Welcome to UK Karate Podcast!
UK Karate Podcast
UK Karate Podcast
The UK Karate Podcast brings together instructors, competitors, and lifelong practitioners from across the UK and beyond. We explore Shotokan karate, traditional values, grading journeys, competition, coaching, and the people shaping British karate today. Featuring in-depth conversations with Sensei, senior grades, coaches, and respected figures from across different karate associations, this podcast celebrates karate-do as a way of life — on and off the tatami. Whether you train for competition, tradition, or personal development, the UK Karate Podcast is for anyone passionate about karate
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UK Karate Podcast

The UK Karate Podcast brings you inspiring conversations with karate practitioners from across the UK and around the world. Join hosts Chris Walsh and Andy Patton as they explore the stories, lessons, and experiences behind a lifetime in karate.

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Recent Episodes

10
Aug. 23, 2026

Bob Rhodes Sensei: The Golden Era of British Shotokan Karate | UK Karate Podcast

In this very special episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with one of the most respected and influential figures from the formative years of British Shotokan karate — Bob Rhodes Sensei.From the early days of Shotokan in Britain, through the legendary training culture of the 1960s and 70s, national and international competition, to becoming a senior instructor, examiner and mentor to generations of karateka, Bob Rhodes Sensei has experienced an extraordinary period of karate history.This
7
Aug. 8, 2026

John Johnston: 55 Years of Karate & The Story Behind Adaptive Karate

In this episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with Sensei John Johnston, 8th Dan, for a fascinating conversation spanning more than five decades in karate.John began his Shotokan journey in the early 1970s and went on to become a highly experienced competitor, instructor and long-standing captain of the KUGB Central Region Squad. His karate journey has seen him train with and alongside some of the most respected names in British karate, as well as draw on real-world experience from his y
7
June 24, 2026

🥋 Martin Buchstaller JKA World Championships, Volkswagen Leadership & The Birth of Karate@home

In this episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we are joined by one of the most influential figures in European Shotokan karate, Martin Buchstaller.Martin's journey is unique. Alongside a distinguished international karate career, he built an impressive executive career with major automotive manufacturers including Volkswagen AG, Nissan and Suzuki, eventually holding senior leadership positions within Volkswagen while continuing to contribute to karate at the highest level.As a member of the German J
6
May 30, 2026

Amelia Senft & Natalie Böttcher Sensei | HDKI, Competition & Shotokan Karate | UK Karate Podcast

Two of HDKI’s rising instructors join the UK Karate Podcast for a special episode.In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Senft Sensei and Natalie Böttcher Sensei from HDKI (Hombu Dojo Karate International) for an in-depth conversation about Shotokan karate, competition, coaching, grading, women in karate and the future of karate training.Both HDKI GB Southern Squad Coaches, Amelia and Natalie discuss their karate journeys, experiences competing and coaching, the lessons they’ve learned through
5
May 17, 2026

Rob Bingham Sensei | From Shotokan Karate to World Gold | UK Karate Podcast

🥋 ROB BINGHAM SENSEI | From SKIF to World Gold | Competition, Coaching & Karate Journey | UK Karate PodcastWelcome to another episode of the UK Karate Podcast — where every karate journey has a story.In this episode, we sit down with Sensei Rob Bingham, a highly respected karate instructor, elite competitor, and national kata coach with decades of experience in traditional and sport karate.Rob shares his incredible karate journey, starting at just 6 years old in 1987, training under Sensei Dave
4
May 1, 2026

A Conversation with Rachel Kattawar (JKA USA) | UK Karate Podcast

In this episode of the UK Karate Podcast, we sit down with Sensei Rachel Kattawar — a 5th Dan black belt with the Japan Karate Association (JKA), 6-time JKA National Kata Champion, and former Junior Olympics champion representing Team USA Rachel shares her incredible karate journey, from her early success in competition to becoming one of the leading figures in American Shotokan karate. We dive deep into the world of JKA USA, exploring the differences between the US and UK karate scenes, the rea

About the Hosts

Chris Walsh Profile Photo
Chris Walsh

Chris Walsh is the co-host and producer of the UK Karate Podcast, a karate instructor, hydraulic engineer, and proud second-generation karateka.

Karate has been a lifelong part of Chris's journey, and today it remains at the heart of both his personal and family life. His father still trains, and his two children also practice karate, making them third-generation karateka. Chris is passionate about passing on the values and traditions of karate to future generations.

Alongside his martial arts involvement, Chris works within his family's engineering business, Hy-Acc Services Ltd, specialising in hydraulic engineering and access equipment maintenance.

Through the UK Karate Podcast, Chris is dedicated to sharing the stories of karate practitioners from all backgrounds, preserving their experiences and helping connect the wider martial arts community.

When he's not teaching, engineering, or recording podcasts, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and continuing his own lifelong karate journey.

"Where every karate journey has a story." 🥋🎙️

Andy Patton Profile Photo
Andy Patton

Andy Patton is the co-host of the UK Karate Podcast, a second-generation karateka, writer, and passionate supporter of the martial arts community.

Having trained for many years, Andy has developed a deep appreciation for the people, traditions, and life lessons that karate provides. Karate remains a strong family tradition, with his father still actively training and his daughter following in their footsteps as a third-generation karateka.

Alongside co-host Chris Walsh, Andy helps bring the stories of karate practitioners from across the UK and beyond to listeners through the UK Karate Podcast, creating a platform that celebrates the journeys, experiences, and achievements of the wider karate community.

Away from the podcast, Andy is a regular contributor to Budo Mindset, where he writes about the culture, philosophy, history, and practice of karate. Through both his writing and podcasting, he is committed to preserving and sharing the stories that make martial arts so special.

Co-host, writer, karateka, and lifelong student of the art, Andy believes that every karate journey has a story worth telling.

Shaun Cassidy Profile Photo
Shaun Cassidy

Shaun Cassidy is an occasional guest host and trusted stand-in presenter for the UK Karate Podcast, stepping in whenever Chris Walsh or Andy Patton are unavailable.

A highly respected karate instructor and fiercely competitive international karate competitor, Shaun brings decades of martial arts experience to the podcast. His knowledge, passion, and engaging personality help create relaxed and insightful conversations that uncover the stories behind each guest's karate journey.

Whether competing, teaching, or hosting, Shaun is dedicated to promoting the values of karate and celebrating the people who make the martial arts community so special.

James Cassidy Profile Photo
James Cassidy

James Cassidy is the technical wizard behind the UK Karate Podcast, overseeing the editing, production, and behind-the-scenes work that brings every episode to life. While rarely seen or heard on the podcast itself, his expertise ensures each episode looks and sounds its best.

A dedicated karateka with a passion for both martial arts and technology, James combines technical skill with attention to detail to help deliver a professional experience for guests and listeners alike. His hard work behind the scenes makes him an invaluable part of the UK Karate Podcast team.