International Goju Ryu Karate Federation

Messages of Condolence on the passing of Sensei Bernard Cousin

Message from Sensei Morio Higaonna - IOGKF World Chief Instructor

I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of Bernard Cousin. He was a great man and martial artist who had spent his life to promote the true spirit of traditional karate in France as well as in Europe. I have so many fond memories of him training together. May god bless his soul. My sincere condolences to his family.

Morio Higaonna
IOGKF Chief Instructor

Messages from IOGKF Senior Instructors & Member Countries

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family. His contribution toward IOGKF international and traditional karate was tremendous. He will be truly missed by all of us. May he rest in peace.

Tetsuji Nakamura
IOGKF Vice Chief Instructor

I am very saddened by the news of my very good friend and colleague in Karate for many years, Sensei Bernard Cousin, Chief Instructor of France, passing away after a short illness. My condolences to his family and IOGKF France.

Bakkies Laubscher
IOGKF South Africa

Dear Mrs. Cousin, family students and friends,
It is with great sadness to hear of the demise of Sensei Bernard. I have known him now for many years, and have found him to be a true Karateka, and a good human being. Our sincerest condolences from myself and all our students in India.
Pervez Mistry
Principal AMA India
Chief Instructor IOGKF India

The Spanish Goju-ryu member and I are saddened by the loss of Sensei Bernard Cousin. Through these lines I want to give expression for my admiration for Sensei Bernard Cousin, a man that was not only a Karate figure, but also an exemplary person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and his family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace.

Luis Nunes

IOGKF Spain

I hereby would like to express my heartfelt condolences towards Bernard Cousin's family, friends and students. With joy, I remember his presence at International events. His uprightness, kindness and the way he appreciated the tradition and looked for ways to express his personal experience and research. I hope his dear ones will find beautiful and meaningful ways to honour his life and his departure.

Sydeny Leijenhorst

IOGKF Netherlands

Dear Mrs Cousin and family

We are very sorry to hear about the passing away of Bernard Sensei. This is a great loss for his family and friends. Bakkies Sensei was in Belgium last week and he told us about Bernard Sensei being sick. The message of his death is however a great shock. We lost a good karateka but also a good friend. We loved talking with him and we will cherish these memories. We know his family and all his friends will miss him dearly but he will never be forgotten. He will be out of sight but never out of our mind.

We want to express our true condolences to all of you.

Patrick and Mieke Curinckx

And the Belgian IOGKF family

On behalf of all the members of IOGKF Austria I extend our deep condolences to Mrs Cousin and the Cousin family. We share in your sorrow and wish you the strength to tide over these tough times. May Bernard Sensei live in you dreams and may you uphold and cherish his memory, as we will cherish his memory.

Raoul Vogel

IOGKF Austria

Sensei Bernard Cousin started to co-ordinate Goju-ryu Karate seminars in Romania since 2005. Both in Romania and France he contributed to the birth and development of a group of Goju-ryu practitioners. Our teacher, Shihan Bernard Cousin, will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you Sensei Bernard for being our friend. Sincere condolences to the Cousin family and the French Karate group.

Ramona and Victor Popa

IOGKF Romania

THe passing of Sensei Bernard Cousin is a great loss, not only to IOGKF, but to traditional Karate in general. He was a tireless spirit in the preservation of Goju-ryu, something that will continue to live on through his students. He was one of IOGKF longest serving members and obtained a Shihan license under Higaonna Sensei. The thing I recall most about Sensei Bernard is the way he would roar like a lion as he would move in on an opponent. I hope this fighting spirit will continue to give his lovely family and students strength in this difficult time. God bless.

David Lambert

Editor - IOGKF International

On behalf of IOGKF Australia, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Sensei Cousin's wife, his family and his students in this sad time. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

Paul Parlett

Secretary IOGKF Australia

On behalf of all the members of IOGKF Dojo Slovakia, I would like to
express our deep condolences to Mrs Cousin and the Cousin family. This
news let us in deep sorrow that we share and we all wish you the strength
in these hard times. Sensei Bernard Sensei will live in our memories and
we will not forgot his tremendous will and his happines for life.

Igor Vakos
IOGKF Dojo Slovakia

I am truly saddened to hear of Sensei Bernard Cousin passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Sensei Bernard for over 20 years and not only was he an excellent instructor and role model for the I.O.G.K.F. family but he was a true gentleman as well. He will be surely missed by all who had the pleasure knowing him. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Cousin and family. May you find the strength to endure this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Bob Smith
I.O.G.K.F. Bermuda

Je suis profondément désolé du décès de senseï Bernard Cousin.

mes condoléances à l’IOGKF, l’AFKGO, la famille Brigitte, les filles Charlotte et Margot.

J’ai suivie senseï pendant presque 25 ans, il était un grand technicien, respectueux des valeurs du karaté traditionnel.

