We are absolutely delighted to announce that next February, Saturday 7th, we have Harada Sensei, Chief instructor of (KDS) Shotokai, visiting to take us for a course at the Bunyan Centre. Harada Sensei was one of Funakoshi Gichin’s students and was awarded 5th dan by him in 1956. He has never accepted any further grades out of respect for Funakoshi Gichin.
Harada Sensei introduced Shotokai, the sister style to our Shotokan, to the UK in the 1960’s and is head of KDS The karate-do-Shotokai. Shotokai means the way of Funakoshi. Sensei is one of only a handful of instructors still alive to have been taught by Funakoshi O Sensei. In the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2007, Harada Sensei received an MBE for services to karate.
We are extremely lucky to have him visit and it is a genuine honour for us as he extremely rarely gives instruction to any outside of his group. Harada Sensei is to Shotokai what Kanazawa Sensei is to Shotokan. To train with him in our dojo will be a rare opportunity and genuinely is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Be sure you don’t miss the chance to train with this global legend of karate, an absolute gentleman and a true master of karate.
Renshi Kidby cannot overstate what an exciting opportunity this is for all of our membership whatever the grade. Apart from anything else just to be in a dojo with a grand master and possibly to have your photo taken with him is an opportunity not to be missed.
Above Harada Sensei and a copy of his 5th Dan Certificate awarded by Funakoshi Gichin
As this will be an extremely popular course, and to save time on the day, entrance on the day will be by ticket at a mere cost of only £20 per student (no family discounts). Tickets will be sold well in advance of the day.
In the first instance, if you are interested in training with Harada Sensei, please inform your club instructor to give us an idea of potential numbers.
Our sincere thanks and gratitude must go to Minh Chung Sensei who approached Harada Sensei on behalf of CFTS and assisted Renshi Kidby in putting the day on.
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