This week in history (15 January – 21 January)

On 20 January 1909 Gōju-ryu legend, Gōgen Yamaguchi, was born. Nicknamed the Cat, he was famed for his feline-like speed and prowess. On 20 January 1938 Cyril Cummins a pioneer of Shotokan in Central England, was born. Cummins began his Karate training in 1964 at the Kyu-Shin-Kan School of Judo Ltd, Located in Birmingham. His initial instructors were Jonny …

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Cover Star: Christophe Pinna

Christophe Pinna, a Shotokan stylist, is a multiple European and World Champion. Below are some of the magazine covers featuring the Frenchman, famed for his kicking ability.  October 1995  September 1996  June 1997   December 1997   November 2000  

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Cover Star: Chris Rowen

Chris Rowen is a former student of legendary Goju-ryu master, Gogen Yamaguchi. He is one of the few westerners to be awarded a tecahing license from Yamaguchi. Below are some of the magazine covers featuring Rowen.  February 1984  October 1986  September 1987  

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Cover Star: Frank Brennan

Frank Brennan is arguably the best karateka of his generation. A long time member of the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB), he is one of the few competitors to win numerous medals in both kumite and kata. Below are some of the magazine covers featuring this great martial artist. May 1980 1982 May 1986 …

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This week in history (8 January – 14 January)

On 8 January 1945 Pauline Bindra (nee Laville) who holds the distinction of being the first woman in Britain to earn a JKA (Japan Karate Association) black belt in karate, was born in Middlesbrough, England. Pauline Bindra has had a great influence on British karate. Apart from the personal accolades of being the first female black …

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Cover Star: Steve Cattle

Steve Cattle has been described him as one of the best karateka to come out of the UK. Highly respected he was known for his exceptional timing and immense Karate knowledge. Below are some of the magazine covers featuring this talented martial artist. June 1977 1985 May 1990 April 1992 1995 May 1995

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Cover Star: Vic Charles

Vic Charles is one of the most recognizable faces in British Karate. He is the winner of multiple kumite titles. He has also featured on a number of magazine covers. February 1980 March 1982 October 1982 August 1987 August 1989 November 1989 April 1997  

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Cover Star: Ticky Donovan

For people of a certain generation the name Ticky Donovan is synonymous with British Karate. As a competitor he was British Champion and part of a World Championship winning team. As a coach and manager he guided the British Karate team during a golden era of success at world level. Below are a number of …

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This Week in history (1 January – 7 January)

On 1 January 1913 Motonobu Hironishi, an early student of Gichin Funakoshi, was born in Kyoto, Japan. Hironishi began his Karate training in 1931 at Waseda University under both Gichin and Yoshitaka Funakoshi. He was a contemporary and good friend of Shigeru Egami at Waseda. Both men would go on to teach at the original Shotokan dojo …

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Cover Star: Geoff Thompson

During the 1980s Geoff Thompson was the face of Sport Karate and captained the British team through one of its most successful periods. Below are some of the covers featuring Thompson. May 1985 December 1988 September 1990

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