News
On this page, we only publish "out of the ordinary" activities, not reports of our day-to-day Karate classes.
For more regular news updates about everything we get up to, including our day-to-day classes, please see our public facebook page.
For more regular news updates about everything we get up to, including our day-to-day classes, please see our public facebook page.
2020 NEWS
1ST February 2020
Bag Blast
Today we held the first of our "Bag Blast" sessions in the new dojo. It seemed really well-received by all who attended, and was great fun :)
Today we held the first of our "Bag Blast" sessions in the new dojo. It seemed really well-received by all who attended, and was great fun :)
8th February 2020
Entertainment Afternoon and Evening
Today, we held a really fun Entertainment Afternoon for our cadet students, then an Entertainment Evening for our adult students. We did lots of fun activities, and enjoyed the company of like-minded people.
Today, we held a really fun Entertainment Afternoon for our cadet students, then an Entertainment Evening for our adult students. We did lots of fun activities, and enjoyed the company of like-minded people.
21st - 24th FEBRUARY 2020
Residential with Iain Abernethy Sensei
Kevin Cooke Sensei has been to Ludlow this weekend, participating in an intensive residential training camp with Iain Abernethy Sensei. As usual, the residential was attended by people from across the world.
A lot of content was squeezed into the training sessions and, as always, what we find most useful at these events ultimately gets fed back into what we do in our regular classes.
The chance to discuss thoughts with other open-minded martial artists is also great, and always leads to some interesting conversations.
Kevin Cooke Sensei has been to Ludlow this weekend, participating in an intensive residential training camp with Iain Abernethy Sensei. As usual, the residential was attended by people from across the world.
A lot of content was squeezed into the training sessions and, as always, what we find most useful at these events ultimately gets fed back into what we do in our regular classes.
The chance to discuss thoughts with other open-minded martial artists is also great, and always leads to some interesting conversations.
1st March 2020
Bassai Dai Seminar
Kevin Cooke Sensei taught a seminar on Bassai Dai kata today. After working on the finer aspects of the solo kata, the attendees were then shown how to apply the techniques on a partner, giving them a chance to try out lots of "nasty" things on each other (all with good control, of course!).
Kevin Cooke Sensei taught a seminar on Bassai Dai kata today. After working on the finer aspects of the solo kata, the attendees were then shown how to apply the techniques on a partner, giving them a chance to try out lots of "nasty" things on each other (all with good control, of course!).
5th March 2020
No more embarrassment. Period.
We are proud to announce that, as of today, we are allowing all Cornwall Karate members to wear a choice of either a white OR black gi (uniform) in our karate classes.
Why are we making this change? The primary reason is that we are aware that many women feel uncomfortable training in a white uniform when they are having their periods.
Because we want to encourage ALL of our students to attend classes as often as possible, we thought it was only sensible that we make such an easy adaption. This seems like a much better option than having women "sitting out" (unless they wish to for other reasons) or "forgetting their uniform" at certain times of their menstrual cycle.
However, because we don't want black uniforms to be seen as something only worn by female students when they are having their periods, we are allowing students of all genders to choose whether they wish to wear a black or white uniform. As such, students are welcome to switch from one uniform colour to another each day, for whatever reason.
We are proud to announce that, as of today, we are allowing all Cornwall Karate members to wear a choice of either a white OR black gi (uniform) in our karate classes.
Why are we making this change? The primary reason is that we are aware that many women feel uncomfortable training in a white uniform when they are having their periods.
Because we want to encourage ALL of our students to attend classes as often as possible, we thought it was only sensible that we make such an easy adaption. This seems like a much better option than having women "sitting out" (unless they wish to for other reasons) or "forgetting their uniform" at certain times of their menstrual cycle.
However, because we don't want black uniforms to be seen as something only worn by female students when they are having their periods, we are allowing students of all genders to choose whether they wish to wear a black or white uniform. As such, students are welcome to switch from one uniform colour to another each day, for whatever reason.
29TH APRIL 2020
COVID-19
While we are unable to run our normal classes during the COVID-19 situation, Cornwall Karate students are benefitting from a massive range of Home Practice materials, to assist them with continuing their training.
