Karate students across Cornwall have recently attended a seminar in Helston – led by a nine-time world champion.

Sandokai Karate, based in Helston welcomed students from across Cornwall and Devon on January, 20 for a seminar led by World champion, Wayne Otto OBE. As well as holding the World champion title, Wayne is also a European champion and 18-time English champion. He is also the current coach of the Norwegian National Karate Squad and one of the highest decorated karate-ka ever.

Falmouth Packet: Wayne Otto OBE (L) with Adam Collick (C) of Sanokai Helston Wayne Otto OBE (L) with Adam Collick (C) of Sanokai Helston (Image: Adam Collick)

The seminar saw students taking part in ‘kumite’ a fighting technique which was held across two sessions with a view to Sandokai competing nationally once again.

Sandokai Karate has been teaching in Cornwall for more than 30 years and is one of the longest-running associations in the South West, with links back to the first karate club in the country.

Adam Collick, 6th Dan Black Belt at Sandokai in Helston told the Packet: “It has been a fantastic opportunity for many different karate-ka to train with a living legend in the world of karate.

Falmouth Packet: Students from across Devon and Cornwall attended the seminar in Helston earlier this month Students from across Devon and Cornwall attended the seminar in Helston earlier this month (Image: Adam Collick)

“I’m sure the techniques and experience of learning from someone of Wayne’s calibre will stay with everyone who attended the seminar and hopefully further their own karate journey.”

Training takes place at Helston Community College on Tuesdays and Fridays between 7pm and 9pm, (7pm to 8pm for children) and at Kea Village Hall on Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

The first lesson is free and from £2 an hour after.

Further information can be found on Facebook or via the website www.sandokai.co.uk.