Stan Schmidt death: Sensei Stan Schmidt cause of death – what happened

Stan Schmidt death happened October 6, 2019. Sensei Stan Schmidt cause of death was Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a lung problem that has afflicted him for the past few years.

Sensei Stan died a day after his 83rd birthday.

Stan Schmidt death: Sensei Stan Schmidt cause of death – what happened

His death was announced by Malcolm Dorfman, Chief Instructor at Malcolm Dorfman Karate Institute in a statement on Facebook that read:

STAN SCHMIDT SENSEI

The doyen of western karate has left us. I was informed in the early hours of this morning that he has succumbed to the lung problem that has afflicted him for the past few years, IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis), a day after his 83rd birthday.

A sad and devastating day for the Schmidt family, to whom I send my heartfelt condolences, for many thousands of karateka worldwide and for me.
I owe this great man so much.

My first Sensei, the man that showed me the path that I was to travel on for the rest of my life, the man who channeled my mindset and attitude along the Budo road, the man who I as a 19 year old, 53 years ago I wanted to emulate.

To state his achievements as a karate sensei I have no doubt will be published over and over again by multitudes.

There is no way I can adequately express my deep sorrow at his passing and demonstrate my respect for the man that I will always regard as my Sensei and mentor.

RIP STANLEY OWEN SCHMIDT. You will hold a place in my heart forever.

Read more touching tributes to Sensei from friends and loved ones who adored Sensei Stan Schmidt.

• From Dan Melnik:

I just found out Sensei Stan Schmidt passed away yesterday. My heart is sore.

More than just my teacher, he knew me since I first got to this country, and after my father passed away at 12, probably the only male role model or father figure I looked up to.

You taught me more than just a martial art, you instilled in me a way of life. I still have the gold medal you awarded me at a tournament which was misdated by 5 whole years!

I’ll never forget the breakfast we had at Village Walk, or when you tied my new black belt around my waist for the first time. It was your recommendation letter that got me into Vega.

I still teach with the values you built. I’m going to miss you and I wish my son could have met you. My condolences to your family. MYDSRIP

From Shane Dorfman:

It is with great sadness that I hear of the passing of Stan Schmidt Sensei.

The karate world has lost a giant. Stan Sensei left an indelible impression on so many thousands of karate-ka worldwide and was someone I had huge respect, affection and admiration for.

He was a mentor to me in my early career and even now continued to take such interest, not only in my karate career, but also my life in general, regularly messaging me birthday wishes or congratulatory messages for various achievements.

Moreover, he never let karate politics interfere in his relationship with me, a true testament to the character of the man.

Heartfelt condolences to his wife Judy, daughters Debbie, Caryn, Tia, Lisa and the rest of the family. RIP Stan Sensei.

Osu,
Shane