REPORT BY: HASAN RIZWAN

BRADFORD Karate Master Shihan Abrar Hussain has achieved a remarkable feat, being awarded the prestigious rank of 7th Dan (Sichidan) in Renshinkai Karate.

Shihan Abrar was presented with this award on Saturday, 2 December 2023 by the Amateur Martial Association (AMA).

This accomplishment is a testament to his unwavering commitment, dedication and skill in the martial arts discipline, along with his continuous pursuit of excellence within martial arts.

Shihan Abrar acquired his training under the tutelage of Shihan Dickie Wu, Shihan Terry Steward & Shihan Keith Spires. These masters have been an integral part of Renshinkai Karate for over 50 years, emphasising both physical and mental development from karate. Requiring years of rigorous training and mastery of various methods, guidance and knowledge of these great masters, who emphasised the traditional side of karate and the oriental philosophy behind it.

It has given Shihan Abrar great satisfaction and a sense of achievement seeing his student's achieving success in national karate tournaments over the years and helping develop their character as good human beings.

Shihan Abrar’s attainment of the 7th Dan black belt at the age of 69, a level that represents a profound understanding of the art, places him amongst the elite in the world of martial artists. Shihan Abrar marks a significant chapter in the history of Renshinkai Karate. It not only highlights the dojos commitment to excellence, but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring martial artists to strive for greatness in their own journeys within the world of Karate.

Abrar has played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum at ABS Martial Arts (Bradford), ensuring that students receive comprehensive training that goes beyond physical techniques to include the mental and philosophical aspects of Renshinkai Karate.

There were several martial artists who had travelled from around the world, to receive their Grades/Dans at the Awards Ceremony held by the AMA at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel. This year, the highest grade awarded (7th Dan) at the ceremony in 2023 was to Shihan Abrar Hussain, due to his dedication and skill in karate.

Discussing his achievement, Shihan Abrar said, "I am pleased to be awarded my 7th Dan by the AMA. This is not only my achievement but also a club achievement, and an inspiration to the wider Asian community who think they’re too old to train.

“I’d like to thank my Instructors Shihan Dickie Wu, Shihan Terry Steward & Shihan Keith Spires for helping me advance and showing me the 'Way' of karate. Karate for me is a way of life and I couldn't live without it."

A student of Shihan Abrar, Sensei Hasan Rizwan (3rd Dan), who started karate at the age of 7 has been mentored & guided for the past 20 years. He is the Senior Instructor at ABS Martial Arts (Allerton Road, Bradford, BD8 OAZ).

Sensei Hasan said, "Shihan Abrar has been a significant part of my life and karate journey. It was about time he received his 7th Dan, as it’s been nearly 18 years as a 6th Dan. He has done a fantastic job in helping young students develop physically, mentally and spiritually. Gaining discipline and confidence, which I am living evidence of this transformation.”