Traditional Shotokan Karate in Sunderland, UK

Jon Mottram teaches

On Sunday the 28th of April we had a private seminar with the star of English kata Mr Jonathan Mottram who is also the English National Squad Kata coach.

24 students turned up for the three sessions spanning 6 hours. The work out was physically exerting but interesting and fun. It was the most kid friendly seminar and educational lesson I have ever done.

Everyone enjoyed the day immensely and we will be booking a return visit this year. A special thank you must go to Eve Whittaker (Sadie and Holly’s mum) for paying Jon’s fee and for the initial idea of bringing him up here.

Jon was very complimentary about the standard of our club and the effort level of the kids, after the first session he said we were one of the top Shotokan clubs in the country and we have some massively talented students. He emphasised again and again that he meant what he was saying and wasn’t just flattering me.

After the six hours he stayed back and gave Sadie, Holly and Eleisha an extra 45 minutes tuition whilst everyone went home to get ready for the barbecue that I was holding for all who attended.

Despite the grey chilly weather nearly everyone turned in for the barbecue as they were all starving after working so hard. Jon himself came over and proved an overwhelming hit with the kids, he played on the micro scooters with the lads and went on the trampoline with the lasses. The kids loved him. He spoke to all the mums and they seem to like him too. He is either a great PR man or just a genuinely nice guy.

I think he is simply a good bloke and a top man with the kids.


To get the best effect from the Cooliris window click on the diagonal arrows at the bottom right corner and view the pictures full screen.

Press the ESC key to return to normal size.