In Memorium - John Kastelan 5th Dan S.K.A
It is very sad to hear of the passing on one of our most valued and long term members of the Szlagowski Karate Association.
John could be considered a 3rd generation in Szlagowski Karate as his direct teacher and instructor was Mr Tony D’Andretti (5th Dan - Tasmanian Devils), who trained under Grandmaster Vladimir Pijov (a direct and the youngest student) of Grandmaster Waldemar Von Szlagowski (Founder and Father of Karate in Australia).
I say this in order to give a sense of priority that John was there in the early days and as such contributed greatly to the formation of the Szlagowski Karate Association - mainly holding the title of Public Officer - a pivotal role for our continuation, and attaining the prestigious rank of 5th Dan.
John allowed us to hold meetings at his household being centrally located to all members, and Francis was always gracious providing afternoon tea!
John was very generous with his time and remained dedicated to the progression of the SKA, realising that it is a fit vehicle for the advancemant of the human character and especially for the self control, determination, and self discipline for the youth.
John always attended Association gradings, assisting with the administration, refereeing, sparring, and was always on hand as a calming and authoritative figure.
We will truely miss this stalwart of Szlagowski Karate and will always remember with fondness his friendship, loyalty and helping and calming nature.
God Bless you my friend and God Bless Francis and your family.
With respect - Jeff Barnes
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Memories of John Kastelan.
John was I believe a 1st Dan when I first started training, he was a big strong and skillfull man and generous with his time.
He was one of the Tasmanian Devils (Castle Hill NSW) founded by Sensei Tony D'Andreti.
Along with fellow Tasmanian Devils Rodney Weise and Ray Dalton he made many visits to my Teacher George Pandu's Agarthi Siddha school at Richmond where I was fortunate to train and they contributed much to the school.
All three of them had a great influence on our school, with particular emphasis on myself and Steve Erixon (co founder of the Sammyroo School) who started training at the same time I did.
John was a regular at the Park (where we would meet every 6 weeks for sparring)and was amongst the strongest there and while a very hard and tough man to fight there was no meanness in him, rather an interest in teaching, learning and commitment to S.K.A. John Kastelan was a very good man
John Kastelan did many things in his life apart from Karate - he was also an avid radio controlled model plane enthusiast with many models and served as a flight trainer and office holder in his club..
He ran a succesfull family business for many years, he taught at T.A.F.E, he was a head of a department of a fashion house for many years till his illness forced his retirement.
I also believe his family home is on land that was once his fathers property before being developed and a nearby street is named Kastelan St after his family.
Rest in Peace and Respect John Kastelan - With deep respect. John Cook
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Although I hadn't seen John for a long time, I have very fond memories of Blacktown training days and grading's, his presence, warm nature, spirit and incredible experience was a pleasure to witness and learn from.
I send my sincere condolences to his family, and pray for their peace at this very hard and trying time.
Warmest Regards
Peter Harvey
It is very sad to hear of the passing on one of our most valued and long term members of the Szlagowski Karate Association.
John could be considered a 3rd generation in Szlagowski Karate as his direct teacher and instructor was Mr Tony D’Andretti (5th Dan - Tasmanian Devils), who trained under Grandmaster Vladimir Pijov (a direct and the youngest student) of Grandmaster Waldemar Von Szlagowski (Founder and Father of Karate in Australia).
I say this in order to give a sense of priority that John was there in the early days and as such contributed greatly to the formation of the Szlagowski Karate Association - mainly holding the title of Public Officer - a pivotal role for our continuation, and attaining the prestigious rank of 5th Dan.
John allowed us to hold meetings at his household being centrally located to all members, and Francis was always gracious providing afternoon tea!
John was very generous with his time and remained dedicated to the progression of the SKA, realising that it is a fit vehicle for the advancemant of the human character and especially for the self control, determination, and self discipline for the youth.
John always attended Association gradings, assisting with the administration, refereeing, sparring, and was always on hand as a calming and authoritative figure.
We will truely miss this stalwart of Szlagowski Karate and will always remember with fondness his friendship, loyalty and helping and calming nature.
God Bless you my friend and God Bless Francis and your family.
With respect - Jeff Barnes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memories of John Kastelan.
John was I believe a 1st Dan when I first started training, he was a big strong and skillfull man and generous with his time.
He was one of the Tasmanian Devils (Castle Hill NSW) founded by Sensei Tony D'Andreti.
Along with fellow Tasmanian Devils Rodney Weise and Ray Dalton he made many visits to my Teacher George Pandu's Agarthi Siddha school at Richmond where I was fortunate to train and they contributed much to the school.
All three of them had a great influence on our school, with particular emphasis on myself and Steve Erixon (co founder of the Sammyroo School) who started training at the same time I did.
John was a regular at the Park (where we would meet every 6 weeks for sparring)and was amongst the strongest there and while a very hard and tough man to fight there was no meanness in him, rather an interest in teaching, learning and commitment to S.K.A. John Kastelan was a very good man
John Kastelan did many things in his life apart from Karate - he was also an avid radio controlled model plane enthusiast with many models and served as a flight trainer and office holder in his club..
He ran a succesfull family business for many years, he taught at T.A.F.E, he was a head of a department of a fashion house for many years till his illness forced his retirement.
I also believe his family home is on land that was once his fathers property before being developed and a nearby street is named Kastelan St after his family.
Rest in Peace and Respect John Kastelan - With deep respect. John Cook
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although I hadn't seen John for a long time, I have very fond memories of Blacktown training days and grading's, his presence, warm nature, spirit and incredible experience was a pleasure to witness and learn from.
I send my sincere condolences to his family, and pray for their peace at this very hard and trying time.
Warmest Regards
Peter Harvey