John Frankland

John Frankland 4th Dan

I started training under Sensei Derek Lorrison when I came to Hull in 1990. The proudest moment in my life was when Sensei Lorrison awarded me my Dan grade in 1993. That same year, I was the first ever awardee of the Gen Shield, the highest recognition of overall karate spirit in Gendo-Kai Karate.

I have served as Secretary, Treasurer and President of the Club and am currently the Deputy Chief Instructor of the Association under Sensei Ian Campion. I was awarded my 2nd Dan in 1997 and my 3rd Dan in 2000. In 1999 I won the Lorrison Memorial Tournament in both kata and kumite and went on to successfully defend my kata title in 2000. Since then, I’ve effectively retired from competition preferring to leave it to younger and more agile (but not necessarily better!) members of the club.

In addition to Gendo-kai, I have also trained with both Shotokan and Wado-ryu clubs, having lived and trained in Germany for two years.

Karate has been an integral part of my life since joining the Gendo-kai Karate Association 17 years ago. Derek Lorrison had an enormous impact on my life and without his teachings and invaluable lessons in life; I doubt I would have been as moderately successful in life as I have been. His death in 1994 was a tragic loss and one of the saddest experiences of my life. However, I believe that under Sensei Campion, Derek’s spirit is very much alive and well and that today’s students are still benefiting from his unique and invaluable views on life.