor. While he showed a very unique character and a great intelligence online, he was, in person, even more than that: he was one of the most gentle, kindest kenshi I have the pleasure to meet.

[Lucien]

Whenever I spent a long time away from KWF the first thing I would do would be to visit Ignatz's user profile and read all his posts. I am sorry I never met him.

[The great I AM]

I guess like a few others I didn't really know how bad his illness was. It feels strange to be saddened by the death of someone I've only ever known as a user profile on a website, but it'll be stranger not seeing any posts from him. Sad, and a deep loss.

[Usagi San]

How strange this modern days can be.
Here you have a bunch of people, from all over the world, already missing someone that most of them (like me) didn't even met in real life.
I bet he was a unique guy and I will miss his inteligent humour.

To his family and friends my sincere condolences.

[Hisham]

Whenever he was gone for long periods I worried that he might not be back.

Same here...
I would've liked to have a keiko with Ignatz, i guess that'll have to wait.....
He definetely lived the "never giving up" concept that so important in kendo, although i only knew him from this forum, i do believe that he was a true citizen of the world and a man of good.
"KW's Messiah" will be missed, my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

[ScottUK]

Man, I had no idea that John was so ill. When I first clicked on this thread and saw his name, I went cold.

Never fenced him (except verbally) and never even met him but he was high in my top 10 people on KW I would like to have bumped into in the dojo. I'm betting he would've made a great after-keiko drinking buddy as well as a fencing partner.

He used to come out with some great personal opinions on kendo and used to have me doubled up with his cutting wit. Every post was either:

a) informative and useful, or
b) hysterical

I for one will miss you, Iggy - and your very English sense of humour. Sleep well, bro.

My condolences to all those close to him.

[ZealUK]

I think most of us will never meet many of the people we converse, argue and joke with in these forums. In spite of this I feel deeply saddened to hear of Ignatz passing. His posts were insightful, intelligent and funny and never hinted a shred of the suffering and anguish he must have been going through. A fine example of budo seishin.

[Martch]

Rest in peace John. Like most of the non-Americans here I never met you but you will be greatly missed.

[ScottUK]

...and never hinted a shred of the suffering and anguish he must have been going through. A fine example of budo seishin.Seconded...

[ScottUK]

Courtesy of Kenzan:

http://www.voicesofthesword.com/ignatz.html

[absenteekendoka]

I'm sitting here this morning in shock. It was a lot of his posts that motivated me to join the forum here. He was much loved and surely be missed my many...kendoka and non kendoka alike. Have a safe journey to the next life John, and I have no doubt there will be kendo wherever you go.

[Shazzanzzz]

My sincere condolences. I don't read a lot of the posts on this site because kendo can be very subjective and opinionative, but somehow a lot of people don't realize that. I always read Ignatz's posts and enjoyed reading them whenever I ran into them. Although that's the only extent of which I know John from, I was always pretty sure he would have been a pleasure to talk to in person and enjoy a keiko with.

[Hank]

I'd seen Mr. O'Connor around at events over the past few years, but only met him once last October. I'm glad I did. My condolences go out to his family, dojo and friends.

[PhilMcLaughlin]

My sincere condolences to his family and friends

Id seen a couple of posts that mentioned his illness and I was always very impressed with his spirit to continue to the last

very sad news

[emitbrownne]

Full of dry wit and insight.
No nonsense


Ignatz will be missed.

[soapdish]

i too would like to add my condolences and pass on my sympathy to his family in this time of pain.

[Chaby]

What a shock...

My deepest and sincere condolences to the O'Connor family.
Rest In Peace John.

[nothing]

Courtesy of Kenzan:

http://www.voicesofthesword.com/ignatz.html

Thank you very much for posting this. His spirit, kindness and especially his laugh will be missed. But I think he'd ask everyone not to feel sad, but rather to train harder than you ever did, and enjoy kendo as long as you can.


Thanks for everyone's sincere thoughts and kind words.

