In this very special episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with one of the most respected and influential figures from the formative years of British Shotokan karate — Bob Rhodes Sensei.From the early days of Shotokan in Britain, through the legendary training culture of the 1960s and 70s, national and international competition, to becoming a senior instructor, examiner and mentor to generations of karateka, Bob Rhodes Sensei has experienced an extraordinary period of karate history.This conversation takes Bob Sensei right back to the beginning.🥋 In this episode we discuss:• How Bob Rhodes first discovered karate• His memories of those first training sessions• What karate training was really like in Britain during the early years• Training during what many consider the golden era of British Shotokan• The influence of legendary instructors including Keinosuke Enoeda Sensei and Andy Sherry Sensei• The intensity, discipline and expectations of traditional karate training• His development as both a kata and kumite competitor• Competing during the 1970s• The 1973 KUGB National Team Championships• Representing British karate internationally• His memories of the 1975 World Championships in Los Angeles• The significance of Britain competing successfully against Japan• The mentality required to compete at the highest level• His transition from competitor to instructor• His years teaching at Leeds Shotokan Karate Club• Becoming a senior instructor and grading examiner• What Bob Sensei believes makes a genuine black belt• The importance of kihon, kata and kumite• Timing, distance, power and the technical details that make Shotokan effective• How his understanding of karate has changed over a lifetime of training• The difference between karate then and karate today• What modern karate can learn from previous generations• Teaching and mentoring generations of karateka• The importance of passing knowledge from teacher to student• Longevity in karate and adapting training as we get older• What still motivates him to step onto the dojo floor• His thoughts on the future of traditional Shotokan karate• The lessons karate has taught him away from the dojo• And ultimately… what karate means to Bob Rhodes Sensei todayThis isn’t simply a conversation about competition results, grades or titles.It’s an opportunity to hear the memories and experiences of someone who lived through an incredibly important period in the development of British Shotokan karate and has spent decades passing that knowledge on to others.For students of Shotokan, instructors, competitors and anyone interested in the history and development of karate in Britain, this is a conversation not to be missed.🎙️ UK KARATE PODCAST🌐 Website: www.ukkaratepodcast.co.uk📺 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@UKKaratePodcast📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ukkaratepodcast/📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/ukkaratepodcast/🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0Nq7jr9fTKxDY0EFsanYHy🍎 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/uk-karate-podcast/id1861484516📧 Guest enquiries, collaborations & sponsorship:www.ukkaratepodcast.co.uk#BobRhodes #BobRhodesSensei #UKKaratePodcast #Shotokan #ShotokanKarate #Karate #KaratePodcast #TraditionalKarate #KUGB #BritishKarate #KarateHistory #KeinosukeEnoeda #AndySherry #KarateSensei #KarateTraining #Kata #Kumite #Budo #KarateDo #MartialArts #MartialArtsPodcast #KarateJourney #KarateLife #KarateCommunity #ShotokanUK

In this episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with Sensei John Johnston, 8th Dan, for a fascinating conversation spanning more than five decades in karate.John began his Shotokan journey in the early 1970s and went on to become a highly experienced competitor, instructor and long-standing captain of the KUGB Central Region Squad. His karate journey has seen him train with and alongside some of the most respected names in British karate, as well as draw on real-world experience from his years working in the security industry.But John is perhaps best known today for his work with Adaptive Karate — a philosophy built around the belief that karate should be made viable for the individual, rather than expecting every individual to fit the same system.We talk about:🥋 John’s early days in Shotokan karate🥋 Competing for more than 25 years🥋 Captaining the KUGB Central Region Squad🥋 Training with Frank Brennan and other influential karateka🥋 The origins and philosophy behind Adaptive Karate🥋 Teaching students with disabilities and additional needs🥋 How karate can improve confidence, independence and wellbeing🥋 Practical karate, bunkai and making techniques functional🥋 His experiences working in nightclub security🥋 How his understanding of karate has changed over more than 50 years🥋 Why karate should adapt to the person — not the other way aroundThis is a conversation about much more than technique. It’s about longevity, inclusion, practicality and what karate can genuinely give people throughout their lives.🎙️ UK Karate PodcastWhere Every Karate Journey Has A Story.🌐 www.ukkaratepodcast.co.ukIf you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and share to help us continue bringing you conversations with fascinating people from across the karate world.#UKKaratePodcast #JohnJohnston #AdaptiveKarate #Karate #ShotokanKarate #PracticalKarate #Bunkai #MartialArts #InclusiveKarate #KaratePodcast

