Videos
Podcast highlights, powerful moments and short clips from our conversations with karateka from around the world.
Aug. 24, 2026
Traditional Karate vs Sport Karate Confidence #shorts
Bob Rhodes: Does sport karate build the same confidence as traditional karate? Sticking it out and training hard in traditional karate can instill immense self-assurance in life. #Karate #MartialArts #SelfDefense #Confidence #Sports
Aug. 23, 2026
Bob Rhodes Sensei: The Golden Era of British Shotokan Karate | UK Karate Podcast
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 β 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. π₯ In this episode we discuss: β’ How Bob Rhodes first discovered karate β’ His memories of those first training sessions β’ What karate training was really like in Britain during the early years β’ Training during what many consider the golden era of British Shotokan β’ The influence of legendary instructors including Keinosuke Enoeda Sensei and Andy Sherry Sensei β’ The intensity, discipline and expectations of traditional karate traiβ¦
Aug. 18, 2026
The Shocking Moment I Was Slapped After a Grading #shorts
Matt Price: One unforgettable moment: a stranger slapped me after a grading, shouting 'Best grading today!' and walking off. It's a bizarre memory that still sticks with me. #Grading #MartialArts #UnforgettableMoments #BizarreEncounters #Training
Aug. 11, 2026
Build Unshakeable Confidence Through Silence #shorts
Discover the power of silence in building resilience and confidence. Learn to stand your ground, maintain presence of mind, and walk away with pride, even in confrontational situations. #Resilience #Confidence #SelfDefense #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth
Aug. 11, 2026
Discipline: The Path to Self-Respect #shorts
John Johnston: Staying silent and focused builds discipline, offering self-respect and keeping one away from wrong paths and negative influences. It's a way to stay sane. #Discipline #SelfRespect #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
Aug. 8, 2026
John Johnston: 55 Years of Karate & The Story Behind Adaptive Karate
π₯ John Johnston | Adaptive Karate, Practical Karate & Over 50 Years in the Martial Arts 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 β 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: π₯ Johnβs early days in Shotokan karate π₯ Competing for more than 25 years π₯ Captaining the KUGB Central Region Squad π₯ Trainβ¦
July 30, 2026
Military Officer Meets the King #shorts
A military officer shares a surprising encounter with the King at a royal event. The conversation began with a mention of their base at Cranwell and their specific role. #MilitaryLife #RoyalFamily #UKHistory #OfficerStory
July 28, 2026
The Killer Instinct: Yara's Dangerous Profession #shorts
Was Yara truly a killer, or just a bodyguard? His dangerous job blurred the lines between protection and peril. Everyone agreed he had the vibe, but did he have the kill? #Yara #DangerousJobs #Security #Bodyguard #Peril
July 9, 2026
The Fearful Spirit of the Dojo #shorts
true martial arts spirit thrives on nervous energy. Experience the palpable tension before training, a feeling many dojos lack today. #MartialArts #DojoLife #KarateSpirit #Discipline
July 3, 2026
Keep Going: Prove Them Wrong #shorts
Told you're not good enough? Hear that all the time. Just keep going. Prove them wrong. Listen to those who've succeeded. I failed my exams twice, but tenacity wins. You'd be surprised what you can achieve. #Perseverance #Motivation #NeverGiveUp #SuccessMindset #MartialArts
July 2, 2026
Finding Strength After Loss: A Karate Journey #shorts
One year after losing my mother, I competed in the Shotokan Cup finals. Grief was immense, but the discipline of karate provided the toughness to face life's challenges, including caring for my father with dementia. #Karate #GriefJourney #Resilience #FamilyCare #SportsPsychology
July 2, 2026
Beyond the Bubble: Discovering a Wider Karate World #shorts
Pull back the curtain on the massive karate community. Discover welcoming organizations and diverse training opportunities beyond your club's bubble. #KarateCommunity #MartialArts #Training #BeyondTheBubble
June 28, 2026
Karate Politics: More Than Stripes and Stars #shorts
Years of mistakes in karate politics taught me a valuable lesson: it's about the human being, not the rank. Good and bad exist everywhere, regardless of color or status. #Karate #MartialArts #PersonalGrowth #LifeLessons
June 24, 2026
Escape Your Problems Through Training #shorts
Turn your hour of training into an escape. Push harder, forget your day, and find your freedom. It's your time, your decision, your release. #Training #MartialArts #Mindfulness #StressRelief
June 24, 2026
π₯ Martin Buchstaller JKA World Championships, Volkswagen Leadership & The Birth of Karate@home
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 1993β1998, Martin represented Germany at three JKA World Championships: π₯ Philadelphia, USA (1994) π₯ Osaka, Japan (1996) π₯ 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 β¦
June 18, 2026
Karate Power Secrets: Bone, Not Just Muscle #shorts
Discover how Sensei Naka's teachings reveal that bone, not just muscle, generates karate power. Learn to harness breathing and technique for explosive force, a lesson refined with age and experience. #Karate #MartialArts #PowerGeneration #TrainingTips #SelfDefense
June 16, 2026
Why People Focus on the Negative #shorts
The human mind remembers negative feedback more than positive. Even when 99% of a video is praised, one tiny critique often overshadows it. People tend to focus on the 'left fin out by 22 degrees' rather than the rest. #NegativeBias #PsychologyFacts #Mindset #Perception
June 13, 2026
Fight for It: Embracing Discomfort #shorts
Coached to fight when pushed out of his comfort zone. A good punch in the face keeps you real. Learn to fight when life demands it. #UKKaratePodcast #Karate #MartialArts #KarateLife #KarateCommunity
June 12, 2026
Mastering the Stance: The Foundation of Karate #shorts
Unlock the power of a solid karate stance. Learn how proper alignment of your front and back legs, as demonstrated by generations of martial artists, is crucial for stability and technique. #Karate #MartialArts #Stance #Training #Budo
June 11, 2026
The Impossible Kata Becomes My Signature Move #shorts
Once an impossible dream, this kata became my signature. Inspired by Sensei's mastery, I polished it until it flowed. A true turning point in my journey. #MartialArts #Kata #Inspiration #Dedication #Training
June 10, 2026
Failing After Success: Embracing the Fall #shorts
The sting of failure after reaching the top is profound. This podcast explores why accepting setbacks is crucial for growth and resilience. Learn to navigate the inevitable. #Failure #Resilience #GrowthMindset #Podcast
June 9, 2026
Karate in a Wheelchair? Watch Her Prove Them Wrong! #shorts
People say karate can't be done in a wheelchair. But she's not just doing it, she's mastering it! Don't let assumptions define possibilities. #AdaptiveSports #Inspiration #MartialArts #WheelchairKarate #DisabilityAwareness
June 9, 2026
Finding New Karate Instructors #shorts
Leaving JKA England opened doors to diverse karate training. Now training with Sensei Kawasoe monthly, and exploring other clubs in Hammersmith for consistent practice. #KarateTraining #MartialArts #Sensei #Dojo
June 8, 2026
Controlled Aggression and Elite Skill #shorts
Discussing the unique blend of controlled aggression and off-the-charts skill that defined a truly great athlete. He always had time for everyone, yet was ferocious on the field. #SportsLegend #AthleteMindset #ElitePerformance #ControlledAggression