Roy started his karate training around 1968 with the KUGB, training under Sensei Enoeda Keinosuke and Sensei Kanazawa Hirokazu. He also trained under such masters as Harada Sensei, Kato Sensei, and Asano Sensei. He obtained his 4th Dan under Kanazawa Sensei and is especially grateful to Sensei Terry O'Neill, Sensei Ronnie Colwell, and the late Steve Cattle.
When politics impacted the KUGB, Roy's dojo joined the first free-thinking non-KUGB Shotokan Association: Thames Karate International, headed by Sensei Ray Fuller. This transition occurred after Sensei Kanazawa faced difficulties acquiring a work permit to teach in the UK, eventually leading Kanazawa Sensei to form his own association, SKI.
The name "Thames" was chosen during a gathering of British Shotokan seniors overlooking the river. It was noted that "Thames" was an old Norse word meaning "Clear Waters," which was felt to be exactly what the fledgling group needed. Thames Karate International continues to this day, over 30 years later.
Throughout his career, Roy has focused on the heart of karate beyond the shifts in governing bodies and political landscapes. He frequently travels to Japan for advanced training under various mentors, with his first stop in Tokyo always being Kancho Kanazawa’s Hombu Dojo. Roy is one of only three non-Japanese practitioners to become a fully certified member of the Shobukan Japan under the direct instruction of Great Master Sohan Hayashi Ryuji.
A personal highlight was refereeing the England Team (under Ticky Donovan) vs. Holland at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, commemorating 50 years of organized British Karate.
Having escaped the "monster of politics," Roy is fully immersed in his karate and maintains a spirit of fraternity with karateka worldwide. At the time of this writing, he continues to represent the art internationally through European referee stages and WUKO World Championships.
Courtesy Sensei Ronnie Colwell
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