Dojo Leader

KEITH MOLYNEUX  4 DAN  SHIDOIN

 

I started my martial arts career to encourage my then 8 year old son to take up Karate. I was instantly hooked. Initially I trained Wado Ryu Karate with a focus on competition Kumite, as well as Urban Krav Maga. After a period of a couple of years I was approaching my 2nd kyu grading when a chance meeting with Sensei Passmore in the changing rooms of the sports centre introduced me to Budokan.

 

A brief discussion on Alan Watts and Meditation convinced me to come along and see what Budokan was all about.

 

The inclusion of Zazen in the syllabus was a major draw. I have been interested in meditation practices for my whole adult life, to get formal training was the icing on the cake. So my first lesson was in the Zendo not the Dojo. 2 days later after 15 minutes into my first lesson on the mat, I had realised this was most certainly the club for me.

 

We have a big syllabus, at first it can feel daunting, initially the disciplines feel so far apart, different on fundamental levels. In the past had you asked me which discipline I preferred I would probably change my mind based on which day of the week you asked. However as time has progressed, I have come to realise that it is not individual arts that we practice, the Karate, Aiki,  Iai & Zazen are the four walls that build our house of Budo, each supporting the other, forming a structure in its own right.

 

I received my Shodan in 2011 under Sensei Passmore, Nidan in 2013, Sandan in 2015, Yondan in 2019, since my Shodan I have been attempting to fill the boots of each grade with hard work and humility.

I believe that the study of traditional martial arts is second to none in developing the holistic self and understanding you, that the warrior virtues emanating throughout the practice are as important today as they ever have been, and through dedication, discipline and good instruction we can achieve anything.

 

Outside of Budokan I am an Electrical Designer in the Oil & Gas Industry who specialises in explosive environments.