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In a dramatic scene reminiscent of a James Bond movie a large group of white-robed people were trading karate blows on an Arran beach last weekend.
Thirty-one karate experts had converged on Kildonan and they made an unusual sight on the Silver Sands beach on Sunday afternoon.
They were all ages and came from all parts of the world. were led by Sensei Harry Cook who is a seventh Dan and the chief instructor of the Seijinkai Karate-Do Association. Mr Cook founded the Durham University Karate Club in 1970 and has been involved in the art since.
He told the Banner: ‘We have regular meetings in our own areas but have a couple of big get-togethers like these each year. I teach the old fashioned values of self-defence and self discipline.
‘It also helps to boost fitness. It is traditional in Japan to hold courses on a beach so Kildonan is perfect for us.’
The group was staying under canvas at Seal Shore and campsite owner Maurice Deighton said: ‘They do get a few strange looks from the people who are sunbathing or paddling in the sea.’
The Seijinka Karate-Do Association is a British-based martial arts organisation and Sensei Cook has worked as an English teacher in Tokyo and Kyoto for 13 years while learning more about the karate art.
