It is with regret that we must announce the death of Sensei Bernard Coppen.
He recently passed away after a long illness. He had been fighting health issues for many years which is why he was forced to retire from active participation in karate. His kata was exemplary, it was the biggest love of his life.
He first met me, Renshi Kidby, in 1970 when we were both in the motor trade. Sensei Coppen worked in his family business, a garage on the A1, in Wyboston, Beds. In 1972 we began training karate in what was then the JKA with Kanazawa Sensei, under the tutelage of John Van Weenen. We both continued training with Sensei van Weenen in various associations until, along with Sensei Calver, we formed CFTS in 1994.
Sensei Coppen will be missed and grieved by his family and friends.
Rest in peace Bernard.