My name is Rob. Some people call me the "friendly Sensei," which frankly is a bit embarrassing! However you can ask me anything about learning karate; no matter how silly a question it may seem to you, it won't to me - I want to help.
At our club, we are like an extended family. We all laugh a lot and enjoy each other's company; maybe that's the secret of why the club has grown so large over the past 25 years, with 6 venues in the Bristol and Bath area, and a thriving junior group. For more details, follow the link Junior Karate Club
However, despite the fact we have a sense of humour, our club members are a dedicated bunch all with serious martial art ambitions. We work hard but with a relaxed and non-judgemental group. No yelling or stiff formalities.
It seems to be a recipe that works!
For a real feel about who we are and what we get up to, visit our blog and enjoy reading about our philosophy, club members and the places we visit.
I'm not comfortable with this bit! Writing about yourself seems so conceited and arrogant but I guess you need to know something about me so here goes...
I am a karate 5th dan (the highest grade attainable within our style, gained after 35 years of hard practice).
Although I have the experience I certainly don't consider myself a "Master." I consider it very important to keep a “beginners mind.” I continue to learn and develop my knowledge and understanding every day.
Through the years I have been very fortunate to practice with many wise and accomplished martial artists. Their names are not important; one of the things that I am attracted to is the ability to be humble. Therefore those I value most tend to shun the spotlight and not seek a high profile within the martial arts world. As the proverb says...
The heaviest ear of corn bends its head lowest in the field.
I am blessed with an international network of friends and like-minded individuals. I travel extensively in my quest for greater awareness and to maintain those very important relationships. A typical year will involve visits to Italy and France, but we have friends all over Europe and in Canada and Japan too!
Finally, I am also a student of Qigong, pronounced “Chi Kung”(Chinese exercises designed to increase energy) and Japanese Shiatsu massage. You will see these influences in my karate classes.
My karate classes are not about learning how to break bricks or kick above your head!
There are physical challenges but this is a relative concept and very personal to the individual. My aim is to provide an environment for people to grow and develop and to achieve things that they thought were beyond them. We are not all going to have the same limits what is important is to know your limit and have fun exploring it!
As a result I sincerely believe karate can offer something positive, powerful and rewarding to anyone no matter what age, size or sex.
I shall leave the final word to Master Gichin Funakoshi, widely accepted as the father of karate in Japan...
"The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants."
For a real feel about who we are and what we get up to, visit our blog and enjoy reading about our philosophy, club members and the places we visit.
I look forward to meeting you and hopefully practicing with you sometime soon.
Yours faithfully.
