Kancho releases his autobiography

January 2006

The launch for Kancho Robert Sullivan’s semi-autobiographical book “Living My Dream” was held at the Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park on 17^th November 2005. 

 As we arrived we were ushered upstairs and stood on the balcony overlooking the Olympic Park where drinks and finger-food were being served.  It was a lively atmosphere sprinkled with a lot of laughter and chatting between all the GKR people present.

As soon as the doors to the function room opened everyone started heading that way.  Once inside, it was immediately obvious why we were there. On the left a queue was already forming at the point of sale for the book.  On the right, on the raised dais was Kancho, pen in hand signing the newly purchased books.

We joined the queue and purchased our copy or copies.  Some of us were buying one copy for ourselves, some were buying for friends who could not make it on the night, and some were buying by the box-full. 

Books in hand, we then joined the other queue, at the head of which sat Kancho signing every copy put in front of him.  He was signing “RBS”, but if requested, would write something more personal.  This took a lot longer but Kancho was very obliging and it was all done with a smile, and a chat to each of us.

Eventually the queue came to an end, but not before there were some posters handed out to a lucky few.  Then of course those ‘lucky few’ rejoined the queue to get their posters signed. 

When the book signing was finished and we were all seated, Shihan Stacey Karetsian officially opened the proceedings and thanking everyone for attending, then, after a brief talk, introduced Kancho.

Kancho's daughter, Laura, had put together a DVD which was projected up onto a big screen for all to see.  It was a compilation of movies and photos (some of which are included in the book) of Kancho as a baby, a little boy, a teenager, in his police uniform, sitting at a typewriter, and of course in a gi.   The photo of the 4 year old Robert Sullivan was easily recognisable, and as he said himself (with a grin) he was a cute kid!

Kancho talked about the book, how it came about, why he wrote it, when he got the ideas for it and how long ago he started writing.  He said that the idea had been with him for quite a while after many people had suggested that he write a book on his life.  They said his life was very interesting, that he was rather a unique person and his story should be told.

He also told some funny stories which are in the book, one in particular he mentioned was about when he was staying at his brother in law's place and was going to go outside with his thongs on, but in the book he had to call them ‘sandals’ because these days a ‘thong’ is something totally different!!

Afterwards, with more wine, more finger-food (and tea and coffee) being passed around, Kancho, Shihan, Sensei Gavin, Sensei Nabil, Sensei Chad, and others, mingled with the crowd, chatting to everyone and having their photos taken.  It was a very enjoyable night.

Report sent in by Cheryl