A LIFETIME passion for martial arts has reaped many rewards for decorated Raymond Terrace karate instructor Bob King.

Self defence and durability are synonymous with the super fit master who has taught martial arts to adults and children in the Port Stephens region for over 30 years.

The 62-year-old King is a long time mentor in the art of Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu (KU) – a classical method of responding to “habitual acts of physical violence” by utilising punches, kicks, throws, joint manipulations, strangles, pressure point strikes and ground fighting.

Bob is the Head Instructor (Shibucho) for Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu in NSW and late last year travelled to Okinawa in Japan – the birthplace of karate – with several of his Raymond Terrace students for an international training camp.

During his stay King was awarded the KU rank of 7th Dan, Shihan; Aiki Kenpo Jujutsu 5th Dan and Yamane Ryu 2nd Dan by the accomplished Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, 10th Dan.

It was a proud moment for the evergreen instructor who has built a strong rapport over the years with past and present pupils.

The experienced King told News Of The Area that Koryu Uchinadi training prepares the student for dealing with unwarranted acts of aggression in the real world.

“At the same time the methods used to achieve this, and the code of conduct adhered to by the school, conditions the body, cultivates the mind and nurtures the spirit,” he exclaimed.

King began martial arts training in Brisbane as a nine year old back in 1970, studying judo with two Australian representative instructors for nearly ten years.

When Bob’s family moved to Sydney he joined the Castle Hill Judo Club at the age of 14 and also combined his other sporting love of Australian Rules Football while a student at Baulkham Hills High School.

King was a promising AFL ruck rover with the Pennant Hills club before relocating to Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast, where he started training in Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu under Sifu Paul Paki and was awarded the equivalent of a black belt after four years.

During this period, Bob also trained in Zen Do Kai Karate, achieving the rank of Brown belt, 1st kyu.

He later moved to Medowie in his late twenties and began training in Kyokushin Kai Karate – progressing to the rank of Shodan and being awarded an instructor rank.

King first opened a school in 1992, teaching classes at the Raymond Terrace squash courts and Medowie Community Hall.

After meeting Hanshi McCarthy in 1996, he joined the International Karate Research Society and began training and teaching Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu, Aiki Kenpo Jujitsu and Yamane Ryu Kobudo (weapons) as a direct student of the legendary McCarthy.

The martial arts stalwart has been teaching and training in this system for the past 27 years.

“During this time I competed in Koshiki full contact tournaments along with many of my students at state and national level,” Bob reflected.

“Two of my students competed at international level a number of times and I became an internationally ranked judge and referee in this competition system and NSW President for a couple of years,” he added.

Bob describes the discipline of martial arts as “rewarding”.

“My students and I are constantly learning and always strive to maintain a positive mindset,” he revealed.

By Chris KARAS