Peter Morton presented David Rowley with his 8th Dan, Edward Scharrer with his 7th Dan and Peter Wilson with his 5th Dan and once again reminded people of the dedication and loyalty that the three recipients had shown to him and the academy for a good part of their lives.
David Rowley began training with the academy in 1964 at the age of six and Peter Morton appointed him Principal of the academy in 2002. Throughout his junior years he trained at the Queanbeyan branch under the guidance of Peter Morton and James O’Malley and received his Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) in 1977.
David holds a number of positions within the academy, including membership on the Board of Directors, National Chief Instructor and Chief Instructor of the Radcliffe branch.
His fellow instructors and mentor, Peter Morton, have inspired him to achieve his personal best. Without these people he believes he would not have reached his present standard. It is through these people’s loyalty and camaraderie that he draws his strength to continue to expand his knowledge, expertise and leadership of the martial arts.
Edward Scharrer began his martial arts training with the Queanbeyan branch in 1969 at the age of five and Peter Morton appointed him Deputy Principal of the academy in 2002.
Edward graded through the junior ranks and on into the senior ranks, receiving his Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) in 1981 at the age of seventeen.
Edward holds a number of positions within the academy, including membership on the Board of Directors, National Chief Instructor and Chief Instructor of the St Edmunds branch.
He plays an integral role in the academy and is regarded as one of the best breakfallers (the art of falling safely) in Australia and Japan. Since 1991 he has been the official advisor on, and demonstrator of, all academy techniques. At academy Annual National Seminars he conducts classes on the technical aspects of the academy’s martial arts style ensuring that all aspects of the academy’s syllabus is taught correctly.
Peter Wilson began training with the Tharwa branch at the age of thirty-eight. He enjoyed training there because it was “small, friendly and a great venue”.
Peter holds a number of positions within the academy, including membership on the Board of Directors, Secretary of the academy, a position he has held for over ten years, and Chief Instructor of the Kaleen branch.
Peter graded to Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) in 1992 and when he received his Yondan (4th Dan Black Belt) Peter Morton presented him with legendary member Vello Valmet’s Yondan belt.
Before his death Vello had requested that Peter Morton give his Yondan belt to someone worthy of it, someone who gives time to the academy as he himself had done. Peter felt very honoured that he was considered worthy of this belt.
One of the most rewarding things to Peter is seeing the look on the faces of young children, who started out badly coordinated or with a disability, as they receive their first belt.
Morton’s Men: Edward Scharrer, Peter Wilson, Peter Morton and David Rowley