We've added 12 specially-filmed videos and 4 worksheets to the members-only section of our website, and that's IN ADDITION to the live "virtual" classes we have run using Zoom and Facebook Live.
Of course, regardless of how much practice our students are doing under these difficult circumstances, we will help them to catch-up once we can restart our regular classes.
"Never leave a (wo)man behind!"
While we are unable to run our normal classes during the COVID-19 situation, Cornwall Karate students are benefitting from a massive range of Home Practice materials, to assist them with continuing their training.
We've added 12 specially-filmed videos and 4 worksheets to the members-only section of our website, and that's IN ADDITION to the live "virtual" classes we have run using Zoom and Facebook Live.
Of course, regardless of how much practice our students are doing under these difficult circumstances, we will help them to catch-up once we can restart our regular classes.
"Never leave a (wo)man behind!"
1ST SEPTEMBER 2020
OUTDOOR CLASSES
In addition to our live "online" karate classes which are taught via "Zoom", for a couple of months now we've been offering our students outdoor karate classes in Penlee Park. These classes are taught in small groups of 5 students to 1 instructor, to comply with current COVID-19 rules.
Here is a video from a few weeks ago, showing some of our students training in Penlee Park and making use of the natural features (no trees were harmed!):
In addition to our live "online" karate classes which are taught via "Zoom", for a couple of months now we've been offering our students outdoor karate classes in Penlee Park. These classes are taught in small groups of 5 students to 1 instructor, to comply with current COVID-19 rules.
Here is a video from a few weeks ago, showing some of our students training in Penlee Park and making use of the natural features (no trees were harmed!):
2019 NEWS
5th January 2019
New Website
What better way to start off the new year than with the release of our BRAND NEW website?
Of course, the website isn't totally finished yet (in particular, we have a LOT of content due to be added to the members-only section), but it's still a million times better than the old website, and is now "mobile-friendly", too!
We have so many exciting things planned for 2019, so all I can say is "watch this space".
What better way to start off the new year than with the release of our BRAND NEW website?
Of course, the website isn't totally finished yet (in particular, we have a LOT of content due to be added to the members-only section), but it's still a million times better than the old website, and is now "mobile-friendly", too!
We have so many exciting things planned for 2019, so all I can say is "watch this space".
27th january 2019
Iain Abernethy Seminar in Reading
My daughter, Alyssa, and I, have been to Reading this weekend to train with Iain Abernethy Sensei. Lots of Kata application was covered in some thought-provoking and enjoyable drills!
My daughter, Alyssa, and I, have been to Reading this weekend to train with Iain Abernethy Sensei. Lots of Kata application was covered in some thought-provoking and enjoyable drills!
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30th January 2019
Safeguarding Training
This evening, our Senior Instructors attended a "Safeguarding and Protecting Children" course in Truro.
A Karate instructor's work is never done!
This evening, our Senior Instructors attended a "Safeguarding and Protecting Children" course in Truro.
A Karate instructor's work is never done!
2nd February 2019
Entertainment Evening
This evening, many of our students (and their parents, where the students were younger) attended a fundraising "Entertainment Evening" event. We did lots of fun activities, including a "Streetfighter" tournament to finish off the evening. Good food and company was enjoyed by all :)
This evening, many of our students (and their parents, where the students were younger) attended a fundraising "Entertainment Evening" event. We did lots of fun activities, including a "Streetfighter" tournament to finish off the evening. Good food and company was enjoyed by all :)
7th March 2019
World Book Day
What's the chances of ALL of these students choosing to dress up as a character from the same book?!
For anyone who is intrigued, "The Pinan Katas of Shukokai and Shitoryu Karate - An Illustrated Guide" is available to purchase from lulu.com!
What's the chances of ALL of these students choosing to dress up as a character from the same book?!
For anyone who is intrigued, "The Pinan Katas of Shukokai and Shitoryu Karate - An Illustrated Guide" is available to purchase from lulu.com!
