Sensei Shaun Machin– 1st Dan

Being inspired by the martial arts films he used to watch growing up, Sensei Shaun had always wanted to try it for himself. Like many others, life got in the way and he never had the oppertunity to start. That was until 6 years ago when he decided it was finally his time. In May 2023 he graded in front of Kancho Kanazawa where he was awarded his Shodan.

Karate an extremely important part of his life now, absolutely a way of life as he likes to say. He believes that it should be a life skill for all people and is by far the best thing he has ever done for himself. Karate has played a key role in him managing depression, which for him, came in cycles. He credits Karate being the major factor in keeping his depression at bay and it provides him with the following benefits:-

• Spirituality
• Co-ordination
• Strength
• Fitness
• Flexibility
• Confidence
• Respect
• Commitment
• Meaningfullness
• Motivation
• Helps to meet like minded people

His favourite kata is Heian Yondan ( Peaceful form, fourth level ) because the kata mixes slow and fast, powerful movements. He particularly enjoys the yoko geri keage with uraken part of the Kata.

Karate is an absolute way of life and is by far the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.