Danny Holloway 2nd Dan – Kumite Instructor

Danny has been training in Shito Ryu Karate since 1990 and has held the rank of 2nd Dan since November 2004.

I started karate training at the age of six where I attended my local class at Langworthy Ken Yu Kai in Salford, under the guidance of Sensei, William Pope. In joining Ken Yu Kai this gave me a fantastic opportunity to train with some of the best karate Instructors in the local area, Sensei Ricky Birchall at Eccles and Sensei Terry Pottage at Broughton.

Kumite (fighting) was my main passion and where I excelled, so eventually I had to make a decision to move to the best kumite club in the area, Sale Ken Yu Kai under Sensei Ian Swain.

The training was at a much higher level and intensity and I was expected to train almost every day. I was part of their elite setup for around five years and I quickly gained belts, progressing through to second Dan Black Belt. I entered many tournaments losing most in the early years but as I learnt more and progressed, I started to become a regular on the podium. On numerous occasions winning every event I entered, from individual kata and kumite, as well as both team kata and kumite.

As my reputation increased, I was spotted and chosen to represent the North of England Regional Team. This then gave me a fantastic opportunity to train with the England National Squad and with some of the best athletes and coaches in the country.

After I finished competing, I decided to try to give something back to the club and everyone who helped me on my karate journey. At first, I started helping within the beginners’ course, which I supported for several years trying to bring through the next generation of young talent. Finally, I was given the opportunity to run my own l kumite lesson within the dojo, with my brother Sensei Stephen Holloway. At present I’m working with Sensei Christopher Williamson and hopefully we are both doing our little part to make Sale Dojo as successful as it is today.

I believe karate has taught me respect, honesty and confidence it has also brought friends into my life, from all back grounds, many I have competed against and with over the years.