Kyomeikai Karate Club shotokan karate

Club SENPAI

Assistant Instructors

In Japan, the senpai-kohai system underlies nearly all relationships. Although there is no exact translation into English, senpai (先輩) means an upperclassman, senior employee or other older person with whom you have dealings. Conversely, kohai (後輩) is the junior or lower person. Who is senpai and who is kohai is determined by age and rank, which in Japan are often the same thing. This system permeates Japanese society. Within the club it is the formal recognition of the seniority, experience, dedication to the club and teaching capability of those "senior" students we call Senpai. We lean on them to support the club and undertake occasional teaching duties. They are important roles in fostering the senpai-kohai relationship and should be seen as a go to resource. 

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Phil Tabor Nidan/2nd Dan

Phil (far right of photo) is the longest serving club member - joining a few months after the club was founded in January 2015. He has been an asset to the club and helped guide the club to where it is today. Phil started training many years ago in shotokan with the likes of Sensei Enoeda. After some years in the wilderness he found his way back to "the path". Phil achieved Shodan in 2018 and Nidan in 2023 under Kancho Kanazawa. 

Sabbir Miah Shodan/1st Dan

Sabbir (far left of photo) started training when he was 14 years old with Boxing and Kickboxing. Later he spent 5 years studying Wing Chun before switching to karate in 2006 (training 3-5 times per week) while simultaneously training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In 2009 he switched to Kyokushin karate and eventually joined Kyomeikai Karate Club in 2016  making him the second longest serving student. To supplement his karate Sabbir also trains in Atemi Jiujitsu with Eskrima/Arnis weapons.