ABOUT KEIKOBA SHUKOKAI & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR DAVE BOWLER-HACHI DAN 8TH DEGREE
50 years service
A brief history to a long and exceptional karate accomplishment.
Keikoba (Place of training): In modern Japan, Ono-ha-Itto-ryu is typically practiced inside a dojo, while demostrations for the public often takes place outdoor. By contrast the Kenjutsu in the old Japan was practiced outside where footwork and the terrain demanded the exponents attention. In order to maintain the old tradition and the old style of Ono-ha-Itto-ryu, Egedal Keikoba is only practiced in the open. Due to the weather conditions in the winter season, it is neither responsible nor safe to train in the open.
Hence, Keikoba Karate was formed in 1981 after Sensei Dave Bowler was graded and promoted with his 1st Degree black belt diploma. Dave's professionally run clubs now offer training for beginners to advanced, for children from 6 years, teenagers, adults and families. Training is structured by an official Keikoba grading syllabus, from which students learn and attain a worldwide accepted official grading measured by a coloured belt system.
About Sensei: Sensei Dave started training in the art of Wado Ryu in 1974, gaining 7th kyu grade. He changed his style in 1976 after reading an advert in the local paper "Learn Shukokai Karate" with a well known instructor, Sensei Roy Elden 6th Dan, and since joining he has never looked back, gaining black belt status and beyond.
Sensei carried on training with Roy for many years until he retired, then shortly after his retirement Roy sadly past away on 29th August 2013 .
Throughout Sensei's training, he has been on many seminars with some of the UK's elite instructors Ticky Donavan, Roy Stanhope, Stan Knighton, Dave Warburton,Terry Pottage, Eddie Daniels, Peter Spanton, John Smith, Shigeru Kimura, Yoshinao Nanbu 10th Dan. (Aikido):- John Colclough, Duncan Valentine, Chris Norburn. Sensei started to take an interest in competitions, and was selected to train with the SKU squad under the guidance of Stan Knighton in the late 70's to the late 80's. He competed in many inter club, national and open competitions gaining trophies in individuals and team events. After retiring from competing due to injuries, Sensei then found his next goal, to become a Kumite referee under the guidance of ex-SKU Chief Referee, Brian Smith 3rd Degree. After two years as a judge in1982 he was proudly awarded with his SKU referee status. In 1986 Sensei was selected to officiate for the English Karate Governing Board, then after judging for four years, he was promoted to Referee by the late SKU & EKGB Chief Referee Dave Warburton and his assistant Brian Hammond.
In 1992 sensei wanted to gain more knowledge within martial arts, so he joined an Aikido club run by Sensei Chris Norburn. After training for two years and gaining three grades, Sensei returned back to his roots "Karate"
Sensei Dave bowler - Shukokai achievements
1981 - Shodan 1st Dan grading
1981- Shukokai Competition judge award
1982- Shukokai Competition referee award
1984 - Nidan 2nd Dan grading
1986 - English Karate Board competition judge award
1987 -Sandan 3rd Dan grading
1990 - English Karate Board competition referee award
1991- Yondan 4th Dan awarded for loyal referee service
1996 - Red licence awarded for 20 years loyal service
1997 - Godan 5th Dan grading
2003 - Rokudan 6th Dan awarded
2004 - EKGB registered instructor for national governing body awards
2005 - Finalist in the Karate coaching section for the Evening Sentinal awards
2010 - Shichidan 7th Dan awarded
2016 - Shukokai gold licence awarded for 40 years loyal service
2018 - Hachidan 8th Dan awarded
1974 - 2024 - 50th anniversary of Karate
2027- Kudan 9th Dan to be awarded
Sensei's proudest moments from teaching, are with his daughter Jade gaining 2nd degree, son Jordan 5th degree,
13 years old grandson Lennon graded to 2nd degree black belt status in December 2021.
As well as being a full time professional instructor teaching at two dojo's, sensei holds numerous prominent positions with the Keikoba Shukokai group.
Founder / Chief instructor Keikoba Shukokai - Hachidan 8th Degree ( 50 years service).
Senior Instructor on kyu grades and instructor courses.
Self defence / awareness instructor, Enhanced level DBS taken.
Emergency first aid trained. Keikoba instructor assessor.
Senior Keikoba tatami kumite & kata referee, English Karate Board senior kumite referee.
Truly a remarkable accomplishment.
Latest news: October 2020 - Sensei Dave and his Keikoba group have decided to leave the Shukokai Karate Union for further development , and have now formed their own independent karate group - Keikoba Shukokai.