EUGENE SMITH, 3RD DAN

I started training in 1985 (aged 15) in Ballymena (Northern Ireland) under Sensei Dan Redmond (then a 2nd Dan). I progressed through the various grades getting my Shodan in 1992 and my Nidan in 1994. During this time I represented Northern Ireland at Under 21 level, competing in several International Grandslams with Northern Ireland, winning one held in Belfast with Terry Boyle as the coach.

During the 1990’s I was selected to coach the under 16 Junior International Team which won the inaugural Junior Grandslam held in Cardiff between the various home nations, as well as representing Northern Ireland under coach Beny O’Boyleat in various tournaments. During the early 1990’s I was part of one of Northern Ireland’s most successful teams winning the Northern Ireland Championships three years running.

From 2000 onwards I trained with Yoshi Shinohara (8th Dan) as I was living in Essex, culminating in me coming out of retirement to compete, winning their national championships (with a broken arm).

In 2009 I successfully attained my Sandan (after a 15 year gap) with Sensei Redmond and the Chujo Karate Association.

Moving to Luton in 2010, I joined a Shotokan club and again came out of retirement to successfully win their annual championships. As I wanted to stay as close to Wado Ryu as possible I searched for another club to train with and found Luton Higashi under Sensei John Hurley . Little did know that in the not so distant future I am coming out of retirement, again!!!!!!!!