*Having known Zareer Patell over many years, indeed many decades, and having considerably benefited from his erudition and example in his chosen fields of expertise — Karate, Aerobics, Cardio Kickboxing, Taichi, General Health and Well-being — in which he has been both a pioneer and a trailblazer, it is I believe in the fitness of things that I offer this effusive and heartfelt testimonial.

Zareer Patell is a man of reconcilable contradictions. As befits a Karate Blackbelt, he is incapable of suffering fools easily, yet instantly complaisant with those willing to learn and benefit, the novice and the layman; always open to new ideas, yet stout in the defence of what he strongly believes in. His is one instance where I have seen performance match promise, bland theory actively put into rewarding practice.

An insatiable thirst for knowledge allied to a retentive memory has resulted in his accumulating vast stores of instruction which I have seen him beneficially impart and apply with telling effect in his classes. He has touched many lives with a light but masterful impact; so many thus ordained have walked away from him certainly much fitter, and not a little wiser. Indeed it would take a very wise fool to be left completely unaffected by the force of his personality.

I have ever found him akin to a valuable book, handsomely bound and lettered on the outside, with inspiring and compelling matter inside; a harmonious blend of elements, a fine symphony of mind and body. His salutary impact is to be personally experienced to be felt: like the sikh guru, he could inspire a sparrow to defeat a hawk.

It was in the olden times given as an aspiration to German youth, to be “lithe and taught, swift as greyhounds, tough as leather and hard as Krupp steel”.

A few months with Zen Master Zareer Patell will certainly bring any aspirant very near to obtention of this enviable idea.*