Transition

It is the eventual terminus for all of mankind that we enter into that long sleep. So it was with the recent passing of AJJF Senior Professor Lamar Fisher in Chico, CA. A fine tribute was given by his long-time student Prof. Geoff Lane who noted that, in his last days, Prof. Fisher wished to attend his own funeral and express his affection for everyone. Indeed, the large gathering of his friends at Prof's services recalled that love of more than sixty years of service and "had a good time."


Any time there is such a loss of a leader in our Danzan-Ryū family, several things happen. We certainly mourn the loss. We remember the one who has passed. We revisit our training under him/her. One thing that we must do, albeit sometimes uncomfortable, is to move forward with next steps. This last point is essential. In an ideal situation, the passing of a martial art leader opens a position for the next one to step in. In the past, such transitions have been handled in a variety of ways; some smooth and others not so good. 


In the past couple of decades, it has been my observation that the AJJF has developed a coherent corporate structure with well-defined policies, procedures and oversight. It would certainly be a great tribute to the memory of Prof. Fisher that this transition goes well. I suspect that it will.