Shaun Banfield
Cowbridge SKC Instructor
Shaun started training in 1992 within the Karate Union of Wales with Chief Instrcutor Sensei Mike O'Brien. It was through the KUW that Shaun first had exposure to the world class talents of Sensei Dave Hazard and Sensei Aidan Trimble.
After finishing school, Shaun along with his partner Emma Robins moved to England to study at University. This was the beginning of a nomadic period of training and travelling. Whilst being unaffiliated, both Shaun and Emma spent their weekends travelling the UK training with a wide array of instructors including Masao Kawasoe, Teruyuki Okazaki, Keigo Abe, Yoshiharu Osaka, Masaaki Ueki, Masao Kagawa and Steve Ubl amongst many others. It was Shaun's training with Sensei Dave Hazard that prompted and help structure the most important developments in his Karate.
Throughout his mid teens until leaving Wales, Shaun competed and enjoyed a fruitful competition career, taking medals at regional and national championships. These included the Legend Open, WKGB National Championships, SKDUN World Championship and the Junior Leferve World Champions tournament. However, Shaun decided that competitive success was not what he was looking for in his Karate, and with it not holding the appeal that it once did, Shaun decided to take his Karate in a different direction. Shaun now teaches at his ASK dojo in Cowbridge, South Wales and prides himself on creating the kind of student he wishes he would have been proud to be himself. Students who train hard and practice functional and effective Karate-Do.
In spite of Cowbridge SKC being in its infancy, it has amassed an impressive number of national, and international titles, with Shaun coaching club members to take titles at British, International and World events.
In March 2006, Shaun and Emma launched The Shotokan Way - an online Karate magazine. Through this, they have had the opportunity to interview an impressive array of senior instructors from different and diverse backgrounds. The Shotokan Way continues to grow and develop every year.
TESTIMONIALS
“SHAUN BANFIELD - I’ve worked with a number of excellent instructors over the years, and one who undoubtedly stands out is Shaun Banfield. If ever I am asked about training with Shaun, I simply say to people “don't hesitate”. Just go and you will be instantly hooked by his teaching, his training sessions and the wonderful positive energy he produces in the dojo. His enthusiasm toward Karate is infectious and I feel privileged to not only call him a colleague, but a loyal and valued friend.”
Paul Herbert 5th Dan,ASK
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
