Sensei Tom Beardsley

Sensei Tom Beardsley is the Chief Instructor for Samurai GB and Europe. Tom started his martial arts career in 1970 after being shown a Yoko-geri by a very enthusiastic corporal in the Parachute Regiment. He was introduced to Shukokai in 1972 and from then hasn't looked back. From 1972 until December 1994, he trained under the watchful eye of Shigeru Kimura "a Shukokai Legend". Within the Kimura group Tom was World SKF Kata Champion three times in succession. One of his proudest moments came when he won a gold medal fighting with the English team at the 1993 SKF World Championships, also at these championships he was awarded best all round competitor by Sensei Kimura.

Sensei Beardsley - Karate History

Started 1972, member of SKU under guidance of Sensei Kimura

Shihan Tom's Grades

• 1978 1st Dan Wythenshaw, Manchester
• 1980 2nd Dan Birmingham
• 1983 3rd Dan Birmingham
• 1987 4th Dan Birmingham
• 1993 5th Dan Portugal
• 2000 6th Dan
• 2007 Kyoshi
• 2008 7th Dan

Shihan Tom's High Points

• Training with Sensei Tani, Kimura and Yamanda
• Teaching at Sensei Kimura's Hombu dojo (USA)
• Teaching at Yamada Sensei's Hombu dojo (Japan)
• Receiving Shihan grade from Sensei Kawata 9 th dan souke In Australia 2003
• Seeing my students do well
• First external instructor to be invited to team unarmed combat to Commando Training Centre Royal Marines PT Instructors

Shihan Tom's Achievements

• Sensei Kimura's Group World Kata Champion1985/87/89
• Runner Up 91/93
• Best All round competitor Portugal 1993
• Received rank of Shidoin (International Instructors Award) from Sensei Yamada 9th Dan - Australia 1996

Sensei Kimura conducted all my gradings. All gradings were technical except Godan, which was awarded due to my achievements in Kumite and Kata during the Kimura World Championships (1993 Portugal).

 

Shihan Paul Mitchell 7th Dan

The world chief instructor and founder of the Samurai group is Shihan Paul Mitchell 7th Dan. Sensei Paul visits Europe and the UK on a regular basis and usually ties his trip up with a visit to Japan. His knowledge of the Shukokai style is outstanding and his regualr trips to Japan only re-inforce the authenticity of the teaching within our group.