Sensei Alex Olshansky moved to Thailand earlier this year for a change in scenery. Here is what transpired and how the Hoteikan System got it's foot into Asia!
I moved to Thailand in mid February 2009 and one of my priorities had been to find a Jujutsu or a Judo school where I could work out. As luck would have it, there were no Judo or Jujutsu schools in Pattaya, Thailand.  I couldn’t live without having a place to practice, so I decided that if I couldn’t join an existing place, I would start my own program. 
I started looking for a place to rent, when I came across a karate school.  I offered to start a jujutsu program with them, but they refused, citing various organizational reasons.  However, they did offer me the use of their facilities.  I jumped at the chance.  They have a room with gymnastics mats, which are adequate for my needs. 
I asked around if anyone was interested in joining a jujutsu program and a few people expressed interest.  The core group was formed and that’s how Hoteikan Thailand was born.  Hoteikan Thailand has 5 members.  Some of them are people in their 20’s some in their 30’s and more than half in their 50’s.
 
Most of my students have never worked out, much less had any martial arts training.  Yet, already they are beginning to get a glimpse of what they can do.  The limits are being pushed, the boundaries expanded.  Back falls, rollouts and side falls are beginning to take shape.  They are beginning to develop body control and things that just a month ago seemed impossible are all of a sudden possible and are becoming routine.
 
They are learning the basics of self defense, using the entire body to affect the technique, rather than trying to muscle one’s way through.  They are discovering that one is never too young, too old, too frail or too timid for the martial arts.  All that’s required are time, effort and dedication. 
 
We have a good group.  I think we can make the US  Hoteikan proud.
written by: Sensei Alex
We are all proud of your efforts to spread the System name! Best of luck!
 
Soke Saint Armstrong