[Sparv]

I wasn't online the last two weeks, and one of the first thing I wanted to post was to add him to my "10 KWForumer you would like to meet" list and to ask if anybody had news, because his public profile showed that he was still lurking but not posting anymore.

I think that the best place to express our sadness is to post user notes on his profile (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/member.php?u=5992).

[Berserker]

What more can I say?

Except that he will be missed by all!

*REI*

[nonamehandle]

My deepest sympathies to his family and friends...I will miss him...

[JoDuncan]

I'm another one of the many who have never met, but still respected and enjoyed conversations with Ignatz on the forum.

A sad day for kendo, his family and all those whose lives he has touched.

Rest in Peace Iggy, you'll be missed.

[ben]

Thank you very much for posting this. His spirit, kindness and especially his laugh will be missed. But I think he'd ask everyone not to feel sad, but rather to train harder than you ever did, and enjoy kendo as long as you can.


Thanks for everyone's sincere thoughts and kind words.

Had him in my thoughts tonight as I trained.

Perhaps, mr nothing, if you are in contact with the family you might print out the various pages of this thread for them. I think they would be touched to know John was able to inspire such feelings in people who had never met him in person.

b

[Dervish]

His posts were insightful, intelligent and funny and never hinted a shred of the suffering and anguish he must have been going through. A fine example of budo seishin.

When I first became interested in pursuing kendo, I visited the Kendo World forums. It was there that I met John O'Connor sempai for the first time. I truly had never met a shining personality on internet forums with such wit and outstanding personality. After reading some posts of his, I saw he was a member of Kenshinkai. It was then that I resolved to visit his dojo. By chance, I met him at the door, and he was so very gracious to me. He instantly took me under his wing and introduced me to the gentleman who would become my sensei, as well as those would become my sempai. He carefully explained to me everything that was going on during the class.

When I decided to take up kendo, O'Connor sama went above and beyond his duty as sempai. I was in very poor physical shape at first, but even as he faced a deadly illness which threatened his life's breath, he still had much greater stamina than me. He would not allow me to rest until he himself felt inclined to do so, and he was always a highly spirited kendoka, so those rests were so few and far between. After practice, he would always cheer me on for my modest advances and encourage me to push myself further, as he had. As my sempai, he didn't just teach me about kendo, he taught me about life itself. He taught me to be a better person and to always honor and stand steadfast to my commitments.

Somehow, despite the deadly illness, he pressed on with great strength, and passed this strength on to everyone around him. I believe if not for his sublime association and friendship, I would not be a kendo player today. I also felt that he has given me so much, and I was unable to reciprocate in kind. All I can do is honor his memory and friendship, and thank God for the arrangement that I would have such a dear friend and sempai. I ask God for the strength to stay on the path as John O'Connor sempai did, and that we -- his loving senseis, sempai, and kohai -- fully honor his memory and properly execute the teachings and advice he has graciously given to me. I pray that God will draw my dear friend and sempai close to Him and that we may meet again.

[Bokushingu]

My condolences & heart go out to his family & Friends. I miss you allready, Ignatz-Sempai.

[ScottUK]

I think that the best place to express our sadness is to post user notes on his profile (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/member.php?u=5992).Heh. Already pre-empted you.

On a side note, it might be nice if someone shares this thread (and his profile notes) with his family members who are unaware of KW.

[ne0r]

My sincere condolences to his family and his dojo mates who will surely miss him. I was shocked when I read the first post. Very sad to hear.

[JoDuncan]

...

On a side note, it might be nice if someone shares this thread (and his profile notes) with his family members who are unaware of KW.


^Good idea that^

[hyuna]

John was a kind and gentle soul, and he will be missed. :(

[Dervish]

Heh. Already pre-empted you.

On a side note, it might be nice if someone shares this thread (and his profile notes) with his family members who are unaware of KW.

I will inform my sempai who is in contact with O'Connor sempai's family. Thank you very much for that great idea.