I deeply regret the death of Sensei Bernard Cousin.
My condolences to his family, Brigitte, girls Charlotte and Margot and IOGKF France.
I followed Sensei for nearly 25 years, he was a great technician, respectful of the values of traditional karate

Pascal HIVERT
Godan IOGKF France

Sensei Bernard Cousin 7^th Dan IOGKF

Sensei Bernard and his wife Bridgett where there from the start, I have lost count on how many Gasshuku’s they attended in the past, he worked hard to host the Gasshuku’s in his country over the years and of course the European Championships.

He was a quite man and kept himself to himself, but his passion like mine which was fishing, so when we met the subject we most talked about was fishing, many of the topics were about tactics and the types of bait to use, he never boasted about how big the fish he caught only that he loved his fishing.

It was quite a shock to me to hear of this very sad news, and my heart goes out to Bridget and her family, he will truly be missed.

God bless you Bernard

George Andrews
IOGKF England - OTGKA

Our more sense condolences for the death of Sensei Bernard Cousin to his family and close people. He was an example of dedication and success.

We will remember him with admiration and respect.

Moises Villegas.

Chief Instructor

IOGKF MEXICO

Foi com muita tristeza que soube desta noticia .

Daqui envio os meus sentimentos de profundo pesar. Não esquecerei a imagem do sensei Bernard.

É uma grande perda e só nos resta agora a recordação.

Carlos Queija

IOGKF - PORTUGAL

We express our condolences to all members of the IOGKF, by the death of one of the pillars of this organization, the chief instructor Sensei Bernard Cousin France 7th Dan and especially their families and loved ones.
Sensei Dr. José Di Carlo and the Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Shintaiki-ji Shirenkan Kyokai

It was with much sadness I read the news of Sensei Bernard passing away.

I had the pleasure of his instruction at a couple of gasshuku and I was always impressed with his abilities and technique.

He will be greatly missed by the Goju-ryu community. My dearest condolences go to his family and friends. Rest in peace Sensei.

Steve Cowan
IOGKF Scotland

With deep sorrow we read of the death ofSensei Bernard Cousin.
I will miss him so much, andI will keep in my hearth the memory of the bottles of wine drank together joking about which was better the Italian or French wine. The earth should be mild on you Sensei Bernard.
Paolo Taigo Spongia on behalf of IOGKF Italy

J’ai connu Sensei Bernard Cousin à Stockholm, avec qui , heureusement, je me suis entrainé.
En Juillet 2011, il est venu au Portugal, mais loin de penser que ce serait la dernière fois que je le verai phisiquement.
De toute façon, il sera toujours dans nos pensés… là à côté de nous.
Donc, il ne sera jamais oublié!

Alberto Bulhosa
Porto, Portugal

It is with great sorrow that the message of the death of Bernard Cousin reaches me, he was my friend and college. On behalf of all members of IOGKF Sweeden we send our deepest condolences to Brigitte and family We share your sorrow.

Bjorn Jonzon

IOGKF Sweeden

We are deeply shocked by the sudden passing of Sensei Bernard Cousin. Please except our deepest sympathies.

Katsuya Yamashiro

IOGKF Okinawa

I became very upset due to the news of the passing of Sensei Bernard Cousin (IOGKF France Chief Instructor). On behalf of IOGKF Nepal I would like to express my sincere condolences to Sensei Bernard Cousin.

Sowymvu Raj Dangol

IOGKF Nepal

On behalf of IOGKF Portugal I would like to express my sincere condolences to Mrs. Cousin, family and friends. It is a great loss for his family, friends and IOGKF. Rest in peace Bernard.

Jorge Monterio

IOGKF Portugal

On behalf of the IOGKF-USA, we are all saddened at the loss of one the great leaders in the IOGKF. He was a kind and generous man, as well as a great karateka. I first met Sensei Cousin in 1994 and I am better for having known him. He will be missed by all. Our prayers are with the family and friends of this great man.

Gene Villa

Chief Instructor USA

My thoughts are with Sensei Cousin’s family at this sad time.

It was a real honour to have met him and trained under him, the last time being at the Swedish Gasshuku and was looking forward to training with him again this year.

He will be sadly missed

John Marrable

IOGKF New Zealand

To Mrs. Brgitte Cousin and Family, Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Sensei Bernard Cousin.

The Kambukai Israel.

We would like to express our deepest condolences to Sensei Cousin's family and IOGKF France by the loss of Sensei Bernard. He was a great man and a karateka. May he rest in peace.

Gustavo Tata
IOGKF Argentina

I would like to convey my condolences to the family of Sensei Bernard and particularly his wife Brigitte. I shared some great gasshuku experiences with sensei Bernard after I first met him at the Bournemouth gasshuku in 1989. Undoubtedly IOGKF France will miss him greatly as will Europe. May he rest in peace and I look forward to catching up with his students at the Budosai in July where we can raise a glass of red wine to his memory.

