John Watson 3rd Dan

Jon started training with Sensei Archie Grassom seventeen years ago and is his longest serving student to date. Jon gained his black belt eleven years ago and set up his first club six years ago.

During that time Jon has practised the style of Shukokai and has had the privilege of not only training with Sensei Archie but also the late Sensei Kimura – the inspiration and chief founder of the style of karate that is taught by the instructors of Takimura today. He has also trained with Shihan Eddie Daniels and Sensei Tommy Morris head of Kobe Osaka, Stephen Morris, Alister MacAlister, and Greg Francis.

Jon has also competed in Kumite and Kata at national level as well as refeeering nationally and internationally at many tournaments. Having spent seventeen years of his life developing all aspect of his martial arts by attending many courses at home and abroad he feels that his life has been enriched by the teachings of karate. Teaching others now offers him a way of passing on the knowledge that he has gleaned from training with some of the world’s best instructors.

Jon opened the Downswood dojo in 2007 and has worked diligently to forge a friendly club where new members are always welcome. Jon actively encourages all of his students to master all aspect of the martial art and is proud of the successes that his students have achieved at national and club competitions.