[Fonsz]

My sincerest condoleances to his beloved ones. I'm glad that his suffering is over and we can only envy him for the life that he lived. I'm sorry that we have never met although we spoke/wrote about it. I also feel sorry for all of us that we can't meet him anymore. It's a sad day indeed.

[Maku-san]

While I've not had the privilege, nay, the honor, of knowing O'Connor-san, I feel the loss of a family member as you all do. Surely John has touched many a kendoka's heart, mind and spirit and for that, we are richer having had him amongst us.

Rest in peace, Sempai! And arigato gozaimasu!

To John-san's family: my deepest condolences and prayers in your time of berevement.

[RC_Kenshi]

Like most people on KWF, I never got a chance to meet Ignatz. However, I always looked forward to reading his posts. I didn't always agree with what he said, but was always impressed by his "no-nonsense" tone. His upbeat attitude ws incredibly impressive to me, since it made it so easy to forget the horrific personal battles he was facing.

My condolences to his friends and family - you have lost a good man.

And John, I would like to say "Rest in Peace", but like many others, I just know you have found somewhere that you can continue with your kendo. So I'll just say "Ganbatte!"

RC_Kenshi

[Kenzan]

People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality,
but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive.
It is as though they were traveling abroad.
~Marcel Proust

I'm not sure who said it, but I am also reminded of the saying:

"The world should be a better place because a man has lived."

Because of you John, many people in this world, including myself,
are now better people.
And as you touched the lives over others, even through a meager means such as this forum,
who then took a part of you to spread amongst your fellow humans;
-certainly made this hard world of ours a better place.

We applaud you for a life well-lived.

[Neil Gendzwill]

So far, 28 people have left reputation for John. Here are the comments, I've left them anonymous:

requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine; et lux perpetua luceat ei
This rep's for you, buddy.
Rest in peace.
domo arigato, thanks for your words
rip
may you rest in peace
RIP
You'll be missed, best of luck wherever you are now
Man this sucks, we'll miss you. :(
You taught me one thing. Thanks. Ganbatte.
RIP John, you were one of the best of us!!!!!
Rest in Peace, dear friend and sempai
Farewell
I´ll miss you
be safe John.
R.I.P. Ignatz
Enjoy whatever's after, Ignatz-san.
Its a shame we had never met. I think we would have gotten on well. Cheers!!
Farewell...enjoy your illness-free kendo in the hereafter!
RIP

[ScottUK]

That was a cool thing to do.

[Gessho]

My deepest condolences to his loved ones and to anyone who knew him. I always enjoyed his wit and felt that he was a good man, though I never met him.

[MikeW]

Well wishes to those that must remain, Ignatz (John)... you lived your life with honor, may we all continue that honor in remembering your presence in our midst short as it was.

[misterkurukuru]

Only knew Ignatz on these here forums

and this is what i got from our many KWF verbal keiko's

He was someone who never showed his weaknesses, never gave you an opening, and gave our the virtual tsuki when you needed it.

thanks for the internet keiko man.

[kensenbatusaii]

With my deepest respect, a great loss in this forum and the kendo community.

[Paikea]

Aw, John...

In an Irish pub in Portland tonight there will be a glass raised to you, Mr. John O'Connor. A friend you never met, in a place you've never been salutes your accomplishments, your service and your spirit. You did not surrender.

When you get where you're going, raise a little hell for us, will you?

[ghostdancer]

i wish to give Ig some rep, as suggested above but the system will not let me, can someone please tell me how to overcome this

how much more rep do i need to spread around before i can do it ?

[James]

Iggy you managed to get everyone to finally agree on a KW thread,
now that's what I call Remaining Spirit.

John's straight-talking and wit will be globally missed.
Condolences to his family and friends.

[Badger]

Oh dear. R.I.P

[Neil Gendzwill]

i wish to give Ig some rep, as suggested above but the system will not let me, can someone please tell me how to overcome thisIt just means you've given Ignatz rep fairly recently, the system requires a combination of time and/or rep given to other users before letting you give rep to the same user again. I suggest posting a user note on his profile in lieu.

