Sensei Matt Johnson
Grade | 3rd Dan – WKU Sport Karate / Kickboxing 2nd Dan – Shukokai Karate |
Training Since | 2000 |
Roles | Head Coach Competition Coach WKU England Team Kumite Coach |
Qualifications & Experience | WKU English Champion 2023 – Kata WKU English Champion 2023 – Kumite BMABA Safeguarding Martial Arts First Aid DBS Enhanced Check (inc barred lists) BCKA Instructors Insurance Level 3 Childcare Former Law Enforcement |
Competes In | Traditional Kata Traditional Kumite Continuous Sparring |
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.
(Recent) Competition Results
Date | Competition | Category | Result |
---|---|---|---|
October ’23 | World Karate Union English Open Championship (Worlds 2024 Qualifier) | Kumite | Gold English Champion |
October ’23 | World Karate Union English Open Championship (Worlds 2024 Qualifier) | Kata | Gold English Champion |
September ’23 | East of England Martial Arts Competition (Euros 2024 Qualifier) | Kata | Silver |
September ’23 | East of England Martial Arts Competition (Euros 2024 Qualifier) | Kumite | Silver |
June ’23 | Peterborough Championship Series | Kata | Bronze |
May ’23 | Midlands Martial Arts Competitions (Euros 2024 Qualifier) | Kumite | Silver |
May ’23 | Midlands Martial Arts Competitions (Euros 2024 Qualifier) | Kata | Runner Up |
April ’23 | World Karate Union British Open Championship | Kumite | Silver |
April ’23 | World Karate Union British Open Championship | Kata | Runner up |
April ’23 | Peterborough Interclub League | Traditional Kata | Gold |
April ’23 | East of England Martial Arts Competition (Euros 2024 Qualifier) | Traditional Kata | Runner up |
March ’23 | Peterborough Championship Series | Traditional Kata | Bronze |
Jan ’23 | Peterborough Interclub League | Traditional Kata | Silver |
Nov ’22 | Peterborough Championship Series | Adults Continuous | Silver |
Nov ’22 | Peterborough Championship Series | Traditional Kata | Bronze |