Ken Hori Season 2 Episode 9
🥋 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 Journey
Phase 1 (1987–1990): The Beginning
Started karate while studying Maths at Cambridge University.
Trained under Eric Pich, graded by Bob Poynton, with Sensei Enoeda visiting termly.
Became Men’s Captain, achieved Shodan in record time, and represented Cambridge with BUSA medals.
Toured the USA, training with Nishiyama, Mori, Mikami, and Enoeda.
Phase 2 (1990–1994): Tokyo Years
Returned to Japan as a young salaryman.
Trained at a JKA dojo in Tokyo before work commitments took over.
Phase 3 (1994–1998): London Years
Posted to London, trained with KUGB, and earned Nidan with Sensei Enoeda.
Phase 4 (1998–2004): Back to Cambridge
Resumed training with Cambridge University Karate Club.
Became Captain again, won numerous national medals, and earned Sandan in 2001.
Represented Cambridge at Sensei Enoeda’s memorial service.
Phase 5 (2005–2019): JKA England Years
Joined Oasis Shotokan Karate Club under Sensei Ohta.
Became an assistant instructor, national squad coach, and international competitor.
Progressed to Godan and continued winning medals nationally and internationally.
Phase 6 (2014–Present): Cambridge Karate Dojo
Founded Cambridge Karate Dojo, now one of the largest in the city with nearly 150 members.
Continued teaching through lockdowns with 179 Zoom sessions.
Phase 7 (2021–Present): JKA WF England
Co-founded Japan Shotokan Karate England (JSKE) with Roy Tomlin.
Joined JKA WF England under Sensei Kawasoe.
Expanded to 9 clubs and 350+ members, regularly attending international gasshuku.
Achieved Rokudan, Instructor A, Examiner B, and Referee B licences in 2024.
Trains regularly with Sensei Kawasoe, Sensei Shimizu, and Sensei Naka.
✨ Episode highlights:
Balancing elite academics, career, and karate.
Insights from training with legendary Shotokan masters.
Building Cambridge Karate Dojo and helping karate flourish in the UK.
How to train “tsuyoi karate” — strong karate — focusing on power, balance, and spirit.
🎧 Whether you’re a student of Shotokan karate, a martial artist, or someone inspired by discipline and dedication, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration.
👉 If you enjoy the episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with karateka and martial arts leaders!
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