In this episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we are joined by one of the most influential figures in European Shotokan karate, Martin Buchstaller.Martin's journey is unique. Alongside a distinguished international karate career, he built an impressive executive career with major automotive manufacturers including Volkswagen AG, Nissan and Suzuki, eventually holding senior leadership positions within Volkswagen while continuing to contribute to karate at the highest level.As a member of the German JKA National Team from 1993–1998, Martin represented Germany at three JKA World Championships:🥋 Philadelphia, USA (1994)🥋 Osaka, Japan (1996)🥋 Paris, France (1998)He also became a two-time JKA Germany Shotokan Cup Kata Champion and later dedicated himself to developing the next generation of karateka as a national coach, producing athletes who achieved success on the world stage.Beyond competition, Martin served as Vice President and later President of JKA Germany, helping shape the direction of traditional karate during a pivotal period in its history.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin co-founded Karate@Home, a revolutionary initiative that connected karate practitioners around the world and demonstrated that the karate community could remain united even when separated by distance.In this conversation we discuss:✅ Martin's karate journey✅ Competing at the JKA World Championships✅ Training and competing in Japan✅ Winning the Shotokan Cup✅ Coaching elite athletes✅ Leading JKA Germany✅ Lessons from executive leadership at Volkswagen✅ The creation of Karate@Home✅ The future of traditional karate✅ Leadership, legacy and lifelong learningWhether you're a Shotokan practitioner, martial artist, instructor, competitor, or simply interested in leadership and personal development, this episode is packed with valuable insights from a lifetime dedicated to excellence.🎙️ UK Karate PodcastWhere Every Karate Journey Has A Story.📧 Contact: ukkaratepodcast@gmail.com🌐 Visit the UK Karate Podcast Website:www.ukkaratepodcast.co.uk🎧 Listen on:SpotifyApple Podcasts📺 Subscribe for more conversations with leading karate practitioners, instructors and martial artists from around the world.#MartinBuchstaller #UKKaratePodcast #ShotokanKarate #JKA #KarateAtHome #TraditionalKarate #KaratePodcast #KarateTraining #Shotokan #MartialArts #KarateLeadership #Volkswagen #JKAWorldChampionships #KarateCoach #Budo #KarateCommunity #KarateDo #KarateLife #JapaneseMartialArts #KarateWithoutBorders

Two of HDKI’s rising instructors join the UK Karate Podcast for a special episode.In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Senft Sensei and Natalie Böttcher Sensei from HDKI (Hombu Dojo Karate International) for an in-depth conversation about Shotokan karate, competition, coaching, grading, women in karate and the future of karate training.Both HDKI GB Southern Squad Coaches, Amelia and Natalie discuss their karate journeys, experiences competing and coaching, the lessons they’ve learned through training, and their passion for helping the next generation of karateka develop.Whether you train in Shotokan Karate, HDKI, JKA, WKF, WUKF, SKIF, or simply love martial arts, this episode offers valuable insights into karate coaching, kata, kumite, competition mindset, dojo culture and lifelong training.🥋 In this episode we discuss:✅ How Amelia Senft Sensei started karate✅ Natalie Böttcher Sensei’s karate journey & competition success✅ HDKI GB Squad Coaching & developing young karateka✅ Women in karate & leadership in martial arts✅ Shotokan karate training, kata & kumite✅ Competition mindset & tournament experiences✅ The future of karate in the UK✅ Advice for karate students, instructors and competitorsNatalie Böttcher Sensei has built an impressive competition résumé, while Amelia Senft Sensei has become an important part of HDKI coaching and squad development — making this an essential watch for anyone interested in Shotokan karate and modern karate training.🎙️ Welcome to the UK Karate Podcast — where every karate journey has a story.🎧 Listen & Watch the UK Karate Podcast:▶️ YouTube: @ukkaratepodcast🎵 Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts📩 Business enquiries / guest requests:ukkaratepodcast@gmail.com🥋 Subscribe for more episodes featuring top karate instructors, world champions, Sensei, dojo leaders and inspiring martial arts stories from across the UK and around the world.#UKKaratePodcast #KaratePodcast #ShotokanKarate #HDKI #HDKIGB #AmeliaSenft #NatalieBottcher #Karate #MartialArts #Kata #Kumite #Shotokan #KarateTraining #WomenInKarate #KarateCompetition #WKF #WUKF #JKA #SKIF #KarateLife #Sensei #Dojo #MartialArtsPodcast

