On Thursday 21st January both I and the dojo lost a dear friend in David McEvoy.

Known as “Big Dave” over many years he almost single-handedly kept the junior section of the dojo running firstly at the premises in Old Hill and latterly at the current dojo in Dudley.

Vastly knowledgeable with his background in boxing and jujutsu (as well as weightlifting) Dave was an integral member of Ren Shin Kan and a seeming ever-present on the mat.

He also handled the registrations for a number of years with a “quiet word” to late payers when needed, all done in his own friendly yet commanding manner.

Dave acted as a mentor to many of our younger members and was a wise head on not so young shoulders which everyone listened to. He was honest and fair with everyone and perhaps his greatest gift was that he treated everyone who walked into the dojo with respect, whether it was their first night or their 50th year of training.

Dave was also a committed family man, devoted to Debbie his wife who he cared for with great love and tenderness. Our thoughts are with Debbie and the family at this difficult time.

RIP Dave – you will be sorely missed by all who knew you, even briefly, and the dojo won’t seem the same without you.

Philip Smith Shihan