MEET SOME OF THE FAMILY
Here are some of the Dojo Karateka stories. See if any resonate with you.
SENPAI PHIL
Phil started Kyokushin in 1973 and his first instructor was Steve Arneil, Hanshi and founder of the British Kyokushin Karate organisation. After a first break of 5 years Phil returned to Kyokushin and trained consistently achieving 1st Kyu, before ceasing training due to family and work commitments. After a 26-year break Phil joined Nintai in 2019. Phil passed his Shodan in 2022 and attained his Nidan in 2024.
SENPAI Chris
Chris trained at the Tunbridge Well Dojo under Senpai Ray Person who led a disciplined dojo with a generous and gentle philosophy. As a Green belt, Chris moved to Essex and gained his Brown belt in Shotokan in 2005. In 2019 he discovered Nintai Dojo. “Rediscovering the Kyokushin syllabus and spirit is to rediscover important aspects of oneself. Training with Senpai James and Nintai now feels vital, always giving more than it takes.”
SENPAI JOE
Joe joined Nintai in January 2019 as 8th Kyu. He started his Karate career in 1989 when he was 9 years old. When I settled in the East of England I joined Nintai and trained hard for 6 years to attain my Shodan in 2024. Since joining Nintai I have got involved in the national and international organisations (BKK & IFK) and met people from all over the world who are now dear friends.
Harry
Harry’s son joined the juniors session on Sundays and felt he didn’t want to sit on the side and watch but get stuck in instead. Harry’s development and determination is boundless. He double-graded on his first go. His aptitude for learning and attention to detail is second to none embodying the ethos of Nintai wholeheartedly.
Lucaz
Lukasz started his journey in 2004 Poland under the close eye of Sensei Wojciech Rejterada. Łukasz stood on the podium of many tournaments including the Poland National Championships. From 2012 to 2024 he had break from Kyokushin to focus on his family. In August 2024 Lukasz and his son joined Nintai and has already fought in a tournament under Nintai.
Kate
As James’ wife, I have been part of Nintai since the beginning. I joined Kokoro (in Bishop’s Stortford under Shihan Liam Keaveney) and soon our children joined too. People think I am too calm and gentle as I’m a teacher. But karate is what makes me like that, I can let out all my frustration in a positive way that helps me feel fitter, stronger and more confident.
Ben
Ben joined in 2021. Ben shows a great fighting spirit and is always sharing fantastic video content on our WhatsApp group. He missed the Engish Open 2022 due to an injury but we look forward to seeing this great fighter in the making achieve great things on the matt and will do everything in our power to support him on his journey.
Paul
Paul joined Nintai in May 2022 and was graded in December of the same year. “I have found that Kyokushin’s philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and rigorous training has helped me train not only my body but also my mind, creating a greater sense of inner peace, endurance, perseverance and patience which is the spirit of Nintai.”
Peter
I feel fortunate to have discovered Nintai Dojo where I have been made to feel welcome from the start. It's a fantastic place to learn and practice karate. I am really enjoying following a comprehensive syllabus and grading system that lets me realise a great sense of achievement. It's nice to be part of a collective that has an all-for-one and one-for-all philosophy and a privilege to be learning a new set of skills that through hard work and perseverance, bringing a positive change in my life.
Mark
Mark started training in April 2023, joining from an ITF Taekwondo background. Although Mark had tried other Karate styles before, he was looking for much more than just sport/competition. "Starting again from white belt was humbling but I have found that Kyokushin is a way of life so it was the right decision. The philosophy and techniques develop your perseverance to train harder than you ever thought possible. The constant push to adapt and overcome in training is useful in every day life outside the dojo as well.'
Didier
In March 2024, I joined Nintai to embark on my Kyokushin journey for the first time. With a strong background in boxing, I was drawn to Kyokushin as a means to refine my physical endurance and enhance my technical skills, particularly in the area of kicking. I have discovered a welcoming and supportive community where we strive together to reach our full potential. At the same time, the discipline and formality inherent in this art remain ever-present.