MEET SOME OF THE FAMILY
Here are some of the Dojo Karateka stories. See if any resonate with you.
PHIL
Phil started Kyokushin in 1973. His first instructor was Steve Arneil, now head of the BKK and IFK. After a break of 5 years, Phil returned to Kyokushin and trained consistently achieving 1st Kyu before ceasing training due to life commitments. Phil joined Nintai in 2019 after a 26-year break. “Kyokushin has always been with me through the years and I am thrilled to be back 'in the fold' and receive my kuro obi (black belt) this year!”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Darren
Darren joined Nintai in 2021. He was previously a Shodan in Shotokan/Goju karate, bringing a lot of experience and a new perspective to the Kyokushin way. Darren is also an excellent Bunkai practitioner which we all benefit from learning. To come in as a white belt after achieving Black Belt in Shotokan is extremely humbling and all respect to his Shodan is given here.
JOE
Joe joined Nintai in January 2019 as 8th Kyu and is now 2nd Kyu. He started his Karate career in 1989 when he was 9 years old. Joe recently set his sights on his kuro obi and as a result, gave up alcohol to be able to train every single day. After enduring a national grading to receive his brown belt, Joe knows just how hard they are but has been inspired to compete this year in national tournaments.
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.
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.