16th March 2019
Quiz Night
This evening, we held a quiz night as a fundraising event. Lots of fun was had by everybody, and I was impressed by the answers given to some of the questions - it appears we have some real geniuses amongst us! We also have some real comedians too, judging by some of the answers given!
Despite everybody being in "teams" and doing their best not to share answers, the social aspect of the evening was superb! Thanks for coming, everyone!
This evening, we held a quiz night as a fundraising event. Lots of fun was had by everybody, and I was impressed by the answers given to some of the questions - it appears we have some real geniuses amongst us! We also have some real comedians too, judging by some of the answers given!
Despite everybody being in "teams" and doing their best not to share answers, the social aspect of the evening was superb! Thanks for coming, everyone!
5th April 2019
Grading
Tonight's grading (belt examination) was probably the strongest grading we've had for a while. Great spirit, great technique, great effort... simply awesome!
Of the 33 people grading tonight, there was only one person who we were unable to pass, as they didn't satisfactorily complete one section of the grading (kata). It was a shame, as up until that point I was thinking about how incredibly well they were doing. In all honesty, I felt that overall they deserved to pass based on the standard they demonstrated throughout the rest of the grading, but rules are rules, and we make no exceptions. What I have done, however, is given that person the chance to practice the part they failed over the weekend, and show me again next week... if it's up-to-speed, I'll award them their belt. Despite being one of the youngest students in the grading (age 7yrs 10 months old), they took the news with maturity and resolve... now that's what Karate is all about, and I was very proud of the young man.
I was proud of how everyone did, but special congratulations go to the two students who were both awarded a belt higher than they were being tested for. I'm sure both of these students will accept the grade humbly, and appreciate that they still need to keep up their hard work despite their unexpected extra success.
I also want to say special congratulations to our brown belt candidates, who fought hard to earn their new grades... what an outstanding effort!
Finally, thanks to Sensei Andy and Sensei Kegan for helping with the grading... it's good to know that Cornwall Karate doesn't just rest on one person's shoulders, but has a great team behind it.
Below are the students who passed their Brown Belt (3rd Kyu) gradings... anyone would think they've just worked hard!
Tonight's grading (belt examination) was probably the strongest grading we've had for a while. Great spirit, great technique, great effort... simply awesome!
Of the 33 people grading tonight, there was only one person who we were unable to pass, as they didn't satisfactorily complete one section of the grading (kata). It was a shame, as up until that point I was thinking about how incredibly well they were doing. In all honesty, I felt that overall they deserved to pass based on the standard they demonstrated throughout the rest of the grading, but rules are rules, and we make no exceptions. What I have done, however, is given that person the chance to practice the part they failed over the weekend, and show me again next week... if it's up-to-speed, I'll award them their belt. Despite being one of the youngest students in the grading (age 7yrs 10 months old), they took the news with maturity and resolve... now that's what Karate is all about, and I was very proud of the young man.
I was proud of how everyone did, but special congratulations go to the two students who were both awarded a belt higher than they were being tested for. I'm sure both of these students will accept the grade humbly, and appreciate that they still need to keep up their hard work despite their unexpected extra success.
I also want to say special congratulations to our brown belt candidates, who fought hard to earn their new grades... what an outstanding effort!
Finally, thanks to Sensei Andy and Sensei Kegan for helping with the grading... it's good to know that Cornwall Karate doesn't just rest on one person's shoulders, but has a great team behind it.
Below are the students who passed their Brown Belt (3rd Kyu) gradings... anyone would think they've just worked hard!
18th / 19th April 2019
Easter
I’m so kind, I gave every cadet student an egg for Easter... look at their happy little faces!
I’m so kind, I gave every cadet student an egg for Easter... look at their happy little faces!
In all seriousness though, we've had some great hard work from our students over the Easter Holidays (including on Good Friday), so we felt only too honoured to award some eggs for the "student of the class" on both days.
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11th May 2019
Kubotan Seminar
Today we held an awesome Kubotan seminar with some of our students.
During the seminar, we looked at the legalities of the Kubotan, and tested it's abilities for striking and slashing.
