On
this page is a report of the special presentation made to Grand Master Waldemar
Von Szlagowski. Plus, further down the page is some very interesting background
information about Grand Master Wally.Monday, 7th March 2005, was a very special night for the Agarthi Siddha School. Grand Master Waldemar Von Szlagowski (affectionately known as Grand Master Wally) was graded to Tenth Dan and Grand Master.
Grand Master Wally, was awarded this title in recognition of his years of training and huge contribution to martial arts in Australia.
Despite the fact that he already holds a Grand Masters rank with the Karate Association that bears his name, Grand Master George Pandu, felt that it was fitting that the Agarthi Siddha School acknowledge Wally in this way.
Grand Master Wally gave a demonstration of his daily training regime, which he told those present, formed the basis of his art. It was inspiring to watch and listen as he explained that from this foundation of basic techniques, came the building blocks of our Karate style.
Grand Master Wally's style is not based on his success in tournaments or sporting events. His reputation is not based on an accumulation of trophies or awards. His style is based on efficient and effective technique, not showmanship.
His speech on the night, after accepting the Tenth Dan certificate, focused on personal effort being the key to success. He emphasised the fact that, both he and Grand Master George, could pass on the basics, but each student, at some time had to evaluate what worked best for them. He highlighted that strict adherence to a "curriculum" or "tradition" was useful for keeping students focused on a set of principles, but within that framework there should be enough flexibility for people to explore and experiment with new ideas and to modify techniques to suit their own physical capabilities.
Grand Master Wally, also went on to tell us that he felt too much emphasis could sometimes be placed on one or two people within a style or tradition. He told us it was important to remember that none of us, including himself, could continue to train or perfect ourselves, without help from each other. In short, he said that he owed as much to us as we do to him!
Group shot of the Black Belts who attended on the night.
Grand Master George presents the certificate to Grand Master Wally.
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Shindo Jinen Ryu badge awarded to Grand Master Wally |
Aside from his credentials within Australian Karate, Grand Master
Wally also holds the rank of 3rd Dan in Judo. He started Judo training
in 1949, culminating in his 3rd Dan level via the "challenge" method. He
continued Judo training until the mid 1960's.
Sometime in 1950, Grand Master Wally, switched his attention to Karate. He was awarded his Shodan grade by the Shindo Jinen Ryu Sensei, Yashiro Konishi. He was awarded a number of badges from this organisation to denote his rank. Early in his Karate training it was not easy to find willing training partners to exchange ideas and to train with. Grand Master Wally recalls that he would often seek out visiting Japanese Karetaka who came to Australia on merchant navy vessels. He would seek them out and then "train" with them on board ship, in a park or on the docks. Grand Master Wally has a collection of memorabilia from this period, including magazine and newspaper articles, photographs and letters from Japanese Karateka. Some of this collection is shown on these pages. These items form a priceless part of Australian Martial Arts history. Is it possible to measure the contribution Grand Master Wally has made to Australian Martial Arts? All of us carry something of him in our style and our heritage. |
1965 - visiting American TV star Poncie Ponce with Grand Master Wally |
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Performing a brick break. |
Sparring at Blacktown with George Pandu (now Grand Master George) |
Accredited as the first Australian Karate photo. Wally with a visiting 2nd Dan who was an officer from a Japanese ship. |
Click here to go to a very good article on the history of Shindo Jinen Ryu, the style which originally graded Grand Master Wally to Shodan level.
