Shihan Paul Smith 7th Dan
Paul began training in 1973 with Plymouth Bujinkai under Shihan John Smith and has trained with other prominent members of the Karate world including Peter Spanton, Toru Takamizawa, Ticky Donovan and Danny Connor.
As a 1st Dan he opened his first club in Wadebridge, Cornwall, in 1978 and has continued to open new clubs and introduce new students to Karate.
He has competed at National and International level representing England in Kata.
Shihan Smith has won many titles since he started competing in 1975, until retiring from competing at 35.
Titles include South West Kata champion (6 times) and UK all styles Kata champion, TERA Shield Champion and winner of the Irish Open Championships.
He has on many occasions competed in full contact Kumite bouts when this was first introduced to the UK in the 1970’s
He has also trained in Aikido and Japanese Sword.
In 1995 he left Bujinkai to form the Gôdôryu Karate Association with Shihan Bob Rowe, initially registering under U.K.A.S.K.O and Roy Stanhope and now the association is a member of FEKO.
Shihan Smith has used his skill and knowledge gained from many years of Karate training and teaching to begin girls self defence classes in Plymouth schools. The Classes are operated by Plymouth City Council's Leisure Department and still continue.
Shihan Smith is a qualified Coach Assessor, Child Coach and an EKC judge.
He has been awarded the Cornish male coach of the year award 2009 by Restormel Council.
Shihan Smith was awarded 7th Dan by FEKO in 2005.
