All about Shotokan

Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda(9th Dan) was born in Kyushu, Japan on July 4th 1935,he initially studied Judo, but after seeing a demonstration involving Sensei's Irea and Okazaki he was so impressed, that he decided to channel his time into learning Karate. After joining the Karate section at Takashoku University, he gained his Shodan after two years and became Club Captain two years later. He studied at this time under Sensei Funakoshi (see above) and also Sensei Nakayama.

After achieving his ambition of becoming JKA Karate champion, he began to receive offers to teach throughout the world, after deciding to join his friend Kanazawa in 1966, to instruct in England,he found himself in Liverpool at the now famous Red Triangle club.

The rest you can say is history, Sensei Enoeda was the KUGB's Chief Instructor until his death in 2003.

As he was known as the " Tiger of Shotokan, his spirit and dedication lives on today through all those who have had the pleasure to know, be instructed and learn from him.

KUGB Profile on Sensei Enoeda

All about Shotokan

24-Apr-2008

Shotokan Karate

Shotokan karate was founded by Gichin Funakoshi, he was born in 1868 in Shuri, Okinawa. There he studied Karate-Do from his childhood under Sensei's Azato and Itosu.

Funakoshi-Sensei was the man who introduced Karate to Japan, he was asked to perform his martial art at a physical education exhibition in 1917 sponsored by the Ministry of Education, he was asked back a second time in 1922, but later he was asked again to demonstrate his martial art, but this time there was a special guest, members of the Royal family and the Emperor. It was after this encounter the Funakoshi-Sensei decided to live in Japan to promote and teach his art."Shotokan"is actually derived from Sensei Funakoshi's pen name, "Shoto" meaning "waving pines" and "kan" meaning hall.

The Master died on April 26th 1957 in Tokyo, but his legacy lives on and Shotokan is practiced throughout the world

Dojo Kun

Hitotsu! Jinkaku Kansei Ni Tsutomuru!

(One! To Strive For The Perfection Of Character!)

Hitotso! makoto No Michi O Mamoru koto!

(One! To Defend The Paths Of Truth!)

Hitotsu! Doryoku No Seishin O Yashinau Koto!

(One! To Foster The Spirit Of Effort!)

Hitotsu! Reigi O Omonzuru Koto!

(One! To Honour The Principles Of Etiquette!)

Hitotsu! Kekki No Yu O Imashimuru Koto!

(One! To Guard Against Impetuous Courage!)

To hear Dojo kun click here

Sensei Funakoski not only left the legacy of Shotokan karate, but equally important are his teachings.

Firstly the " Dojo Kun" and secondly the " 20 Precepts"

You will notice that each sentence begins with one, this was Sensei Funakoshi's way of showing that each was as important as the other.

20 Precepts

Karate-do begins with courtesy and ends with rest.
There is no first strike in Karate.
Karate is an aid to justice.
First know yourself before attempting to know others.
Spirit first, technique second.
Always be ready to release your mind.
Accidents arise from negligence.
Do not think that Karate training is only in the Dojo.
It will take your entire life to learn Karate, there is no limit.
Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find "Myo" (subtle secrets)
Karate is like boiling water, if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.
Do not think that you have to win, rather, think you do not have to lose.
Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
The outcome of the battle depends on how you handle weakness and strength.
Think of your opponents hands and feet as swords.
When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you.
Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.
Practicing a kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.
Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body and slowness and speed of techniques.
Always think and devise ways to live the precepts of Karate-do everyday

Sensei Bob Poynton(7th Dan) born in Liverpool in 1949, he started training at the age of 15 under Sensei Kanazawa, gaining his Shodan in 1968 and became a full time instructor with the KUGB. For 18 yrs from 1968 to 1985 he represented his country in International competitions also winning numerous tournaments in national and international events. Sensei Poynton is currently the Affiliation and National Administration Officer, ensuring good communication between its members and the Executive.

KUGB Profile on Sensei Poynton

Sensei Andy Sherry(8th Dan) is the current K.U.G.B Chief Instructor. born in Liverpool in1943, he studied Karate under Sense's Murakami, Mochizuki, and Kanazawa, passing his Shodan in 1966, the first person in Great Britain to achieve this rank.

He has held numerous K.U.G.B titles in both Kata and Kumite, achieving Grand Champion in 1968, winning both Kata & Kumite. He went onto further success in both National and European competitions until his retirement from competition in 1977.

Being active at the birth of the K.U.G.B, Sensei Sherry was elected Chairman in 1973 and since the death of Sensei Enoeda, has been the K.U.G.B Chief Instructor.

KUGB Profile of Sensei Sherry

Sensei Terry O'Neill (7th Dan) ,born in Liverpool in 1948, initially started in Judo, but soon found that Karate was the road for him and trained under Sensei Sherry and visiting Sensei's like Kanazawa and Murakami.Sensei O'Neill went onto win a great deal in his time, numerous Kata and Kumite competitions in national and international events.

He is also known for his acting work in major films with Arnold Swarzenegger and used as a technical consultant in many other martial arts films,

KUGB profile of Sensei O'Neill

Sensei Billy Higgins(7th Dan) born in Bootle , Liverpool in 1945 started his Karate studying Wado Ryu, due to travel problems to his club, he joined the KUGB in 1970. Since then he has had a distinguished national and international career also coaching international squads for EKB and the Scottish and Southern Regions. A popular and in demand instructor he continues to dedicate his time and expertise to the KUGB

KUGB Profile of Sensei Higgins

Sensei Frank Brennan(7th Dan) was born in the City of Liverpool on the 6th of May, 1960. He was always sport-oriented, and he took up Gymnastics while at school. At the age of 12 he tried to join the Red Triangle Karate club, but he was told to go and join the Judo club for a year, as he was too young. This was particularly galling, as his brother was accepted for the club, but it made him all the more determined to gain membership. In 1973, he was successful and started to train at the club under the tuition of Andy Sherry......
Continued at link below

KUGB profile of Sensei Brennan

Rest Of Page still under construction

This site was last updated 24-Apr-2008