Sensei Harold Stephenson (5th Dan)
Taisho-Do Chief Referee / E.K.F Referee
"My background is very extensive and is condensed as follows:-
"I have been involved in martial arts (budo) since the age of five, (47+ years).
During this time I have attained the grades of 2nd Dan in Judo, 2nd Dan in Aikido, 1st Dan in Wado Ryu Karate and 5th Dan in Shotokan Karate.
"I have also gained:-
BKF Kumite Referee status and Tatami Chief,
English Karate Kumite Referee and Tatami Chief,
Phoenix Karate NVQ assessor, Chief Referee and Senior NVQ Instructors' Assessor,
EKGB Senior instructor and Assessor,
Sports Council Assessor For Karate.
"I spent four years studying to gain a degree in Sports Physics and Pyschology as a home study course with Durham University.
"In 1999 I
was voted as Coach Of The Year runner up for the Annual North East awards, and I have also received an award for humanitarianism for my work with disabled and disadvantaged children, and extensive charity work and fundraising
for the Breast Cancer and Children In Need charities.
"During the
last eight years I have had to retire from active Karate due to the damaging effects of Multiple Sclerosis, and have also suffered severe damage to my spinal chord requiring my 5th, 6th and 7th vertebrae requiring bone grafts from my
hips. All this said, I still gain massive satisfaction from being involved in coaching as a guest and instructing prospective
referees and judges.
"During a six month period I lost my father (and mentor), my best friend and fellow instructor Sensei Glen Williams was paralysed in a tragic accident, and my neck/spine
was damaged in three places to facilitate grafts. This took some getting over but my friends and colleagues in Karate helped me through this time.
"I can honestly say that my time spent in martial arts (budo) and the many thousands of pounds spent in pursuit of being "the best
I can be" has been time and money well spent.
"I hope this gives you some background as to my life and the enjoyment I have during my time as a
Budoka."
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