Alumni Statements:
I was taught Shotokan Karate in a Newcastle upon Tyne club called “Ren Seikan” by an English instructor, Sensei Orten. I was 16 years old at the time. Sensei Orten was proficient in Karate, Judo, Kendo and Aikido. His mentor was the Japanese Karate Master Sensei Harada who visited the club on various occasions to carry out training sessions and gradings. He was the one who convinced me to study the Shotokan style of Karate. Sensei Orten would not allow anyone to practice Karate until they had carried out at least 2 months of Judo training. He also taught us various techniques in Kendo and Aikido where they could be useful in Karate manoeuvres.
In 1966, I moved to Bristol to study for a BSc in Engineering Metallurgy at the Bristol College of Science & Technology at Ashley Down. This is where I continued my Karate training by myself in the College sports hall. After 2 years, the faculty moved to the new Bath University campus at Combe Down. There were only 3 useable buildings at this stage, one building housing the Physics and Materials Science faculties, one building holding the Pharmacy faculty and finally the South Building.
At this stage my brother Barry (who also studied Karate under Sensei Orten and Sensei Harada) started his degree course in Materials Science and together we continued Karate training in the South Building attempting to fine tune our Kata and fighting techniques. We always proudly wore our Ren Seikan badge as a testament to our club origin.
After about a year, an officer of the Students Union saw what we were doing and convinced us to start a club at the University and showcase our skills at a fresher’s event. Our first club meeting was in the sports hall where over 120 students turned up for training! This was the beginning of the University of Bath Ren Seikan Karate Club. It was a proud moment for myself and my brother to recreate the atmosphere and discipline of the Shotokan style of Karate taught to us by Sensei Orten and Sensei Harada. It was also a privilege to be asked to attend the recent Karate Club reunion on the 19th of October 2024, almost 58 years after I began my University Degree and the beginning of the University of Bath Karate Club. I felt very proud to see a new generation of Karate students performing and gaining the skills that I once taught and still treasure.
I started my training in 1970 at the University of Bath, Ren Seikan Shotokan Karate Club. I was awarded my JKA/KUGB black belt, in 1976 by Sensei K Enoeda.
Now, near the age of 74 as I reflect on my life: Search for the meaning of Budo and what it means to you in your karate training, then integrate it into the way in which you react to daily challenges. Develop strong and fast striking techniques with your hands (open & closed) and elbows, and strong/deflective blocks. When punching or blocking – never lock your elbow.
As the body gets older, the more fancy and gymnastic techniques will need to be put to one side. If you have persistent back pain, don’t be frightened to see a good Chiropractor to assess/fix the problem.
I trained at the University of Bath Karate Club October 1977 – June 1981 (with a sandwich year at Stevenage Karate Club).
I have many memories of the instructors of the day and the guys I started up through the ranks with. Also, the social events and the occasions we visited the national championships at Crystal Palace (the Enoeda Sensei demonstrations and actually seeing Nakayama Sensei in person).
My room mate making much fun of me as I was proudly sewing my 9th kyu red stripes on to my white belt – we’re still in touch, he’s a little more respectful these days!
Don’t ever forget two quotes attributed to Funakoshi Gichin;
[1] The ultimate aim of karate-do lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character.
[2] Karate is like boiling water, if you do not heat it constantly it will soon start to cool.
Finally, karate has been such an excellent complement to my high-pressure professional career.