Ian Swain 7th Dan – Senior Instructor
Chief Instructor for Yanagi Kai Karate Association.

Ian has been training in Shito Ryu Karate since 1978 and has held the rank of 7th Dan since November 2016.

I first started training with my school friends at the age of eight at Sale West Youth Centre, Sale, Manchester. My first Instructor was Sensei Eric Tomlinson under the banner of the Shukokai Karate Union, Training with him for around twelve months until Sensei Dave Wraxall took over our local club. Sensei Wraxall moved our club to Ken Yu Kai Karate Association where I achieved my Shodan in 1984. Sensei Wraxall was the most influential person I have trained with, moulding me into the person I am today, not only in karateka, but in life. If I can give back half as much to my students as he gave to me, I feel I will have achieved my ultimate goal of becoming a true martial artist.

In 1988 I became the Sale Karate club instructor after Sensei Wraxall emigrated to Toronto, Canada, from there I progressed with my training with Ken Yu Kai under my chief instructor Sensei Terry Pottage. I became a Ken Yu Kai squad member and later represented England and Great Britain on the competition circuit, achieving success both nationally and Internationally. In 1992 I became the Ken Yu Kai squad coach and a had great success turning the squad into one of the most successful in the country.

It was in 2003 that I became a full-time instructor when Sale Dojo was established and now has over 250 members. The hardest decision I have ever had to make was in April 2011 when we left Sensei Terry Pottage and Ken Yu Kai to form our own association Yanagi Kai. Now the dust has settled I know in my heart that this was the right decision for my club and myself.