Al Guthrie

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I first saw a Shorinji Kempo demonstration  while I was at college at the Southampton Institute. I went along with two friends to the first session and I have been doing it ever since.

I have now dedicated over half my life to Shorinji Kempo.

My first lessons were with Sensei Peter at the Southampton Institute, before we moved to the Southern Oriental Sports Club. This was a little Nissan hut behind the Mayflower Theatre. Now the BBC studios occupy the site. Later we moved to the Oaklands centre where we still train today.

I enjoy sharing my experience of Shorinji Kempo with others and seeing them develop and progress.

I successfully attained the grade of 3rd Dan while in Japan in 1997.

As a member of the Southampton Dojo I have been able to take part in charity events along with other club members. These have included a Waterside Bed Push, Martial Aid, Winchester Cathedral to Salisbury Cathedral walk and a Telethon 'Tri-Knackerthon' incorporating a 1 hour aerobics, 1 hour Shorinji Kempo and 1 hour basketball.