It was nice to see everyone enjoying the seminar, I hope you all found it useful.
Today we held an awesome Kubotan seminar with some of our students.
During the seminar, we looked at the legalities of the Kubotan, and tested it's abilities for striking and slashing.
It was nice to see everyone enjoying the seminar, I hope you all found it useful.
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23rd June 2019
Iain Abernethy Seminar in Wancanton, Somerset
We were due to have a Treasure Hunt today as a club activity, but the weather was horrible and we had to postpone it. I therefore whizzed up to Somerset for a last-minute opportunity to train with Iain Abernethy Sensei.
During the seminar, we looked at "The Training Matrix" ie identifying flaws in each of our training practices, and ensuring that other areas of our training make up for these shortcomings so that, overall, our training is complete.
We covered the role of kata, technical drills, scenario drills, pad drills, live drills and more besides. Ian Sensei’s seminars are always an education.
We were due to have a Treasure Hunt today as a club activity, but the weather was horrible and we had to postpone it. I therefore whizzed up to Somerset for a last-minute opportunity to train with Iain Abernethy Sensei.
During the seminar, we looked at "The Training Matrix" ie identifying flaws in each of our training practices, and ensuring that other areas of our training make up for these shortcomings so that, overall, our training is complete.
We covered the role of kata, technical drills, scenario drills, pad drills, live drills and more besides. Ian Sensei’s seminars are always an education.
30th June 2019
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles come to Penzance!
I don’t generally like “gimmicky” promotions of Karate, but for a bit of fun Sensei Andy and I popped down to Quay Fair Day in Penzance today to do a bit of goodwill promotion today... dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
It was nice to make lots of children (and lots of adults, too!) smile, and our hands are now worn-out from all the high-fives we gave away! Cowabunga dude!
Thanks to everyone who helped give out leaflets, and massive thanks also to our “minders”, Rachel, Sharon and Alyssa... we couldn’t see much in those costumes, so were grateful for your guidance!
I don’t generally like “gimmicky” promotions of Karate, but for a bit of fun Sensei Andy and I popped down to Quay Fair Day in Penzance today to do a bit of goodwill promotion today... dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
It was nice to make lots of children (and lots of adults, too!) smile, and our hands are now worn-out from all the high-fives we gave away! Cowabunga dude!
Thanks to everyone who helped give out leaflets, and massive thanks also to our “minders”, Rachel, Sharon and Alyssa... we couldn’t see much in those costumes, so were grateful for your guidance!
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7TH JULY 2019
Cornwall Karate Competition
We're not particularly a "competition-orientated" Karate club, preferring to focus on self defence instead of the sporting side of Karate. That said, we do like for our students to get a little competition experience, so that they can choose to focus more on that if that happens to be where their interests are, and also to identify any students who have a particular talent for it. To that end, we held an intra-club Karate competition on 7th July, where our students had the chance to try their hand at kata (forms), kumite (sparring), tag sparring, bokken battle and kick dummy.
The spirit shown by the competitors was second-to-none, and the spectators also did a great job of supporting everybody.
Here's a photo of three of our competitors. Karate practitioners don't put people down, they lift them up!
We're not particularly a "competition-orientated" Karate club, preferring to focus on self defence instead of the sporting side of Karate. That said, we do like for our students to get a little competition experience, so that they can choose to focus more on that if that happens to be where their interests are, and also to identify any students who have a particular talent for it. To that end, we held an intra-club Karate competition on 7th July, where our students had the chance to try their hand at kata (forms), kumite (sparring), tag sparring, bokken battle and kick dummy.
The spirit shown by the competitors was second-to-none, and the spectators also did a great job of supporting everybody.
Here's a photo of three of our competitors. Karate practitioners don't put people down, they lift them up!
13TH JULY 2019
Summer Meal
Although our main passion is Karate, we also try to have an active social side to our Karate group.
On the 13th July, many of us went out for a meal to the New Hong Kong restaurant in Penzance for their "all you can eat" buffet...mmmmm!
