Shihan Paul Simmons 6th Dan, MSc, BSc (Hons), CSCS, MAAF, ACSM (cert)
Chief Instructor of FKA & Director of BIMAF
Shihan Paul Simmons is a highly distinguished martial artist and coach with an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. Known for his exceptional contributions to karate and combat sports, Paul has cemented his reputation as an elite competitor, visionary instructor, and influential leader in the martial arts community.
Early Journey and Competitive Career
Paul began his martial arts journey in 1985 at Uckfield Judo Club under the guidance of the then-British Female Judo Champion. He quickly demonstrated talent, earning silver at the Sussex County Championships and later winning Mick Leigh’s Summer Course Judo Tournament. Despite early success in judo, Paul’s passion gravitated toward karate, where he achieved remarkable milestones in both kata and kumite.
Competitive Achievements:
Represented England and Great Britain in 28 international matches including:
– 7 European Karate Championships and 2 World Championships
– Competed in prestigious venues like the Birmingham NEC, Crystal Palace, and international locations across Europe and Brazil.
Senior Titles:
– 2x English Senior Champion
– 2x English International Open Champion
– Winner of 4 International Grandslam titles
– Italian Open Champion
– Austrian Open Senior Bronze Medalist
– Paris Senior Open Finalist
– Venice Cup Bronze Medalist
– Multiple British Finalist and medalist
– Competed successfully against some of the world’s best fighters, coached by legends like **Ticky Donovan OBE**, **Vic Charles MBE**, and **Wayne Otto OBE**.
Coaching Excellence
As a coach, Paul’s influence has been transformative. He has developed and mentored over **25 English and British National Champions** across all age groups and skill levels. His students have earned medals at European and World Championships, including the European Karate Federation and WKF-sanctioned events.
Key Coaching Highlights:
National and Regional Leadership:
– Southern Regional Coach for the English Karate Federation, the youngest to hold the position.
– Coached the Southern Regional Team to **3 consecutive English National Regional Championship titles** (2004-2006).
International Success:
– Coached European and World medalists, including:
– 2 European Cadet/Junior silver medalists
– A World Junior Gold & Bronze medalist
– Commonwealth medalists, including Gold and Bronze winners in 2003 (New Zealand) and Cadet Bronze in 2022 (Birmingham).
– Instrumental in elevating Kaizen Karate Association and Frontier Karate Association to the pinnacle of English Karate Federation and British competitions.
Leadership Roles
Chief Instructor of Frontier Karate Association (FKA):
– Built a structured program fostering grassroots development to elite-level performance.
Director of BIMAF (British International Martial Arts Federation):
– Advocates for collaboration across martial arts disciplines to advance technical and competitive standards.
Board Member of the English Karate Federation (elected 2016):
– Active in shaping the strategic direction of karate in England.
Training and Mentorship
Paul’s martial arts education spans a lifetime of learning under globally revered karateka such as Ticky Donovan OBE, Tatsuo Suzuki, and Dominic Valera. He also trained with elite international fighters at S.I.K. in Paris and Pineapple Studios in London.
Technical Expertise:
– Advanced knowledge in kata, kumite, and self-defense systems.
– Proficient in integrating strength and conditioning principles (certified CSCS) to enhance athlete performance.
– Delivered seminars and demonstrations worldwide, including courses in Portugal, Germany, and Japan.
Recognition and Contributions
– Demonstrated at the **75th Birthday Celebration of Master Tatsuo Suzuki in Tokyo (2003), one of his career’s highest honours.
– Regular contributor to Martial Arts publications, including Traditional Karate and Fighters Magazine.
– Coached fighters in kickboxing, producing English and World ISKA medalists.
Education and Professional Credentials
– Master’s Degree (MSc) and Bachelor’s Degree (BSc Hons) in relevant fields.
Certified by leading Organisations
– CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist).
– ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine Certified).
– Holds a 6th Dan Black Belt, awarded by the English Karate Federation.
Legacy and Vision
Shihan Paul Simmons remains a cornerstone of English karate, inspiring the next generation of martial artists through his unparalleled dedication, achievements, and leadership. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, and he continues to shape the future of karate both nationally and internationally.