[LNGUYEN]

Rest in peace, my old friend. I will miss all the chats with you. I hope you enjoy your after-life. Your fullest life will inspire the rest of us.

[absenteekendoka]

Save a spot for me for keiko John. All the deepest condolences to friends and family, he is missed by many. I mentioned in another post earlier that his posting were one of my main reasons for joining KW and posting. He inspired more people that I think he could ever have realized, a worthy acomplishment for anyone. Safe journey John, this is just one small part of the experience....

[Decado]

I was really sorry to hear about Ignatz's passing. When I first had correspondance with him, I think we got off on the wrong foot but, over time, I came to see him for the intelligent and witty man he was. I even met one of his fellow dojo mates at the Mumeishi 3's who had nothing but nice things to say about him. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Like you I had a few run ins with him when I first joined KWF but I came to appreciate his no-nonsense approach and humour and looked forward to reading his posts. Also, like Scott, I went cold when I started reading the thread.

My sincere condolences to his family. He will definitely be missed.

[Shawn Dormishev]

you will be missed her john..hope you are looking down seeing all you have touched.

[Manuka]

We crossed shinai philsophically,
never in keiko
I am poorer for that

R.I.P. Ignatz

[nodachi]

I had the honor of losing to him a few years ago at a shiai. I learned a lot from that, even more so after reading about all of his health struggles from the forum yet seeing how he carried himself and interacted with others at the various events that I happened to see him at. It was obvious that he had a determined spirit and would never give up, be it kendo or anything else. You could also tell from the way that others interacted with him and how they regard him that he was someone special. It will be sad to not see him at tournaments and events, but he will not be forgotten.

[Goyaman]

John was one of the many characters that make kendo a better experience for us all. He traveled to Austin on a regular basis for our fall taikai, including the one last year, and he and I shared stories over many beers.

His battle with cancer had been ongoing for a few years, and yet he never faltered in his enthusiasm for kendo and sharing good times with his friends. John well knew about the ups and downs in the dojo that is our lives, and kept his fighting spirit until the end.

I join with the members of the Kenshinkai in remembering--and missing--our friend.

Godspeed Okano-san...

[Lloromannic]

Iggy you managed to get everyone to finally agree on a KW thread,
now that's what I call Remaining Spirit.



This actually made me laugh.

Tomorrow I am finally starting the shift I have been fighting the company about for 6 months. If I run after work and the trolley is on time, I'll be able to go to class for the first time in a long while. Keiko (or whatever poor semblance I manage) will be in his memory.

Godspeed you, john.

[dwez]

It would seem the kendo world forum is more than just a shallow haven for sword fans and backyard ninjas. It just goes to show there is a community here, a family even and it is all the poorer for having lost one of it's members.
My thoughts are with his family.

[ReKru]

It would seem the kendo world forum is more than just a shallow haven for sword fans and backyard ninjas.

Ignatz certainly added some depth to the shallowness.

The way he carried his heavy burden and how he kept training despite all of the obstacles puts him amongst the greatest in my book.

[Kendoka_Han]

Wow this is sad to hear! Despite the cocky arugments Ignatz and I have had, this is indeed sad and shocking as I never even knew about his illness.

I pray that your with the Lord John. I pray your resting well.

Psalm 37:7 (King James Version)
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass

[Karaken]

I only met him once during the NY torny. True to himself as a straight talking lawyer from brooklyn with candor no BS. We'll miss him.

[Dervish]

This morning, I came upon an idea. Does anyone have any photos of O'Connor sempai? Previously posted on this forum, or from tournaments, etc? Perhaps we could share them, and create a thread on the multimedia forums. I'm currently away from home, so I can't start it, but I wanted to share before I forget.

[Eliza]

I am so sad to hear the news of John's passing.
He will be an indefinite source of inspiration to me, and I will remember his spirit forever.
I sincerely wish I could have met him.

[RC_Kenshi]

This morning, I came upon an idea. Does anyone have any photos of O'Connor sempai? Previously posted on this forum, or from tournaments, etc? Perhaps we could share them, and create a thread on the multimedia forums. I'm currently away from home, so I can't start it, but I wanted to share before I forget.

