GETTING TO KNOW SENSEI MIKE!

One of the strengths of Kokoro Shotokan Karate is the experience and passion of our instructors. This month we’re sitting down with Sensei Mike to learn more about his karate journey, what motivates him, and why he still loves stepping onto the dojo floor after more than three decades of training.

Tell us a little about yourself outside of karate.

I’m married with two grown-up children, aged 24 and 19, and I’ve lived in Cardiff all my life. Family is important to me, and when I’m not training, I enjoy travelling, spending time with friends and making the most of life. I’m a huge sports fan, but if there’s one team that always gets my support, it’s Cardiff Rugby.

How and when did you first discover karate?

My dad first took my brother and me to a Wado-Ryu karate club when we were young. We trained there for around eight months before stopping. Years later, in my early twenties, a friend’s brother from the local pub mentioned he was getting a group together to train. That became the Jitsu Kai club, and that’s where my real karate journey began.

What made you stick with it after your first few lessons?

Finding the right club makes all the difference. Good instruction is important, but it’s the camaraderie that keeps you coming back. Training alongside people who encourage each other and enjoy learning together creates an atmosphere that becomes part of your life.

When you achieved your 3rd Dan, what did that milestone mean to you?

Achieving my 3rd Dan felt like the validation of over thirty years of training. There was a much longer gap between my 1st and 2nd Dan than I would have liked, so reaching this level meant a great deal. More importantly, I don’t see it as an end goal, it opens the door to a deeper understanding of karate and reminds you that there’s always more to learn.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your karate journey?

Simply keeping going. Life changes, work, family and other commitments all compete for your time, but consistency is what allows you to improve. Turning up year after year is often the hardest challenge of all.

Which achievement are you most proud of?

Without question, the Denmark Boot Camp grading. Spending an entire week training before completing my black belt grading, including thirty one-minute full-contact fights, was physically and mentally demanding. It’s something I’ll always be proud of because it tested every part of me.

Is there a particular instructor who has influenced you the most?

I’ve had two main instructors from different styles who have both had an equal influence on my karate. Each brought something unique, and I’ve learned valuable lessons from both that still shape how I train today.

What keeps you motivated after all these years?

Karate is a never-ending journey. There is always another technique to refine, another application to understand or another piece of history to explore. Knowing there’s always something new to learn keeps me motivated.

What do you enjoy most about being an instructor at Kokoro Shotokan Karate?

Seeing students enjoying themselves while they’re learning. When people are having fun, they relax, improve more quickly and build confidence. Watching that progress is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

What do you hope every student takes away from your classes?

I want every student to become more efficient in their karate. Sometimes it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing the basics better and understanding why techniques work.

What qualities make a great karate student?

Commitment, listening and curiosity. Students who are prepared to turn up consistently, listen carefully and ask questions usually make the greatest progress.

What’s your favourite kata and why?

Kanku Sho. It’s an athletic kata with lots of movement and contains many bunkai that are still open to interpretation. I enjoy exploring those hidden applications and discovering new ways of understanding it.

Do you have a favourite karate technique?

A perfectly timed Kizami Zuki. It’s simple, fast and incredibly effective when executed correctly.

Kihon, Kata, Kumite or bunkai—which do you enjoy most?

Bunkai. Understanding why a kata movement exists and how it can be applied in a realistic situation is fascinating. It brings kata to life.

If you could spend a day training with any karate master, past or present, who would it be?

Anko Itosu. I’d love the opportunity to understand what he originally intended when creating and developing many of the kata that we still practise today.

What advice would you give to someone who’s nervous about starting karate?

Anything that’s new can feel uncomfortable at first. Don’t decide after one lesson. Give yourself time to settle in, get to know the people around you and experience what karate is about.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in karate?

Many years ago, a 4th Dan who had moved away from Jitsu Kai showed me a simple adjustment to the position of my thumb and wrist. It was a tiny detail, but it completely changed the quality of my technique. It taught me that the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.

What would you say to a student who’s thinking about giving up?

Take a break if you need one, but don’t think that leaving has to be permanent. Sometimes stepping away for a little while helps you come back refreshed and with a renewed appreciation for training.

If you could teach one life lesson through karate, what would it be?

Never stop learning. Whether it’s karate, work or life in general, don’t assume you know everything. Stay open-minded, keep asking questions and always look for ways to improve.

Tell us about your competition experience.

I’ve competed in both knockdown and point-scoring karate competitions over the years. My competition highlights include winning silver and bronze medals at Welsh Championships and a bronze medal at a national competition. Every competition taught me something different and helped develop both my karate and my mindset.

Quick Fire Round

Tea or coffee?
Tea.

Kata or kumite?
Kumite.

Favourite post-training meal?
Pasta – a cliché I know

Favourite film?
Goodfellas.

Dream holiday?
New York.

One word that sums up karate?
Fun.

What are your personal karate goals over the next few years?

I want to deepen my understanding of bunkai, reinforce my kata knowledge and continue learning more about the history of karate. The more you study, the more you realise how much there is still to discover.

What excites you most about the future of Kokoro Shotokan Karate?

The quality of the students. We have people who genuinely want to improve, and that creates a fantastic atmosphere in the dojo. Watching them develop over the coming years is something I’m really looking forward to.

OSS 🥋