Tag: Brian Fitkin

Gary Spiers

An instructor must instill the attitude… “My life is in jeopardy – I must finish this man (or men) here in now!” Gary Spiers A larger-than-life character, Gary Spiers was one of the earliest exponents of practical applied Karate in the United Kingdom. He was a no-nonsense martial artist who used Karate as a tool …

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This week in history…(1 May – 7 May)

1 May On 1 May 1949, the Japan Karate Association(Nippon Karate Kyokai) was formed. Kichinosuke Saigo was the first President of the association, with Isao Obata the first Chairman. On 1 May 1953, Fujikiyo Omura was born Shizuoka, Japan. He began learning Karate at high school in 1970. Known for the speed and dynamism of …

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Jeff Whybrow

There’s a time to stop, and a time to push Jeff Whybrow A legend of British Kyokushin Karate, Jeff Whybrow was a protege or Steve Arneil. He was one of the faces of British Karate during the 1970s and the 1980s. He was equally comfortable in knockdown tournaments as well as point-fighting competitions. He was …

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This week in history…(20 February – 26 February)

20 February On 20 February 1964, José Manuel Egea Caceres, the oldest of three boys, was born in the Pan Bendito neighbourhood of Madrid, Spain. He is one of the greatest European competitors, being an 8-time World Champion (junior and senior), a 13-time European Champion, a 14-time Spanish Champion, and the winner of numerous open …

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Dolph Lundgren

I discovered martial arts, first Judo and then Karate, and I became quite good at it, because I had something to prove. And more than anything, I needed to feel safe. Dolph Lundgren Many people know Dolph Lundgren as a successful movie star, who has appeared in more than 40 films, including the likes of …

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This week in history (2 May – 8 May)

2 May On 2 May 1967, the 2nd European Championships were held at the Crystal Palace, London. Brian Fitkin was selected to be a member of the British team, even though he was a green belt. Britain defeated a powerful French team in the Team Kumite event. During the tournament, the 20-year-old Fitkin defeated a …

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On this day….(February 26)

On 26 February 1946 Brian Fitkin, a Kyokushin practitioner, was born in London. Fighting at heavyweight, Brian Fitkin was described by legend Steve Arneil as being like “a Stalking Tiger“. Considered one of the best all-around fighters to come out of the UK, Fitkin was a natural fighter who could fight with control or go …

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Felix Ntumazah

Why do people blame the system when people are the architects of the system…we live in a world full of hypocrisy. Felix Ntumazah A six-time European Kyokushin champion, Felix Ntumazah’s early life reads like a thriller novel. There were assassination attempts against his father and he and his family had to flee various countries to …

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This week in history (26 April – 2 May)

26 April On 26 April 1957, Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, died in a Tokyo hospital, aged 88. His family and close student Shigeru Egami were at his bedside. On 26 April 1965, a touring party from the JKA gave their third authorized demonstration in Britain. The party consisted of Taiji Kase, Hirokazu …

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This week in history (22 Feb – 28 Feb)

22 February On 22 February 1964, Hiroo Mochizuki, representing Yoseikan Karate, arrived in the UK for a three-day visit. He was invited by the British Karate Federation (BKF) to conduct lessons at their London and York dojos. He also conducted a grading at the York dojo. 23 February On 23 February 1966, Edward Whitcher and Robert …

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