Great idea. I never met John/Ignatz so I'm no help, but I'd like to see some pics of the man. Also, perhaps if those who did know him wouldn't mind, I sure would like to see a bio of him. Maybe include it as part of the photos thread - kind of like "The Man Behind Ignatz" or somthing like that.

[Fred27]

From Ignatz profile:

"Last Activity: 26-04-2008 12:42 AM"

Makes you wonder whats the last topic he ever read on KW.
*sigh* :(

[imnothere]

This morning, I came upon an idea. Does anyone have any photos of O'Connor sempai? Previously posted on this forum, or from tournaments, etc? Perhaps we could share them, and create a thread on the multimedia forums. I'm currently away from home, so I can't start it, but I wanted to share before I forget.

Agree. This is the least KW can do.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Does anyone have any photos of O'Connor sempai?
Here's John from the Kenshinkai website:

http://www.kenshin-kai.com/images/friends/john.jpg

[Lady_Kitsune]

I just post this on my blog, it's not too much, but is my personal tribute to remember Ignatz Here (http://kodachikendo.blogspot.com/)



PS: is in Spanish

[Inner_Silence]

OH MY!
Im sorry to hear that.
I knew that he was sick, but I didnt knew that he was that bad.
in lots of posts I was talking about ignatz and asking why he wasnt posting since a while ago. Ive never imagine that something like this would happen.
Ive never knew ignatz in person, but somehow I sincerily feel his lost... its very sad.

as the song says
"we will meet again my friend, someday soon"

[JByrd]

From the Bushido Shoshinshu: "One who is supposed to be a Warrior considers it his foremost concern to keep death in mind at all times, every day and every night, from the morning of New Years Day through the night of New Years Eve."

I am happy for John. He faced the last struggle of his life with grit and dignity, like a true Kenshi. That's a victory, in my book.

[Goyaman]

I've posted a photo of John on the KW Forumites group on Facebook.

My wife took this shot as John was getting ready for his matches during our taikai last fall here in Austin.

[Anonymous]

awww man...I'll miss the dude helping me flame ninjers...


:(

[cesarekim]

In a PM last year, John said he'd come over here for keiko and beer the next time he was rich again. I'm sorry he never made it. Condolences to his family and close ones. There were many of us who admired the man.

RIP

[Maku-san]

I just post this on my blog, it's not too much, but is my personal tribute to remember Ignatz Here (http://kodachikendo.blogspot.com/)



PS: is in Spanish

Very nice & thoughtful, milady! :)

[Fonsz]

I was wondering if we could arrange something for John. I mean can't we donate something somewhere so's someone close by can buy flowers or such on behalf of all those here that care. Do we know when and where's the funeral. I would gladly pay for this last greeting. Mr. Dervish sir can you be of any assistance? Or does someone has a better idea? Today here in the Netherlands and other countries it's Ascension day. Not being religious but superstitous I couldn't help but noticing the similaraties and maybe even irony.

[tengu]

Haven't seen John since his last visit to my home and dojo for keiko with the kids at Summerlin. That day John was Sensei. I miss him alot. "Ippon, John"

http://gallery.mac.com/showa27#100015/Kamp%2007&bgcolor=black

[ScottUK]

Here's the pic for those who have problems viewing flash:

http://gallery.mac.com/showa27/100015/Kamp%2007/web.jpg

Great picture.

[nothing]

I'll try to find some pictures of John, I have a bunch from the "Kenshinkai Kendo-no-Kendo" summer camp at John's cabin in PA, Please PM Me if anyone can host them.

Asa for donations, John's sister asked that we not send flowers (she knows in her heart how much he meant to everyone) Instead I propose that anyone who desires and can afford to, donate to the http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp American Cancer Society in John's name. Flowers would be an amazing gesture, but I'm sure John would rather we help fight the disease.