Don't worry, we'll work the calories off in class :)
Although our main passion is Karate, we also try to have an active social side to our Karate group.
On the 13th July, many of us went out for a meal to the New Hong Kong restaurant in Penzance for their "all you can eat" buffet...mmmmm!
Don't worry, we'll work the calories off in class :)
30TH july 2019
Knife Self Defence
Our adult students, and some of our higher-grade cadet students, have just undergone three intensive knife defence classes.
We did some “theoretical” drills which increase the odds of a favourable outcome (not that a favourable outcome is ever certain when dealing with a knife), some live sparring with rubber knives which leave a red mark every time you are “cut” with them, and we had a talk about the legalities of what you can and can't do when defending yourself against a knife.
It was an educational and sobering experience, and whilst bare hands vs a knife is not something we would ever want to have to face, the hands-on experience was worth its weight in gold.
Our adult students, and some of our higher-grade cadet students, have just undergone three intensive knife defence classes.
We did some “theoretical” drills which increase the odds of a favourable outcome (not that a favourable outcome is ever certain when dealing with a knife), some live sparring with rubber knives which leave a red mark every time you are “cut” with them, and we had a talk about the legalities of what you can and can't do when defending yourself against a knife.
It was an educational and sobering experience, and whilst bare hands vs a knife is not something we would ever want to have to face, the hands-on experience was worth its weight in gold.
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27TH JULY 2019
Inflatable 5K Fun Run
Several members of Cornwall Karate did an inflatable 5K fun run at Stithians today. It was great fun, and everybody did fantastically as it wasn't exactly a "flat" course! I think the medals were well-deserved!
Several members of Cornwall Karate did an inflatable 5K fun run at Stithians today. It was great fun, and everybody did fantastically as it wasn't exactly a "flat" course! I think the medals were well-deserved!
18TH AUGUST 2019
Course with Damian Bowen Sensei
Today, we were lucky enough to have the Chief Instructor of our Karate association, Damian Bowen Sensei, come to Cornwall to teach a Karate seminar.
We worked on dynamic tension, some fitness and spirit work, and finished with Nijushiho Kata. Hard work, but VERY enjoyable.
Not a massive turnout due to lots of people being away on holiday, etc but what a boon for those who attended :)
Today, we were lucky enough to have the Chief Instructor of our Karate association, Damian Bowen Sensei, come to Cornwall to teach a Karate seminar.
We worked on dynamic tension, some fitness and spirit work, and finished with Nijushiho Kata. Hard work, but VERY enjoyable.
Not a massive turnout due to lots of people being away on holiday, etc but what a boon for those who attended :)
1ST SEPTEMBER 2019
It's a Knockout, in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care
Yesterday, some of Cornwall Karate's members participated in the "It's a Knockout" tournament being organised by Cornwall Hospice Care. Just for fun, we went in fancy dress, with a ninja theme!
We raised £552.06 for Cornwall Hospice Care (including our £50 entry fee). Thanks for everyone who donated/sponsored us, to help this very important charity.
Yesterday, some of Cornwall Karate's members participated in the "It's a Knockout" tournament being organised by Cornwall Hospice Care. Just for fun, we went in fancy dress, with a ninja theme!
We raised £552.06 for Cornwall Hospice Care (including our £50 entry fee). Thanks for everyone who donated/sponsored us, to help this very important charity.
8th september 2019
Race for Life
Several Cornwall Karate members did the "Pretty Muddy" Race for Life, in aid of Cancer Research, today.
Great fun and... true to it's name... it was pretty muddy!
Several Cornwall Karate members did the "Pretty Muddy" Race for Life, in aid of Cancer Research, today.
Great fun and... true to it's name... it was pretty muddy!
7TH OCTOBER 2019
Training with Damian Bowen Sensei
Well done to those who took the time out of their weekend to train with Damian Bowen Sensei. We worked on strength, endurance, kata application, and flexibility in kicking... that's a lot of work for 2 hours of training!
Well done to those who took the time out of their weekend to train with Damian Bowen Sensei. We worked on strength, endurance, kata application, and flexibility in kicking... that's a lot of work for 2 hours of training!
