GRAHAM HOPKINS

Brigadier Graham Hopkins began training in 1975, under the then UKKW. He is graded to 4th Dan black belt, and is an EKGB registered coach. Graham was the founder chairman of, and is now president of the Army Martial Arts Association. He is also the founder chairman of the Combat Services Martial Arts Association. He is the Wado Academy's doctor, and his occupation in the armed forces is as a consultant Rheumatologist. Graham has treated many famous sportsmen in their rehabilitation, and also runs courses on first aid, and martial art injuries.  Graham has recently successfully competed in veterans tournaments across the world. (Graham is pictured on the right).

CORIN PEGDEN

Corin Pegden has been training in Wado karate since 1986, when he took it up as a means for self-defence. He is graded to 3rd Dan black belt, and has been teaching for many years and is also an EKGB registered coach and has represented the England Wado-kai at European level. He has trained with many of the finest instructors in Wado karate. Including the majority who were fundamental in popularizing the art throughout Europe in the sixties and seventies. Namely, the Wado Academy’s, Sensei’s Shiomitsu, Sugasawa, Iwasaki, and also sensei’s Sakagami, Suzuki, Arakawa, Ohgami, Ashihara, Sugiura, Hakoishi, Okumachi and not forgetting the current grandmaster Hironori Ohtsuka 2nd. Corin says the first time he trained with Shiomitsu sensei and the Wado academy instructors, he was amazed by their skill. He says “after almost an hour of mokuso (meditation), and then exhausting basics, it was the humility and depth of knowledge of the instructors that impressed me the most. I have trained with them at every opportunity since that day”. He has also been honoured to train with some of the finest British Wado instructors, and has been inspired by many, especially those who are still wanting to train and learn at every opportunity, leading by example in every warm up and lesson. (Corin is pictured on the left)