If you'd like to offer condolences or share memories, you are invited to offer them in the guest book area of our Dojo's website kenshin-kai (http://www.kenshin-kai.com)

One other thing I know John would want.... Have a beer for him and toast to your own health, and to the health of those you hold dear..

On behalf of Kenshinkai, thank you again to everyone!

[bobdonny]

I remember john had a webpage before, i couldnt find it so i went thru a few of his posts to find it.

http://homepage.mac.com/jsoc/kendopics/PhotoAlbum13.html

[Fonsz]

One other thing I know John would want.... Have a beer for him and toast to your own health, and to the health of those you hold dear..

On behalf of Kenshinkai, thank you again to everyone!

Just donated on the web site as you suggested. Also left a message on the dojo's web site. I don't drink but I'll have a toast anyway, To Absent Companions.

[ratdeau]

Bye Ignatz, we will miss you.

[Makigai]

It has taken me a few days to think of what to say. I never met John but did converse with him via emails. I think over the past few years we could even call ourselves friends. The Kendo world has lost a staunch advocate.

What I had in common with John was age / health. Being over 50 and doing kendo is difficult. Being over 50 doing kendo with health issues is damn hard. Several times I thought of quitting, and John’s devotion to Kendo kept me going. I will miss him. He was one of those larger than life individuals.


My most sincere sympathy goes out to John’s friends and family.

[Kat]

We all went to a bar tonight after practice and raised a glass to John and to his life that was so well lived.

Then we all talked about how we were surprised and touched by the kind sentiments that were expressed here.

On behalf of all the senseis and students at Kenshinkai, thank you very much everyone for the friendship and love that you have shown to John and to us at Kenshinkai. Please feel free to drop by and say hi if you ever happen to be in New York.

With much gratitude,
Kathryn Son
New York Kenshinkai

[JoonShik]

my condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace...

[still learning]

I commiserate with you and I am sorry for your loss - - and the loss to the world of Kendo.

I will train extra hard tonight - - but only HOPE to achieve a perfect Men; 18 years of training and I believe that I have not yet struck a Men 'perfectly' as yet.

"Train hard, fight soft...."

Bill

[bullet08]

i'm truly sorry to hear this.. my condolences to his family and friends.

pete

[Fudo-Shin]

I cannot believe I am reading this... I am saddened to come back and read about this. Ignatz' always had something wise to say...he opened my mind to alot of things I probably won't understand until much later in life...

[taiko]

Over the past weekend there was a memorial service for Ignatz, (Okano san, John O'Connor) at his cabin in the Poconos . Many people came ,around 60 or so. The weather was perfect and the memorial was as he would have wanted . Lot's of folks getting together having a good time drinking and eating and joking around. There were a couple of presentations showing the life of Okano san. His family showed slides of him throughout his life .it was very moving. He was and is many things to many people. His dojo, New York Kenshinkai , spent the night at the cabin the night before . One of Ignatz's kohai put together a great video presentation. Again a real tear-jerker. In it were quotes from some of you here on KWF . Please know that his family appreciates your thoughts and condolences. We at NY Kenshinkai also thank you.

[ScottUK]

His family showed slides of him throughout his life
One of Ignatz's kohai put together a great video presentation.I'm sure that any media that could be made available to the KW community would be greatly appreciated by all...

[Big One]

I really missed him and all of his warm private email. Every of his word was always chosen carefully. I wish the rest of us, human, can learn from him of what should and what shouldn't write or simply say, think before you talk. He was a wise man.

[taiko]

I'm sure that any media that could be made available to the KW community would be greatly appreciated by all...

I'll see what I can do.

[nothing]

Hey all, I just wanted to let you know that a few weeks ago the members of Kenshinkai met with John's family at his cabin in PA for a memorial, that was much more of a celebration of John's life. We spent the day telling stories of John sharing our thoughts. The day was highlighted by each of his loved ones helping to spread his ashes on his land and earlier watching videos compiled by his brother and Kenshinkai member Kevin Cheng.

