My name is Alan Platt.............................. Roku Dan (6th) Karate-jutsu.
This page is my brief profile of karate
training. I hope it varies enough and reflects the effect on my opinions as you
read. Reflects what is appropriate, effective, realistic, the practical
principles for any self-defence system. I study and teach the mechanics of
combat martial art technique, tactic, dynamics, reflex & pressure points.
Incorporating strikes, kicks, locks, strangles, chokes and throws. I have had
two years practical experience working as a doorman in clubs and pubs. Not my best
qualification I admit. However I did learn a lot from my experiences. Having been
seriously injured on a few occasions, hopefully learning lessons from my errors.
I freely admit I have more questions of karate than answers.
For the benefit of
the grade orientated, I have acquired the Rank of 6th Dan Karate Jutsu. A description, as
much as a specific style I have given to my preferential and personalized training study. My roots stem
from "Japan Karate Association" / "Karate Union of Great Britain" Shotokan /
UKKW Wado Ryu, modern competitive karate and Goju Ryu training. I started Karate
training in 1971. Having some Judo training in my youth club days plus a little
boxing in the army cadets. I trained and graded mostly in Shotokan Karate,
within the K.U.G.B. I have some experience in Wushu-Quan and KungFu.
In 1987 I was awarded at the time the ultimate grade for my K.U.G.B. record
book and karate licence, “3rd Dan JKA” in front of, at that time, a who's who of a
Japanese grading panel. In 1992, I was awarded a 20-year service diploma with a
lifetime membership to the Karate Union of Great Britain. Presented by K Enoeda
Sensei and Andy Sherry of the K.U.G.B. Around that time I also gained full
Judge and Referee status within the K.U.G.B. I have entered and officiated at
many competitions in over the years.
As competition Karate grew up in the 90’s I became very disillusioned as to its effectiveness in reality. I resigned from the K.U.G.B. because I had lost faith in its direction into sports mode. I then became an Instructor, grading examiner and international referee with the "British Shotokan Karate Union". At the time, I thought a good move, alas, as with the K.U.G.B. sports & politics reared their ugly heads distorting what karate means to me, I had to go. I still retain many friends in the Shotokan scene. I still practice some aspects of Shotokan in an effort to make it effective, in particular for myself. It may not look like Shotokan to others but the concept is there.
I have been inspired for many years and still am by a Shotokan master called Dave Hazard. He is probably responsible for teaching me how much karate has to offer the individual willing to explore its technique. After training with him, it became clear a future in Shotokan’s well-established sporting format and static stylistic environment was a lost cause for me. I graduated from Shotokan the organizational styles to the universe of Karate-jutsu
I must openly state that because of my extensive research. I have absolutely no faith in the mystical terminology of words like Ch'i, Ki, Qi. Also any other TCM based combat systems that rely on unsupported theory, or rapport phenomenon. Western Medical Science, the dynamics and tactics of authentic martial arts, provide me with support and all the answers I need in order to teach what I know.
I have instructed and run my own club since the 1980’s. I teach karate based on my own adaptability, experience and knowledge. My Dojo doors are open to anybody. We have no style barrier or prejudice other than bullshit. I am totally convinced that if you restrict or limit yourself to any one system or style without consideration of all the eventualities, that combat produces, you will miss the essence of it all.
I concentrate my efforts on developing a familiar system by which anybody can associate too by virtue of natural movements. I have researched history and realize now that organizational karate has only evolved over no more than 80 years. Pre 1920’s Toudi-jutsu, Karate, Jujutsu, Kyusho Jutsu and Torite all play important roles in my training. Medical science provides documentation of effects of trauma and shock to the body. My efforts focus on established, authentic self-defence, and application, not sport.
My thanks go to:
Sandy Beach, Kevin Hickey, Phil Reed, Roy Tucker, Bill
Bishop, Suzuki, Yamanashi, Colin Winslade, Derrick Nixon, Tomita, Enoeda, Ohta,
Kanasawa, Kawasoe, Asano, Kato, Shiri, Kase, Nakayama, Nito, Dave Hazard, Mick
Dewy, Bruce Miller. Who at one time or another have shown me particular
attention.
Also Patrick McCarthy and Steve Morris (Goju), plus so many others have influenced
my thoughts and training. My current teacher is Terry Wingrove Sensei who
in my opinion and my experience cross's all the T's and dot's all the
I's in practical or historical Karate-jutsu tuition. His style of teaching is very
unique, his concept is decisive or finite technique with naturally fluid movement and
timing. Feeling is believing karate without fear or favour.
My apologies for any I may have missed. If anybody wants to
own up to it, drop me a line.
Enoeda Sensei 8th Dan J.K.A., along with a grading panel
consisting of , Kase 8th Dan, Shirai 8th Dan, Kawasoe 6th Dan and Ohta 5th Dan,
sensei's of the then J.K.A. under Nakayama 9th Dan. Awarded me Sandan grade on 4
/ 9 / 87 J.K.A.
Shodan 1st
Dan 12 / 09 / 1980
Nidan 2nd
Dan 11 / 06 /
1983
Sandan 3rd Dan 04 / 09 /
1987
Yondan 4th
Dan 05 / 12 /
1993
Godan 5th Dan 07 / 10 /
1997
Rokudan 6th Dan 01 / 04 /
2006
AMA - UK Registration; Instructors Insurance Membership Receipt Number 64760 / SE290K.
My early grades & record book entries………………………………
Nakayama, Nishiama, Kase, Enoeda, Kanasawa, Tanaka, Osaka, Mori, Miazaki, Kato, Tomita, Ohta and a few others .........I can't read Japanese and my memory is not so good now.
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