From: George Kirby <senseigk@...>
Date: Oct 10, 2006 9:56 AM
Subject: Ken Penland [17]
To: kiai@...

Dear Martial Artist,
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Professor
Kenneth Penland late Sunday afternoon, October 8, 2006, after a long
bout with throat cancer. He was 59. [8/22/47-10/8/06].
Ken was a tremendous martial artist, serving the martial arts
community for many decades. I had the pleasure of knowing Ken since
the 1970's. I came to know him as a sincere and giving person. Early
in my martial arts career as a sensei and founder of the American
Ju-Jitsu Association I found that I could go to him for honest advice.
Our friendship flourished on that basis.Ken was tremendously
influential in resolving some of the early policy issues facing the
AJA. He offered his vast experience freely and provided perspectives
that others had not thought of.
That relationship continued in later years where either of us
could pick up the phone & discuss any issue that was on our minds. His
sincerity and dedication added immense value to whatever advice he
provided. Ken was also one of the "old-timers" and a consistent draw
at almost every Camp Budoshin held for the past 15-16 years. It wasn't
camp without Ken.
We all missed him this year, knowing that he was in declining
health, and that his time was near. We will miss his gravelly voice,
his smile, and that glint in his eyes. I will also remember a phrase
that he often said to me after we discussed an issue: "You've got to
do what you think is right."
Ken is the third close martial arts friend and advisor I've lost
this year; actually in the last three months. I shall truly miss him
as I miss the other two. However, I also know that he's on the great
tatami up in the sky with all the other martial arts greats.
Domo arigato gozaimas'ta

George Kirby
10th dan, founder Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai
Chairman, Board of Directors, American Ju-Jitsu Assoc.