You will all be pleased to know that Kevin added quotes from some of you guys to the video to show John's family how far this larger than life man's heart reached.
I know his family is thankful for all of your thoughts.

We celebrate his life, not mourn his death. Our Sempai will always be with us!
-matt

[ghostdancer]

Hey all, I just wanted to let you know that a few weeks ago the members of Kenshinkai met with John's family at his cabin in PA for a memorial, that was much more of a celebration of John's life. We spent the day telling stories of John sharing our thoughts. The day was highlighted by each of his loved ones helping to spread his ashes on his land and earlier watching videos compiled by his brother and Kenshinkai member Kevin Cheng.

You will all be pleased to know that Kevin added quotes from some of you guys to the video to show John's family how far this larger than life man's heart reached.
I know his family is thankful for all of your thoughts.

We celebrate his life, not mourn his death. Our Sempai will always be with us!
-matt

Thank you for that

[rottunpunk]

just found this thread, and i'm kicking myself for not reading it before

my commiserations to ignatz's family and his budo family too

thanks for all the news you have given nothing
and for the memorial thing

[rainmaker]

I just found out about this thread..

John has been visiting Tampa few times and staying at one of our friend house. I geiko with him few times and even competed at the shiai as well. I knew he had a cancer but during shiai, he get the frist point (men) against me. hmmm... That was damn beautiful Men. Even though I was known as one of the fast kenshi, I felt I was lucky to win Kote score right after that. This son of bitch wouldn't give up even though he was coughing bad. I really have to give 200% to win that shiai.

We also had chances to practice few times after that. I remember we practice kakari geiko with him. John showed me few trick about kote waza. We always joked about his lung cancer because I didn't know how to say about it. He told me he wanted to die while he practice kendo. I told him I would rather die when I make love. :laugh:. Last conversation was when he invited me to his dojo, I wasn't able to make it... That was few month ago.

I hope you brought your shinai & fishing rod to your grave. That is what I would have done for you. I will alway remember you.

John, you are my sampai, my sensei and my friend, I will miss you. Everytime I score kote, my kote will honor you, John. Instead of coughing, you can now kiai. Rest in peace..

[Newbie]

I don't believe it. I just don't believe it. I didn't have internet access when this thread was posted so I missed it.

He was a friend of my old kendo sensei and his wife from when they were living in America. A few times he had me pass on messages.

I... dunno what words there are. I found him such an inspiration.

[Awooga Guy]

Awooga Guy has been away from the forum for ages as well - he's gutted to hear this :(

What a star Ignatz was. Shine on you smutty diamond.

Also, what a fantastic sig he had: "I want to be what I was, when I wanted to be what I am now"

Always worth remembering.






That is all.

[Omnis]

I haven't been around here, but I just found this thread and I'm pretty shocked.

I remember when I went to my first tournament and saw him, I was like, "Oh, that's the guy from the Kendo-World forums!" I never got to speak to him or meet him in person, but he was always a great read.

So, apologizing for my tardiness, I too wish John a peaceful rest.

[funnyface12]

Hey all, I just wanted to let you know that a few weeks ago the members of Kenshinkai met with John's family at his cabin in PA for a memorial, that was much more of a celebration of John's life. We spent the day telling stories of John sharing our thoughts. The day was highlighted by each of his loved ones helping to spread his ashes on his land and earlier watching videos compiled by his brother and Kenshinkai member Kevin Cheng.

You will all be pleased to know that Kevin added quotes from some of you guys to the video to show John's family how far this larger than life man's heart reached.
I know his family is thankful for all of your thoughts.

We celebrate his life, not mourn his death. Our Sempai will always be with us!
-matt

He had a great life surrounded by people he loved.

[Andoru]

I got back on the forums just to see this...bugger me. :( One of my senseis here in Sydney have trained with John in NY...I wonder if he knew. Still, bugger. :(

Vale mate.

[Newbie]

Andoru, I've let both your sensei and his wife know. Not the happiest thing I've every had to tell him. I preferred it when I was running msgs between Ignatz and Sensei.

