Grand Master Mr Chew Choo Soot

The History of Karate Budokan International Karate-Do, or "The Way of Karate,is many things to many people. It is an art, a sport, a means of self-defence, exercise, a way to gain self-confidence and much more. Your concept of Karate-Do will change as you develop in karate. In karate, we have a saying "karate ni sente nashi" which translates "there is no offence in karate" or "there is no first strike in karate" meaning karate should not be used offensively only defensively. You will note that all kata's (sequence of movements) begin with a bow for respect and start with a block for defence. The essence of karate techniques is KIME. It is the utilisation of the technique to it's best efficiency, achieving the most power, speed and accuracy. Your utmost concentration is required if you are to achieve kime in your techniques.

Training will develop many weapons for the karate student (karateka). The most important weapon the karateka will develop is Self Control. It is said that to overcome others on must first learn to overcome one self. Karate Budokan International (KBI) was founded in 1966 by Karate Budokan's grandmaster Sensei Chew Choo Soot. Budokan's dojo's can be found stretching around the globe in countries such as Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Norway and the United Kingdom. Karate Budokan's grandmaster Sensei Chew Choo Soot was born in Malaysia, as a younger man Mr Chew became interested in weight lifting. It was this interest that gained him recognition in his hometown after his picture was printed on the front cover of a magazine.

By chance a Japanese commander saw Mr Chew's picture and asked if he would become his personal trainer in order to keep fit and healthy, in return Mr Chew asked the commander to teach him karate, in which he was very interested. The commander agreed and began teaching Sensei Chew an art that would stay with him for the rest his life. The lessons lasted two years until the commander was called away to the front line of battle. Sensei Chew still practised the arts but concentrated on his professional career. Sensei Chew then married and had children. He would install in his children the sense of working hard for all that they wished to achieve in life. As part of this they would receive training in karate from their father. It was in the mid sixties that Mr Chew began to receive requests to teach karate to others.

So it was from such humble beginnings as a neighbourhood dojo, Karate Budokan International was born. Since that time Sensei Chew spent many months teaching around the world. He was in constant demand to teach at the affiliated dojo and was renowned not only for his ability in karate, but his prowess with traditional Chinese weaponry. The Head Quarters of Karate Budokan International are based in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia. Karate Budokan is popular not only because of the knowledge of martial arts students acquire, but also as an invigorating for of exercise. It teaches self-control, discipline and respect. Karate is a way of life.

Richard Chew is the son of Mr Chew Choo Soot and since the passing of our grand master has assumed this role himself. Richard Chew is recognised as one of the best coaches in New South Wales Australia.