Linda Marchant

We are all deeply shocked to hear of the sudden death of Sensei Bernard Cousin and, we would like to offer our deepest sympathy.

Tomaz Seiwkowski

IOGKF Poland

On behalf of all the members of Okinawa Goju Ryu Dojo IOGKF Czech Republic I would like to extend our deepest condolences to family mister Bernard Cousin. I remember him as a great man and it was a big honor to learn from him as I had the first training with him in Belgium 1999. We are very saddened by his passing away. May he rest in peace.

Jaroslav Valenta & Students

IOGKF Czech Republic

To the Cousin Family.

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bernard, such a respected and well liked Karateka, and would like you to know that you are in our thoughts. We know only too well that this will be a painful time for you, and hope that the words of support and kindness from the Goju-Ryu Family along with your wonderful memories of Bernard, will support and help you through the future. Take care,

from Sandra, Iain and Pauline Lambert (Scotland).

In name of CAOGK I would like to express sincere condolences to all family and friends of Sensei Bernard Cousin, the man who will miss our IOGKF family and yet it remains forever. Rest in peace, Sensei.

Jaroslav Kulik

IOGKF Czech Republic

It is with great regret that we hear of Shihan Bernard Cousin Passing.

Scottish members remember him from enjoying French gasshukus in Quimper, Mulhouse and Balzac,We will also remember with fondness his relaxed method of teaching and his very good humour. Please accept our deepest condolences and best wishes to family and friends.

Callum Dick

IOGKF Scotland

With great sadness and shock all members of IOGKF-Germany read from the sudden death of Sensei Bernard Cousin. Our thoughts and compassion go to his wife and family.

Peter Lembke
IOGKF Germany

To Mrs Cousin,
I would like to send my most sincere condolence to you and your family. Sensei Bernard and I spent many good times at Gasshuku's. He was one of the pioneers of IOGKF in Europe. He will be sadly missed.

Ernie Molyneux

On behalf of IOGKF Slovakia we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss.

It was really very sad news for us that one of the greatest members of our IOGKF family passed away. May he rest in peace.

Marian Nemecek

and IOGKF Slovakia family

On behalf of all the members of IOGKF Venezuela I extend our deep condolences to Mrs Cousin and the Cousin family as well all IOGKF France. Please receive all our support, friendship and strengh in this difficult moment for all of you and for IOGKF for the absence of so great Karateka as Bernard Cousin. Rest in Peace

S. Sudo
IOGKF Venezuela

Expressed my deep condolences to the family of the Sensei Bernard Cousin of France and all the friends and members of the IOGKF. I am really dismayed by this event, surely in sky the Sensei Bernard, will bring aloft the Goju Ryu, as he has done him in France. An embrace to everybody.

Gino Biagio Rodofile

and my student of the Dojo Renshinkan

Republic of Panama

On behalf of IOGKF Indonesia I would like to express my sincere condolences to Mrs. Cousin, family and friends. We have 1 minute prayer on last-saturday (may 5) before dojo training for his family. Rest in peace Bernard sensei.

Daniel Mahardani
IOGKF Indonesia

On behalf of everyone at IOGKF Singapore, we offer our deepest condolences to Mme Cousin and everyone at IOGKF who trained with and knew Sensei Bernard Cousin.

Pete Read
IOGKF Singapore

We would like to express our deepest condoleaces to sensei Cousin's family and IOGKF France by the loss of sensei Bernard. His loss has saddeness us all. God rest him in peace.

Cristian Lambrea

IOGKF Romania

Je suis sans voix en apprenant cette nouvelle qui m’a beaucoup attristé. Nous perdons un guide de grandes vertus. Il a été pour moi plus qu’un Sensei. Il était très sensible à la progression d’un karaté ka et il avait une grande technicité et des valeurs qu’il nous a fait partager pendant tous ces années. Je ne t’oublierai pas. Merci Sensei pour tout.Toutes mes condoléances à Brigitte son épouse, à Charlotte et Margot ses deux filles, et ainsi qu’à toutes les personnes qui l’ont connu.

I'm speechless at the news I was very saddened. We lose a great virtues guide. It was for me more than Sensei. He was very sensitive to the progress of a karate ka and he had great technical skills and values he shared with us during all these years. I will never forget you. Sensei thank you for everything.

My condolences to his wife Brigitte, Charlotte and her two daughters Margot, and as well as everyone who knew him.

Olivier TALIDEC
Yodan IOGKF

France

I want to express my sadness at the loss of Sensei Bernard Cousin. Humbly, I recall his advice and corrections when he looked at us practicing karate, he was a smart look. I will always remember his last advice in the Gasshuku of Portugal 2011.
Rest in peace Sensei Cousin

Angel L. Palencia
member of the IOGKF Spain