At the 1971 Ojai Valley Special Training, Ron Thom met a new roommate, who was a black belt from Mr. Tsuroka's group in Toronto, attending an SKA special training on the advise of Mr. Ono. That man was Norman Welch. Although Norman was at first convinced that he was the only one at that special training who was not crazy (for certainly his roommate was crazy!), the experience had a tremendous impact on Norman, and as a result he decided to join SKA. Mr. Ohshima has remarked with a smile in recent years that there is karma between Ron and Norman. It is somehow significant that they shared this memorable special training together, and that they eventually became the two karate leaders of the Pacific Northwest.
As we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of karate in the Seattle area, we cannot do so without acknowledging what a large impact the connection 
with the Canadian group has had upon the Seattle area dojos. Ron has said that he credits much of his personal development to the Canadian group. From the time Ron moved to Washington, the exchange practices, special trainings, and other special events were shared on a regular basis with the Canada West dojos.
Ron and Norman are a perfect complement to one another, and together they have been the driving force in karate of this area for the last twenty years. The Seattle area dojos recognize the central importance Norman has played in the development of their own karate practice, and can only hope that this mutual exchange continues far into the future.
"If you become a black belt in SKA, you must practice more and you will be asked to make more sacrifices."
-Norman Welch
Copyright © 1996 by John Gosink