20th October 2019
Iain Abernethy Sensei in Exeter
Kevin Sensei and Andy enjoyed their trip to Exeter today, to train with Iain Abernethy Sensei.
The seminar focussed on the principles of kata, with lots of drills from the Pinan/Heian katas to illustrate the point.
Kevin Sensei was uke for Iain Sensei. For anyone who doesn’t know what being an uke is, it means your are on the receiving end while everything is demonstrated! Being an uke is great experience, as you get to see how effective the techniques are... fortunately Iain Sensei has great control!
Kevin Sensei and Andy enjoyed their trip to Exeter today, to train with Iain Abernethy Sensei.
The seminar focussed on the principles of kata, with lots of drills from the Pinan/Heian katas to illustrate the point.
Kevin Sensei was uke for Iain Sensei. For anyone who doesn’t know what being an uke is, it means your are on the receiving end while everything is demonstrated! Being an uke is great experience, as you get to see how effective the techniques are... fortunately Iain Sensei has great control!
26th October 2019
World Karate Day - 100 Kata Challenge
We had a great turnout for this event, despite it being during the school holidays and the weather being HORRENDOUS!
This was probably the best year so far for "quality" of the kata shown.
Well done to all who attended!
We had a great turnout for this event, despite it being during the school holidays and the weather being HORRENDOUS!
This was probably the best year so far for "quality" of the kata shown.
Well done to all who attended!
10th November 2019
Black Belt Gradings
I am OVER THE MOON to announce that Cornwall Karate now has two new black belts.
Congratulations to Amy and Annie on their well deserved success from MANY years of hard work.
Congratulation also to Andrew from our “sister” club in Birmingham, on being awarded his black belt.
All three candidates had a grueling weekend of training, beginning with beach training in very high winds, and then moving onto lots of hard work in the dojo. The days were long and hard, but the outcome will never be forgotten.
Pictured from left to right:
Lorraine Sensei (Birmingham), Damian Sensei (KDI Chief Instructor, Birmingham), Amy (Cornwall Karate), Andrew (Birmingham), Annie (Cornwall Karate) and Kevin Sensei (Cornwall Karate Chief Instructor).
I am OVER THE MOON to announce that Cornwall Karate now has two new black belts.
Congratulations to Amy and Annie on their well deserved success from MANY years of hard work.
Congratulation also to Andrew from our “sister” club in Birmingham, on being awarded his black belt.
All three candidates had a grueling weekend of training, beginning with beach training in very high winds, and then moving onto lots of hard work in the dojo. The days were long and hard, but the outcome will never be forgotten.
Pictured from left to right:
Lorraine Sensei (Birmingham), Damian Sensei (KDI Chief Instructor, Birmingham), Amy (Cornwall Karate), Andrew (Birmingham), Annie (Cornwall Karate) and Kevin Sensei (Cornwall Karate Chief Instructor).
7th / 8th December 2019
Karate Christmas Parties
This weekend we had three superb Christmas parties... two for the cadet students (we split them into two groups, by age) and then a nice meal out for the adult students. It's always nice to end the year with some social activities mixed in with the usual training.
This weekend we had three superb Christmas parties... two for the cadet students (we split them into two groups, by age) and then a nice meal out for the adult students. It's always nice to end the year with some social activities mixed in with the usual training.
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15th December 2019
Congratulations to Damian Bowen Sensei
It gave me great pleasure to be present for our UK Chief Instructor, Sensei Damian Bowen, to be awarded his 6th Dan today.
I first met Sensei Damian in June 2009 when, as chance (or good luck!) would have it, we were allocated as roommates on a Martial Arts course in Vienna.
Going away on such trips, it was always a bit of a “mixed bag” as to who you might get partnered with, but as soon as I was introduced to him, he put me at ease with the warmth of his character and his openness with sharing his Karate experience.
After knowing him for a while, Sensei Damian mentioned he was looking to build his Karate Association (Karate-Do International) as an all-style association with like-minded people, and wondered if I’d be interested in being a part of it. Having trained with him, I was already impressed by his ability and knowledge, and I eventually made the difficult decision to part from our current association and join Sensei Damian's instead.
