Meet Sensei Nigel Couch

Nigel began training in karate with the KUGB and JKA over 30 years ago. He graded to Shodan in 1984, Nidan in 2010 and is a Qualified Karate Instructor and Judge. Over the years he has trained under many famous British and Japanese Sensei. After a break of a few years, he has resumed training and instructing with Can Do Martial Arts.

Nigel started karate with the Exeter University Club under Sensei Ron Hicks and Rob Welsh in 1977. He also trained at the Exeter town club under Sensei Dave Collacott and took his Kyu grades there under Sensei Sherry. During his time at the University Club he held all the club functions at various times, including club captain and instructor.

He joined the Kingsbury Club in Wembley under Sensei Larry Mulhall in 1982 as a 1st Kyu. He took Shodan under Sensei Sherry and O’Neill at Lancaster in 1984. He has attended numerous KUGB and JKA courses throughout his training: Torquay, Lancaster and Crystal Palace, including Sensei Nakayama’s course at Crystal Palace. He has trained with a variety of Shotokan organisations in the UK and the USA. He was also active in many competitions, both Kata and Kumite, throughout this period.

Work, commuting and raising a family meant karate training took a back seat for about 10 years. Nigel resumed training with Can Do Martial Arts in 2006; where on top of trying to recover his technique and fitness he also helps teach. He passed the KUGB Instructors Qualification in April 2009, his Nidan (2^nd Dan) in 2010 and his Judge’s Qualification in 2011. He is married with 2 teenage daughters and runs his own business.