In August 1974,as an enthusiastic eight year old, Graham followed in his father's footsteps and joined the world famous Kobe Osaka Karate-Do Renmei.  It was there that Graham was introduced to Shukokai Karate, training under the guidance and support of Shihan Tommy Morris (8th Dan), Scotland's first karate black belt and often referred to as "the father of Scottish Karate".  Whilst at the Kobe Osaka, Graham had the pleasure of training and grading with Sensei Shigeru Kimura during his regular visits to Glasgow in the 1970's and 1980's.

Graham was promoted to Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) by Shihan Morris in June 1982 when he was 15 years old.  At the time, apart from Shihan Morris's son Steven, Graham was the youngest member of the Kobe Osaka ever to be promoted to black belt. The roots of the Shukokai Karate practiced and taught by Graham can be traced directly back to the Kobe Osaka Karate-Do Renmei. 

Dan grading history

Shodan (1st Dan) awarded in 1982 by the Kobe Osaka Karate-Do Renmei

Nidan (2nd Dan) awarded in 1993 by the Tosa-Kochi Karate-Do

Sandan (3rd Dan) awarded in 1996 by the British All Styles Karate Association

Yondan (4th Dan) awarded in 2002 by the British All Styles Karate Association

Godan (5th Dan) awarded in 2008 by the British All Styles Karate Association

Qualifications

Graham is a Scottish Karate Governing Body (SKGB) Level 3 Coach, in order to achieve this Graham had to obtain the following;

~    Sports Coach UK course - "Coaching Children and Young People"
~    Sports Coach UK course - "Child Protection"
~    Sports Coach UK course - "Fitness and Training"
~    Sports Coach UK course - "Fuelling Performers"
~    British Red Cross Emergency First Aid Course (Karate Specific)
~    £5m professional indemnity insurance (arranged via obtaining full membership of Sports Coach UK)
~    SKGB ratified 5th Dan Shukokai Karate
~    Enhanced Disclosure Check arranged via the SKGB and Disclosure Scotland

Graham is currently the chairperson of Karate Kai Scotland and the chief instructor of the Kugatsu Karate-Do. He is also a British Karate Federation (BKF) Kumite Referee and Kata Judge

Graham is a qualified Social Worker (Diploma in Social Work) and currently seconded from Glasgow City Council to work in the Scottish Government.

Graham can be contacted by email (graham@sportandexercise.co.uk) or phone (07885 954 223)