Sensei Matt Johnson

Matt’s Bio

Sensei Matt started training and competing in freestyle Karate at aged 9, before moving to train Shukokai Karate under Sensei Dave Ritchie of Falcon Karate in the early 2000s. During his child and teen years, Matt competed at various competitions and events around the country, having some success. A short while after being awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt in 2007 under Shihan (then Sensei) Brian Whatford, Matt took a sabbatical from Karate due to work and study commitments. During this sabbatical from Karate; Matt trained intermittently in various other martial arts and combat sports, including freestyle Jujitsu and a white collar boxing match.

Since returning to his spiritual home at ToriKai Martial Arts, along with his (at the time young) son Leo, Matt has started the Thursday Children’s class, graded to 2nd Dan in June 2022, and helped to form the Karate For Good Partnership, as well as reforming our competition squad.

Now coaching multiple times per week, training with the Great Britain Martial Arts Team under Shihan Dave Treadwell and Master Chris Hemstock, and competing at National Level, Matt aspires to continue putting back into the communities around ToriKai and aspires to be competing and coaching at an International Level.

Questions & Answers

What’s your proudest moment in Martial Arts?

That’s difficult to answer. Coaching my son at his first competition, where he fought like a warrior, was certainly a highlight, as was seeing my wife, Senpai Flick, gain her 3rd Kyu.

What’s your favourite thing about training?

We’re a not-for-profit, and being able to put so much back into the community and our students is hugely rewarding, seeing our student’s faces when they hit new achievements is my favourite part.

What is your favourite Kata?

Obviously, all Kata are important, and I love them all.. but my favourite has to be Suparempei because of the contrast in movement and techniques. Slow and fast, soft and strong, high and low.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of Karate?

There’s an outside of Karate? Jokes aside, family days are my absolute favourite. Especially if they’re outdoors.