[mcbo_kendo]

Had a long time not login in, Exchanged a couple of messages with him, since he came to Venezuela for fisshing, very sad, RIP

[dohrt]

I'm among those who have been away from the forums for a while. I've been experiencing some health problems of my own recently, as well. That made me think of him recently. Tonight, I was just spending a little time catching up, wondering why I hadn't seen anything from him lately... now I know why.

I never met him, but in the few PMs we exchanged on this forum, he really gave me a lot to chew on and I respected him a great deal, though he probably thought me (perhaps rightly so) an idiot, haha. I am definitely mukyu kohai compared to him.

Like everyone else, I will really miss his thoughts and his posts, but his memory will remain with me for all my days.

[Charlie]

How the hell did I miss this. Rest in peace, John. You'll be on the other side of the shomen bow, now.

[Commander]

This morning John O'Connor (AKA Ignatz (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/member.php?u=5992)) of Kenshin kai Kendo Dojo lost a long battle with Cancer. One of my sensei put it best, John exemplified the Samurai and the Warrior spirit. he fought hard, and never gave up... he showed true zanshin that resonated through all aspects of his life. He fought and scored ippon against the disease never giving up. John even planned on attending the US championships this year.

He passed surrounded by friends and loved ones.

I ask that you all say a prayer for John and his family tonight. And make sure at your next practice you train extra hard, and hit a perfect men in John's memory.

He will be sincerely missed at kenshin Kai, in New York, and in US kendo...


Rest in piece sempai..

Oh my God, I am in shock :eek: I've not been here in a long time and was good friends with John :(

[LarsCW]

I just found this thread, I found out about his passing through another thread.

The thing which to me is making it harder is that my fiancee's dad is diagnosed with fase 4 cancer in his throat.

Mr O'Conner's humor is being greatly missed, he had a great personallity and anyone who he got in contact with her on the forum, I'm sure he made the same positive impresion onto.

He'll never be gone though as he'll be there always in our thoughts making us smile with the jokes he made.

[Obukan_dude]

I never met him, but I really wish I had. Mr O'Connor, your strength will be an inspiration for me and everyone who knew you. Thank you. (Bow.)

[Takezo]

Very unfortunate and untimely, best of wishes to his family and fellow kendoka. He'll be missed

[Jung_Yul]

I'm echoing what others have said here, but I too have been away from the forums for a while. I met John some years ago (2003) at my ikkyu test in Charlotte, NC. My sensei described him as very knowledgeable and experienced. From the moment I met John, he seemed very grounded and unassuming, yet I could easily tell that the praise my sensei gave him was more than deserved. Since leaving North Carolina, I'd kept in touch with him mostly on these forums, though I'm sad to say that I was unaware of his battle with cancer. My deepest condolences go out to his family.

As for John, he will be sorely missed, both by myself and the Japanese Sword Art community at large.

Godspeed, my friend.

[PatrickM]

This morning John O'Connor (AKA Ignatz (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/member.php?u=5992)) of Kenshin kai Kendo Dojo lost a long battle with Cancer. One of my sensei put it best, John exemplified the Samurai and the Warrior spirit. he fought hard, and never gave up... he showed true zanshin that resonated through all aspects of his life. He fought and scored ippon against the disease never giving up. John even planned on attending the US championships this year.

He passed surrounded by friends and loved ones.

I ask that you all say a prayer for John and his family tonight. And make sure at your next practice you train extra hard, and hit a perfect men in John's memory.

He will be sincerely missed at kenshin Kai, in New York, and in US kendo...


Rest in piece sempai..

That's too bad..! Cancer is a brutal, I hope he found peace..!

[Bear of Doom]

we may have only communicated a few times, but he has always showed me kindness on this forum. My condolences to is loved ones ... rest in peace Ignatz

[ratdeau]

Ignatz died one year ago. I still miss his remarks.

[rainmaker]

i miss him too...

[Ookami7]

So do I, he was one of our best on here. Keep us in your thoughts Ignatz!!!