With severe overnight weather battering parts of Britain, we were unsure how many people would ultimately make the journey. Some students who had originally planned to attend understandably chose not to risk travelling long distances in difficult conditions.
Despite this, Paul Mead Sensei still travelled down from Nottingham to instruct on the course — something that says a great deal about both his commitment to traditional karate and the long-standing relationship he has with Kyōtō.
Among those attending were Robin Read Sensei (7th Dan), Chief Instructor of KASKA, along with his senior student Darryl Philip, both of whom had travelled from Bedfordshire to train. Robin Read Sensei and his students have become regular and very welcome guests on Kyōtō courses over the years.
Ironically, after the overnight storms, the day itself turned out to be exceptionally hot.
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A Long-Standing Relationship with Kyōtō
Paul Mead Sensei has travelled to Bristol to teach at Kyōtō every year since 2007, usually once or twice annually. It is something we never take for granted and reflects the mutual respect that has developed over many years of training and friendship.
A long-time student of Hanshi Shiro Asano, Paul Mead Sensei began training in 1971 and has played an important role within SKIF-GB for decades.
Among his achievements:
* Multiple-time SKIF-GB National Champion
* European Kumite Champion at the 1st SKIF European Championships in Düsseldorf in 1978
* Captain of the Great Britain men’s kumite team that won gold at the 1992 SKIF World Championships in Mexico
In 2022, he was graded to 8th Dan by Hanshi Asano and remains one of the most senior and respected instructors within SKIF-GB.
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The Atmosphere of Traditional Training
Before the session began, Steve Sensei ensured the class was fully lined up and prepared before Paul Mead Sensei entered the dojo — a small but important sign of respect within traditional karate culture.
Steve Sensei led the warm-up before handing the class over.
As always, Paul Mead Sensei’s sessions carried a very formal atmosphere. He has the rare ability to command respect without needing to ask for it — there is simply a presence in the room when he teaches.
The first session focused heavily on kihon and basics. In the oppressive heat of the sports hall, combined with relentless combinations and continuous movement, the training quickly became physically demanding. Even with the doors open, there was very little airflow.
The combinations themselves required concentration as much as endurance — sequences designed to tax both the body and the mind simultaneously.
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Heat, Water, and Conversation
During the break, students and instructors gathered outside on the grass embankment in front of the hall, drinking water, cooling down, and chatting together in the partial shade while enjoying whatever breeze could be found.
These quieter moments between sessions are often just as important as the training itself — an opportunity to learn, reflect, and simply spend time together.
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Partner Work and Purpose
After a second warm-up, the afternoon session shifted more toward partner work.
Paul Mead Sensei focused heavily on distance, timing, and intent — repeatedly encouraging students to attack with meaning and commitment rather than simply moving through techniques mechanically.
The combinations were practical, flowing, and demanding, emphasising correct distancing, decisive movement, and maintaining the correct frame of mind throughout training.
The seminar concluded with the kata Heian Sandan.
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Following the session, the group gathered for the customary photographs before Kyōtō presented Paul Mead Sensei with a bottle of whisky as a token of appreciation for his continued support and instruction over many years. Long-standing club member Susan Hula kindly made the presentation on behalf of the dojo.
After training, many of the students headed to the nearby Henbury Arms where pizzas had been arranged for everyone attending. Sitting outside together in the summer sun with cold drinks after several hours of demanding training provided the perfect end to the formal side of the day.
But the day was not quite over.
Karate is not only built through training in the dojo, but also through the friendships, respect, and camaraderie developed outside it. Looking after visiting instructors and spending time together socially helps strengthen the bonds that traditional karate has always been built upon.
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Photos from the seminar can be viewed on the Kyōtō Facebook page: Photo Album
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