Steve Cattle

[fujicolt]

John Errington - a strange mix of deep intelligence, Fine karateka and hard as nails, daft as a brush when he had a drink - i once saw him sat on Steve Cattle's knee doing a ventriloquist impression (we all laughed like heck!) and one of the best referees ever IMHO

[Moley]

Still training with Mr Errington, Allan ?

[Allan Shepherd]

Hi Moley

Unfortunately due to work circumstances (shift changes etc) I had to stop training at Ormskirk SKC in the old Croshall High School which at the time was Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. I did find other dojo in the area to train at on the other days of the week but sadly non of them actually measured up to the training that John put us all through. I did revisit the Ormskirk dojo (now in the new school on the old site) some time in about 2005 and rejoined the UKTKF but again due to changes at work I only trained on a few occassions reverting back to the other dojo. I would like to think that at some time I will revisit Ormskirk again and start training there again. I have said this before that John like Billy Higgins takes you up to and just beyond what you thought your limits were so you could experience training on that very important accumulative basis.

Best Regards
Allan

[ashjake0]

John is a very stocky, able karateka... hard as nails... all good history from the late 80's... good people who trained hard!!

Rich

[HugoDavid]

Please tell us more about George Godfrey! I saw him on Utube the fight between England - Japan, he must have had a amazing kizami-zuki?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-dpk_sZ_HM

[fujicolt]

Please tell us more about George Godfrey! I saw him on Utube the fight between England - Japan, he must have had a amazing kizami-zuki?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-dpk_sZ_HM

George was an exceptionally gifted karateka because he actually wasn't 'gifted' IMHO AND I SAY THAT WITH TOTAL RESPECT - please let me explain.
George was only young when he hit the scene. but he was a 'big lad ' as they say. he just through limb length could out reach most and reach Jodan heights with Kicks. but that would never be enough and he and Steve C knew it.
he trained very hard and took the advice of his instructor and became very mobile and VERY accurate with certain techniques.
He also traveled - as did all Steve's students to any competitions going - i know this cos he (SC) sent me and mine to the same. (get experience! - i can hear him now!)

George began to become continually more successful and this meant he fought bigger and stronger opponents constantly and as this happened he showed he was a strange combination - he would say 'i am sh*tting myself about this next guy' and then he would step up and ABSOLUTELY DOMINATE THEM WITH A VARIETY OF SKILLS AND TOTAL SPIRIT - literally no fear!
he would then come off and say - 'glad that's over how did i do?' - He went on to be European Shotokan Champion in a day when that was gonna be hard to win.

the following is a personal anecdote that i swear is true.

Money was tight and i was training at Enoeda Sensei's course at Crystal palace - I went in a pub with a group one evening and we saw the beer prices - way above what we had budgeted for. I said to my group 'Hang on a minute 'I'll be back'.

I walked outside and George came out - we knew each other.

One off us said - 'have you seen the prices in there!'

we both said - 'Off Licence ! and we both walked off to find one. we did and the evening flowed fluidly for all concerned. the pub never new why!

[HugoDavid]

Thanks Steve hyland! Is there any pictures or films with George Godfey! When he started his club in Sweden he finnished his competionen. So we his students in Sweden have just heard all stories about him from Steve Cattle. But I must say that George is a very proffessional Shotokan teacher in Sweden.
Please tell us more...

[fujicolt]

Thanks Steve hyland! Is there any pictures or films with George Godfey! When he started his club in Sweden he finnished his competionen. So we his students in Sweden have just heard all stories about him from Steve Cattle. But I must say that George is a very proffessional Shotokan teacher in Sweden.
Please tell us more...

Hugo I could tell you many stories about George Godfrey and many others but i am actually writing a book about That Era of UK Karate so do not want to give too much away. Hope you understand.

However - i want the book to be more than my memory etc of that time and the champions - but also all of those out there 'doing it' I will be/have been asking certain individuals to agree to an interview that will be included in the book - many already have! I have no contact details for George now - understand totally confidentiality and privacy - but can you give me a path to contact him please?

Steve h

anecdote for George - how many of you were there when he fought Mick Wragg - and George had that bandage that kept coming loose.

two BIG lads really going at it! Marvelous to watch.

[HugoDavid]

Off course I can give you George Godfrey mail etc... What´s yours mail adress?

[fujicolt]

Hey Hugo

love your enthusiasm - kinda getting the feeling you train with George and are very impressed and wish to know his history - which is great. However - please read my previous post - i merely asked for a path to cantact George - not his personal info. If you are in touch with him - tell him about my book plans and how i would love to include him and then ask him the path to contact him if he wishes it so He (and all) have a right to privacy and we must be careful here.

especially since all these new rules in Europe eh?

[HugoDavid]

Dear Steve!
Im sorry that I missunderstand you, I apologize! My English is not 100% what means path to contact?

[HugoDavid]

I Spoked with George today and he will be very happy if you contact him!

Bests
Patrik

[fujicolt]

Hugo

thank you very much for your help. by 'path' i merely meant a way that G G could keep his privacy and i can still contact him. Simply because this internet stuff can be very invasive. So for example lets plan how you can contact him - and then contact me - so i can contact him - without JOE IDIOT getting info

I hope i do NOT sound paranoid but the way it is hey?

S

[HugoDavid]

I understand! Please just one more question how was the fight between George and Steve at Crystal Palace?

[fujicolt]

I understand! Please just one more question how was the fight between George and Steve at Crystal Palace?

Oh dear - - if it is the fight i think you are referring to? George ended up getting a heck of a smack from Steve that left him floored. we all discussed it and the general consensus was it was an instructor letting his student know - 'yer doing well sunshine but do not forget who taught you!' if i remember correctly steve was disqualified for too much contact But i seem to remember that George rose from the floor to huge applause. If my memory is incorrect - i shall apologise now.

but maybe you are referring to another encounter?!?