Sensei Alan Smith 5th Dan

I started training in Shotokan Karate in 1978 in Kilmore West, Dublin under the instruction of Sensei Philip McCarthy with the KUGB. In this club, I got to train and grade with some of the top Shotokan instructors: Sensei Andy Sherry, Sensei Billy Higgins, Sensei Terry O’Neill, Sensei Frank Brennan, and of course K. Enoeda Sensei.

Alan Smith

I had a lot of local and national competition success as a junior and graded up to First Kyu. In 1985 the club closed down and I ceased training.

I met Sensei Eamon House at a friend’s party in the early 90s. He explained he was part of a new federation of Wado Ryu karate that trained in my local area. Still passionate about karate, I asked if I could join, and soon began training under Sensei Robert McGrath, Sensei Eamon House, and Sensei Sean O’Brien.

I started from white belt again, as this was a new style for me — but having trained in Shotokan, I adapted quickly. Training was hard and exactly what I had missed about karate.

After training for over a year, I re-entered the world of competition karate, where I felt most at home. I had much success in the late 1990s and 2000s in both national and international competitions — winning gold at the Welsh Grand Prix Open Championships. That victory paved the way for consistent medal placements across nearly all events I entered.

I was also a member of the Irish team that beat Italy in the team event at the European WIKF Championships in 2001. It was the highest placing for an Irish team at a WIKF International Championship at the time. The following year, I placed third in individual kumite at the WIKF Europeans in Dublin.

As years passed, I naturally shifted from kumite to kata. Under the guidance of my Senseis, I found success in this area too. I’ve always had a passion for kata — I believe each one holds deep teachings and a wealth of knowledge.

One of my proudest moments came at the 2009 World Championships in Portugal. Performing Bassai in front of a packed stadium, with Suzuki Sensei in front, Fukazawa Sensei to the right, Sensei Jon Wicks to the left, and Senseis Robert McGrath and Tom Kosslon behind — and taking 3rd place — was a tremendous honor.

Alan with Kobayashi Sensei

Wado has brought me all over the world, with training in Japan in 2003 being a major highlight — working with people who truly follow the teachings of Hironori Ohtsuka and Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei.

Dan Grades

  • 1st Dan (2000) – under Suzuki Sensei
  • 2nd Dan (2003) – awarded by Suzuki Sensei, Sensei Robert McGrath & Sensei Michael Cole
  • 3rd Dan (2007) – under Suzuki Sensei
  • 4th Dan (2011) – awarded by Sensei Jon Wicks, certificate from Suzuki Sensei
  • 5th Dan (2016, Japan) – awarded by Sensei Philip Kear in the presence of Kobayashi Sensei

I love training, and now I also enjoy teaching. I truly believe in never stopping — always learning, and keeping an open mind. I also believe in our Dojo Kun. Learning from those principles keeps me grounded and on the right path.

In 2012, I took on the role of Squad Kumite Coach within our group. Helping younger members succeed in competition is something I’m proud of.

Sensei Alan Smith, Godan (5th Dan)