Bernie Toseland

Home> Southampton Dojo> Bernie>

Assistant Branch Master - Southampton Shorinji Kempo Dojo

I moved to Southampton in 1984. I had done Boxing and Karate previously, but was looking for something more complete.

One evening I stumbled on the Southern Oriental Sports Club, a little Nissan hut behind the Mayflower Theatre.

I explained to the instructor, I meet there, Sensei Peter, what I was looking and he explained about Shorinji Kempo. I remember feeling sorry for the people training that evening as Sensei Peter spent a good deal of the lesson on his explanation. I started training the very next training session.

Now 20 years on I’m still training, and at the BSKF’s 25th Anniversary I attained the rank of 3rd Dan.

Shorinji Kempo is about sharing. My sensei shares his knowledge with me and I share my knowledge with the present class. I remember how bad I was when I started so I can sympathise with beginners and help them develop and progress. In turn I also learn from this teaching.

As a member of the Southampton Dojo I have been able to take part in charity events along with other club members and will continue to do so in the future.