🥋 ROB BINGHAM SENSEI | From SKIF to World Gold | Competition, Coaching & Karate Journey | UK Karate PodcastWelcome to another episode of the UK Karate Podcast — where every karate journey has a story.In this episode, we sit down with Sensei Rob Bingham, a highly respected karate instructor, elite competitor, and national kata coach with decades of experience in traditional and sport karate.Rob shares his incredible karate journey, starting at just 6 years old in 1987, training under Sensei Dave Kershaw in Grimsby within SKIF under Hanshi Asano. From earning his Shodan in 1992 and achieving national success, to competing on the international stage and becoming a World & European Champion, Rob’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and continuous evolution.We discuss:🥋 Starting karate in the SKIF era under Hanshi Asano🏆 National success and progression through Shodan, Nidan & Sandan🌍 Competing internationally at the SKIF World Championships in Bali🇩🇰🇺🇦 European Championships in Denmark & Ukraine🔥 The impact of competing at the English International Open at Crystal Palace👊 Selection for JKA England under Sensei Ohta🥇 Becoming British Champion (BKF)🇬🇧 Representing England in WKF & EKF competition🏅 WUKF World Gold & European Gold success🎯 Coaching roles including:• Northern Region Kata Coach• Junior EKF Kata Coach• Senior National Kata Coach at WKF European Championships🥋 Building successful competitors through his club, producing National Squad members, Champions, and World & European medalists👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why seeing his son and daughter succeed in karate means the mostFrom traditional Shotokan roots to the highest levels of WKF, EKF, BKF, JKA, AMA and WUKF competition, this is an inspiring conversation packed with karate history, mindset, competition stories, coaching insights, and lessons from decades in the martial arts.If you enjoy the episode, please LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to support the channel and help grow the karate community.📺 Watch more episodes:The UK Karate Podcast🎧 Also available on:🍏 Apple Podcasts🎵 Spotify💬 Who should we interview next? Let us know in the comments!#Karate #Shotokan #RobBingham #UKKaratePodcast #WKF #WUKF #JKA #EKF #BKF #TraditionalKarate #MartialArts #Kata #KarateCompetition #Sensei #ShotokanKarate #KarateLife #KarateEngland #KarateCoach #Budo #MartialArtsPodcast

In this episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with Sensei Rachel Kattawar — a 5th Dan black belt with the Japan Karate Association (JKA), 6-time JKA National Kata Champion, and former Junior Olympics champion representing Team USA Rachel shares her incredible karate journey, from her early success in competition to becoming one of the leading figures in American Shotokan karate. We dive deep into the world of JKA USA, exploring the differences between the US and UK karate scenes, the realities of high-level kata competition, and what it takes to stay at the top over many years.This is a powerful conversation about discipline, longevity, and evolving with karate — while staying true to traditional values.🎯In this episode we cover:Training and competing in JKA USA🥇 What it takes to become a national kata champion🧠 The mindset behind elite performance🌍 Differences between UK and US karate💻 Teaching karate in the modern world (online & in person)🥋 Staying motivated through a lifelong karate journey🔔Follow & Support UK Karate Podcast👉 YouTube: / @ukkaratepodcast 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/yourlink👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...|-shotokan-traditional-karate-martial-arts/id1861484516📲Follow Sensei Rachel Kattawar(Search “Rachel Kattawar” on ‪@karateathome3752‬ for her latest training content)💬Get InvolvedWho would you like to see next on the podcast?Drop a comment below and tag them 👇🥋About UK Karate PodcastThe UK Karate Podcast brings you conversations with karateka from around the world — sharing real journeys, experiences, and insights from traditional Shotokan and beyond.#shotokan #karate #JKAKarate, #JKAUSA #kata #champions #Traditional #Podcast #ukkaratepodcast

🎙️ Podcast Interview with Matt Price | Karate, Competition, Coaching & Legacy In this special episode, we sit down with one of the UK’s most respected Shotokan karate practitioners, Matt Price, to explore an incredible journey spanning grassroots beginnings, elite competition, international success, and high-level coaching. From being told he was “one of the worst students” to becoming a dominant force in British and international karate, Matt shares honest insights, powerful lessons, and the mindset that carried him to the top.

🥋 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Matt went from a reluctant beginner to an elite competitor

• The impact of early setbacks and how they shaped his mindset

• Training under top instructors and the influence of strong dojo culture

• What it takes to compete—and win—at national and international level

• The mental and physical demands of excelling in both kata and kumite

• Leadership lessons from captaining top-level teams • Transitioning from competitor to coach and mentor

• Insights into training in Japan and achieving 7th Dan

• The evolution of karate through coaching, writing, and technology

• Advice for the next generation of karateka

🔥 Why You Should Watch: Whether you’re a karate student, instructor, competitor, or martial arts enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights on discipline, resilience, leadership, and long-term growth in martial arts.

📲 Follow UK Karate Podcast:

• Facebook: UK Karate Podcast

• Instagram: @ukkaratepodcast

• Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

In this special episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with Sensei John Gardiner and Sensei Stuart Amos as they come together to all things karate. From decades of training and teaching to insights into Shotokan, competition, and traditional values, this episode is packed with stories, and inspiration for martial artists of all levels.Whether you’re a beginner or experienced karateka, this is a must-watch conversation with two highly respected figures in UK karate.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more karate content, interviews, and expert insights.🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nq7jr9...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...📲 Follow UK Karate Podcast:Facebook: / ukkaratepodcast Instagram: / ukkaratepodcast #Karate #Shotokan #MartialArts #UKKarate #KaratePodcast #JohnGardiner #StuartAmos #KarateTraining #MartialArtsPodcast