Episodes

🥋 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 ...

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 rea...

🎙️ 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 mi...

🎙️ UK Karate Podcast – Season 2 Episode 12 | In Conversation with WTKO Chief Instructor Richard Amos SenseiWelcome back to the UK Karate Podcast!In Season 2, Episode 12, we’re honoured to sit down with Richard Amos Sensei, Chief Instructor of the World Traditional Karate Organisation (WTKO). Known globally for his precision, exceptional technical skill, and decades of dedication to traditional Shotokan Karate, Amos Sensei joins us for a deep, insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.In thi...

UK Karate Podcast – Episode: Hayden MeredithInterview | Shotokan & Kase Ha Journey In this episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with Sensei Hayden Meredith,a dedicated karateka whose martial arts journey began back in 2012 at just 12years old. From his early days training in Shotokan Karate mixed with freestylekickboxing influences, to earning his 1st Dan black belt at 16, Hayden sharesthe ups and downs of his journey through multiple martial arts styles — judo,boxing, kung fu, and kic...

🎥 John O’Neill , A Lifetime in Karate, from Liverpool to the World Stage 🥋 From a 13-year-old beginner in Liverpool to an international karate champion, coach, and mentor — this is the incredible journey of John O’Neill. Starting his martial arts journey in Wado Ryu Karate, John quickly showed his dedication and passion for the art, earning his 1st Kyu before transitioning to Shotokan Karate under Sensei Tony Chin. Training six days a week, his hunger for growth took him to the legendary Red Tr...

🥋 Ken Hori – A Karate Journey Through Decades | Shotokan Karate Podcast In this episode, we sit down with Ken Hori Sensei, Chief Instructor of Cambridge Karate Dojo and senior instructor within JKA WF England, to hear his remarkable karate journey spanning over 35 years. From his early days at Cambridge University Karate Club to training with legends like Sensei Enoeda, Nishiyama, Mori, Mikami, and Naka, Ken shares a story of passion, perseverance, and lifelong learning. 📖 Ken Hori’s Karate Jou...

🎙️ Welcome to the UK Karate Podcast – Episode with Dean Hodgkin 🥋🇬🇧Welcome to the UK Karate Podcast, where we explore the journeys of karateka from all backgrounds, sharing real stories, insights, and experiences from across the karate world. This is a non-political, passion-driven platform that shines a light on the martial artists who’ve helped shape—and are still shaping—the art we love. In this special episode, we sit down with Dean Hodgkin, a true legend in English karate. Dean was a key f...

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with the incredible Chrissie Howard – a passionate martial artist, dedicated instructor, and inspiring voice in the karate community.Chrissie shares her personal journey in karate, from her early beginnings to becoming a respected figure both on and off the tatami. We dive into her experiences as a competitor, her approach to teaching, the challenges she’s overcome, and the impact karate has had on her life.🔥 Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist, a...

David Sensei started karate in January 1991at Newark SKC under Sensei Darren Taggart. Took his first Kyu grading with Sensei Bob Rhodes and competed at the Lincoln Open as a red belt, earning runner-up. Trained 3+ times weekly, inspired by Newark and Grantham dojos. Failed Shodan in 1994, but passed under Sensei Enoeda in Rhyl, May 1994—first black belt for my senseis. Earned Nidan in 1997. Competed until 2000, with a final silver medal in 2007. Returned in 2019 when my son Taylor started traini...

An inspiring podcast interview with Fran Charlton, 4th Dan martial artist, Whose incredible journey transforms a tumultuous upbringing into a powerful Budo Mindset. Born into a creative yet chaotic family marked by narcissism, abuse, and neglect, Fran found strength through martial arts starting at age 11. From karate competitions to embracing aikido, overcoming malnutrition, and navigating an unexpected pregnancy, Fran’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. Now a sports and injury the...

Join us for an in-depth interview with Scott Langley, 7th Dan Shotokan Karate master, founder of Hombu Dojo Karate International (HDKI), and bestselling author of Karate Stupid and A Sustainable Karate-ka. Starting martial arts at age five with jujutsu and transitioning to karate in North Yorkshire, Scott’s path led him to Japan, where he became the fifth non-Japanese to graduate the gruelling JKS Instructors’ Course. In this conversation, Scott shares his experiences training under legendary se...

Join us for an inspiring and action-packed conversation with Sensei John Gardiner, a martial arts legend and esteemed karate instructor! In this episode of UK Karate Podcast, we dive deep into Sensei Gardiner’s incredible journey— from his time as a British Champion to coaching alongside the renowned Ticky Donovan.With decades of experience in kata, kumite, and innovative training techniques, Sensei John shares his wisdom on mastering the mindset needed to excel in martial arts and beyond.Expect...

🎙️ UK Karate Podcast • Sensei Shaun Cassidy | Karate Journey, Coaching Insights & Shotokan Philosophy Join us on the UK Karate Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Sensei Shaun Cassidy, a seasoned Shotokan karate practitioner and coach. In this episode, Sensei Shaun shares his karate journey — from his first dojo steps to becoming a respected teacher — and the lessons martial arts have taught him about mindset, leadership, and resilience. Whether you’re a beginner, competitor, dojo instru...

A conversation with the HDKI Technical Director Sensei Simon Bligh 6th Dan. Simon Bligh was born in 1960 and has been training in Shotokan Karate since 1974, where he started in his hometown of Liverpool. After relocating to London, he spent many years as a member of Enoeda Sensei`s famous Marshall St Dojo. In 1990-1991 he spent a year living, training and working in Japan. In 2004 he joined the JKS and has been a big contributor to the success of JKS in England. He has a wealth of experience in...