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Farewell to Nova Scotia
Randall MacLean and his wife, Natalie, were so kind to open up their home for a fond farewell gathering for San Fung and Marc Waterfield in May of this year.
Marc left for Japan in early May. Having completed two years of Asian Studies at Saint Mary's University, he received a full scholarship to study at Hakkodate University in Hokkaido for one year.
San left for Toronto in June. She completed four years of Dentistry, graduating from Dalhousie University. San is presently taking her residency at the Toronto General Hospital for one year.
San Fung and Marc Waterfield
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Both San (shodan) and Marc (nidan) have excelled at the AKC, and have been assets to the club. They have trained diligently, taught effectively, fundraised wholeheartedly, and competed most successfully – both have gained national and international recognition. If not for their moves, this past June would have been their sixth Canadian National Black Belt Championships on the Nova Scotia team. They have formed good friendships near and far. And with all of this they pursued their studies with great success, which I might add brought both of them to their present relocations. Even though San and Marc will be dearly missed, it was a pleasure for AKC members, family, and friends to gather to wish these individuals well.
There was good food, music (Natalie's dad, Fabien Masso, and Mitchell German all took a few minutes on the guitar), and old stories retold to delight everyone. As the evening unfolded, it too would take its place as another story to warm the hearts and bring laughter to many.
A memorable moment was when Sensei Michael Delaney imparted his message to San and Marc regarding the use of Pepto Bismol. As you may recall, or read it now, you will certainly be moved. As Sensei Delaney concluded to a captive audience, in particular to San and Marc, he gave them each a bottle of Pepto Bismol to take on their journey. Sensei MacLean followed with the gift of (if you don't already know) a bottle of sunscreen.
Mitchell German reports that San is doing well in Toronto. She spends much of her time at the hospital caring for patients, but has taken advantage of several opportunities to visit Higashi Sensei's dojo.
I am pleased to share with you that Marc is settling very well into the culture and lifestyle of Japan. He continues to train in karate. He has climbed the face of Hakkodate Yama (mountain), taken part in many traditional ceremonies, and has even spoken to children at various grade schools about Canada and our culture. Of course, he did this in the Japanese language, which he continues to study and practice. Marc has done some travelling, including Sappora and Amori (where former AKC member Doug Chetwynd is teaching English). He hopes to go to Kumamoto to visit and train with Soke. It is his intention to see as much of Japan as possible. He continues to make many new friends. Being away from family and friends must be difficult at times, so I am sure both San and Marc would really enjoy hearing from everyone back home, and I'm sure that addresses could be provided upon request.
Once again I feel we can appreciate the true value and impact the study of Chito-Ryu has on enriching our lives through dedicated sincere practice and the interaction with so many interesting people. It goes without saying that San and Marc are two perfect examples of this.
I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank staff of Zanshin for their continued commitment to their readers. And thank them also for allowing me to share with so many of you the news about San and Marc. Zanshin is not just a means to promote and share both technical and historical knowledge, but also serves to cement the ties of friendship. This is certainly a winning combination.
By: Ellen Waterfield
Ladies and Gentlemen
of the
Atlantic Karate Club 1999
Use Pepto Bismol
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, Pepto Bismol would be it.
The long term benefits of Pepto Bismol have been proven by Gary Sabean.
Whereas the rest I have to say is for San and Marc to ponder.
I will dispense this advice for now.
Maybe, San, you will like Toronto…maybe you won't.
Maybe, Marc, you will want to live in Japan…maybe you won't.
But you both must follow your path.
BREATH
San, you definitely will marry!
And we all look forward to seeing Mitchell
do the funky chicken at your 75th wedding anniversary.
DANCE
Marc, your body is the greatest instrument you will ever own…use it wisely!
STRETCH
Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them someday when you want to do an ushiro mawashi geri.
Do one thing everyday that scares you.
SENSEI GASCOIGNE FUN RUN
Go to the Red Fox once, but leave before it makes you drunk.
Go to Cuba once, but leave before it changes your colour.
Get to know your parents.
You never know when you may be living away from home and need money.
CASH
San and Marc, don't expect anyone to transport you.
You may take a bus, you may take a train, but don't depend on either of them.
Either one may break down.
WALK
Some things will change, some will not.
For instance, Shiko Dachi will always be lower than you can remember.
One thing that you can be sure of, San and Marc,
Is that you will be missed by your friends in Nova Scotia, especially those at the AKC
Don't let anyone take you away from the truth.
You will know "when the ducks are on the pond"
And what you must do!
And above all,
TRUST ME ON THE PEPTO BISMOL!!
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