In the years since then, I have got to know him much better, both as a person and as a Karate instructor. I greatly respect him for his ability, and willingness to share his knowledge and his wealth of experience. He totally changed my pre-conceptions of Shotokan karate, and together we have seen the difference but more importantly the similarities between our Karate styles. We have differing views on some aspects of karate, but these have been accepted in mutual respect, for nothing is "wrong" unless it doesn't work!
I think one of the most telling things about Sensei Damian is that, despite being a physical power-house, he is a very balanced person who is not afraid to explore the “softer” side of the martial arts. I sometimes see Goju-Ryu practitioners who only appear to practice “hard” Karate, despite the very name of their style meaning “hard-soft”. Conversely, in Sensei Damian I found somebody with a background in a renowned “hard” style (Shotokan), but who was so in-touch with all aspects of martial arts that he’ll just as happily extol the virtues of us practising Tai Chi!
I also admire his exploration of other martial arts, and how they cross-over with Karate.
Sensei Damian is a very inspirational person, and a great leader. He makes me see the value in what I do, and gives me focus and advice to further-develop both myself, and my students. He sets a standard that I aspire to achieve myself.
It is for all of those reasons (and too many others to list), that I/we continue to remain a part of Karate-Do International to this day, and for those same reasons why I am proud to consider Sensei Damian both a mentor, and an extremely good friend, who is extremely worthy of a 6th Dan.
[Written by Kevin Cooke Sensei]
It gave me great pleasure to be present for our UK Chief Instructor, Sensei Damian Bowen, to be awarded his 6th Dan today.
I first met Sensei Damian in June 2009 when, as chance (or good luck!) would have it, we were allocated as roommates on a Martial Arts course in Vienna.
Going away on such trips, it was always a bit of a “mixed bag” as to who you might get partnered with, but as soon as I was introduced to him, he put me at ease with the warmth of his character and his openness with sharing his Karate experience.
After knowing him for a while, Sensei Damian mentioned he was looking to build his Karate Association (Karate-Do International) as an all-style association with like-minded people, and wondered if I’d be interested in being a part of it. Having trained with him, I was already impressed by his ability and knowledge, and I eventually made the difficult decision to part from our current association and join Sensei Damian's instead.
In the years since then, I have got to know him much better, both as a person and as a Karate instructor. I greatly respect him for his ability, and willingness to share his knowledge and his wealth of experience. He totally changed my pre-conceptions of Shotokan karate, and together we have seen the difference but more importantly the similarities between our Karate styles. We have differing views on some aspects of karate, but these have been accepted in mutual respect, for nothing is "wrong" unless it doesn't work!
I think one of the most telling things about Sensei Damian is that, despite being a physical power-house, he is a very balanced person who is not afraid to explore the “softer” side of the martial arts. I sometimes see Goju-Ryu practitioners who only appear to practice “hard” Karate, despite the very name of their style meaning “hard-soft”. Conversely, in Sensei Damian I found somebody with a background in a renowned “hard” style (Shotokan), but who was so in-touch with all aspects of martial arts that he’ll just as happily extol the virtues of us practising Tai Chi!
I also admire his exploration of other martial arts, and how they cross-over with Karate.
Sensei Damian is a very inspirational person, and a great leader. He makes me see the value in what I do, and gives me focus and advice to further-develop both myself, and my students. He sets a standard that I aspire to achieve myself.
It is for all of those reasons (and too many others to list), that I/we continue to remain a part of Karate-Do International to this day, and for those same reasons why I am proud to consider Sensei Damian both a mentor, and an extremely good friend, who is extremely worthy of a 6th Dan.
[Written by Kevin Cooke Sensei]
20TH December 2019
Final Classes of 2019
What a great way to end 2019... thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend our final classes of 2019. We look forward to seeing you all in 2020!
What a great way to end 2019... thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend our final classes of 2019. We look forward to seeing you all in 2020!
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