If you missed the opportunity to train with O-Sensei Porter a few weeks back, well, sorry.  It was an amazing two days. 
 Not just because this man is a tenth degree black belt.  Not just because he has been in martial arts, particularly Judo, for the past 65 years.  Not just because he was the head coach of the National Judo Team for 35 years and produced hundreds of champions. 
 No, if you missed being a part of O-Sensei’s visit, you missed a gift that cannot be duplicated. 
 O-Sensei Porter is a true living legend.  He is a retired Air Force officer who has given his time, effort and energy for the sport and art of Judo, with a passion that is unmatched. 
 Besides being-literally– a brilliant man, he is also a humble warrior.  At the age of 84, he is still traveling and giving over 100 seminars per year. 
 It’s not often you get to meet someone of this caliber.  Now, with that said, let me add this.  The purpose of O-Sensei’s visit was to acknowledge the contributions, passion and excellence in teaching and coaching of Sensei Jan Bonner AND to make up for some past promotions that she had not gotten.  In front of her students, and her parents, she was acknowledged for her 40 years of involvement in Judo and promoted to the rank of 7th Dan.  In Japanese, it’s called Shichidan.
 She was not only a talented competitor, she was the first woman to open a Judo club in San Antonio, the first woman to host a Judo tournament in the state of Texas and the reason Judo made a comeback in San Antonio, as, there were NO clubs at the time she started the Lackland Judo Club, which she ran for ten years- as a volunteer.  
 While he was here, O-Sensei also acknowledged the talent and potential of Dimitri Kolijn, Sensei Bonner’s assistant coach and awarded him a jump promotion from 1st degree brown belt to 3rd degree brown belt.  This is one step away from Shodan, or Black belt.  Quite an honor, and a rare one at that. 
 He also acknowledged Master Payne’s competitive history and years of devotion and promoted her to 7th Dan, Grand Master.
 If you did not have the opportunity to meet O-Sensei and/or take part in the seminars, don’t worry.  He was so impressed with our students and our facility, that he has agreed to come back in the fall,  sometime around November, when he makes his national tour.  So, if and when that unfolds, we will  let you know.