To our Sensei Glenn Bechtold
Sensei Glenn Bechtold was the pioneer of Shorin Ryu Karate in Venezuela.
Sensei Glenn Bechtold moved to Venezuela in the late '60s, when the country was an attractive destination for many international interests. Sensei Glenn identified himself so much with Venezuela that he lived there for more than 50 years.
Shortly after his arrival in Maracay, Venezuela, Sensei Glenn created the first Shorin Ryu Karate dojo in Latin America. Among his very first students, was Master Freddy Torres. As a young man, Master Freddy exhibited exceptional prowess and ability, and became the personal Senpai (Advanced First Assistant) to Glenn Sensei. Until his death, Sensei Glenn and Master Freddy maintained an extraordinary bond.
As an advanced student of the Grand Patriarch, Go Dan Richard Nilsson, Sensei Glenn became the conduit between Venezuela and the United States of America. This was an extension of the circuit that the Go Dan had established, for the exchange of knowledge, between the United States of America and Japan.
1939-2017
Yon Dan
Latin American Founder
The legend of the Shorin Ryu Karate Dojo, and Sensei Glenn’s rigid discipline, rapidly spread throughout the entire region. Because of the very positive influence on the younger generation, the dojo was warmly greeted by both community leaders and parents.
Soon, the practice of Shorin Ryu Karate became a matter of pride, in the city of Maracay.
Sensei Glenn trained hundreds of students. Many of whom have become life-long karatekas, and are still teaching in Venezuela and throughout the world.
Sensei Glenn was an exceptional human being. He is remembered for his contribution to the youth of Venezuela, and his name is legend, in the city of Maracay.
Unfortunately, Sensei passed away in 2017. He is missed and respected, by those of us who were fortunate enough to be his students. We remember his teachings, his discipline and his extraordinary way of practicing Karate. There are thousands of anecdotes that can be told. They will always live in our memories and those of Sensei Glenn’s family, students, and friends.
Always present among us.
By Diego Armando Briceno.