5th
Dan Shihan Gary Bufton First started studying Kyokushin Karate in September
1973 under then Sensei Howard Collins (3rd Dan) and Mike Watkins at the Cardiff
dojo in Cory Hall.
August 1974, I traveled to Japan to train at Honbu, Tokyo under the then Kancho
Oyama. There was no room as an Uchi Deshi so I became a day student. My instructors
were Sempai's Azuma, Oishi and Sato.
I attended Summer Camping 1975 where I gained 1st Kyu . I was now eligible
to attend Mas Oyama's special classes on Sundays.
Gained Shodan under Sosai Oyama at Honbo in December 1975. I was forced to
return to Britain due to a family bereavement.
March 1976 successfully completed a 50 man kumite under Sensei Howard Collins.
This was knock down with all students being blue belt and above, with fights
lasting 2 minutes.
1976 September obtained position of Lecturer in Physical Education at Cross
Keys Tertiary College, Gwent.
1978 successfully completed a 40 man knock down kumite under Shihan Arneil
and Claronino. All fights were against 1st Kyu to 4th Dan.
1978 I obtained 8th place in the First European Knock-down Tournament.
April 1979 I gained my Ni Dan grade by Shihan Arneil.
June 1979 I gained Second place in the Swiss Open Championships.
April 1980, I won the First Welsh Open Knock-down Tournament at Cardiff.
1981 I assisted Shihan H Collins at the Summer Camp in Hungary.
1981 coached a Welsh team which toured Sweden.
In October 1981 I ran the New York Marathon in my karate gi in order to raise
money for the disabled.
In 1982 I was placed 8th in the Second European Championships at Barcelona.
I retired with a broken hand. That was my last completive knock-down tournament.
1983 obtained BEd Honours from Cardiff University in Human Movement Studies.
I was promoted to the position of Head of Physical Education Department at
Cross Keys Tertiary College, Gwent. During my time at this college I was Country
Selector for rugby, soccer and volleyball.
Achieved San Dan in July 1984 at Summer camp under Shihan Arneil. I attended
all Summer Camps from 1976 to 1984 at a number of venues.
1984 to 1986 I coached Welsh Men's and Ladies Clicker Teams culminating in
the achievement of gaining 2nd and 3rd places at the first Ladies European
Championships in Switzerland.
Since 1986 I have contained to coach the Men's Clicker Team with increasing
success as our first generation of juniors in Wales matured from WUKO through
Clicker and on into Knockdown Karate.
In November 1986 I successfully achieved a World Record Ice Break of 1016
11bs at the BBC studios in Wales. The record still stands.
I was awarded
4th Dan in October 1989 by Shihan Arneil. I served on the BKK Executive Committee
from 1978 until 1990 when I resigned my position due to the changing political
climate.
Throughout my training I have tried to keep the Kyokushin Spirit of Osu close
to me and I have endeavored to pass my knowledge and experience to my students.