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Paddy Swallow Kyoshi 6th Dan M.G.R.Y. |
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I was born in Reading in 1964 and moved to Leicester at the age of 5, where I started Judo at a club next door to my parents pub. My 1st Judo club was called Thurnby Lodge Judo Club and my Sensei was Neil Heathcote, 4th Dan. In 1972 I moved to a club in Wigston, Leicestershire run by Sensei Bert Fletcher 5th Dan where I stayed until 1978 when I had the great pleasure of meeting Matsuo Otain who took me under his wing. I trained with Master Otain until he passed away. During the time I trained with Master Otain I was also introduced to his sons, Robin and Tomeo, with Tomeo continuing to train me in both Aikido and Judo. Also squeezing in a few Iaido lessons! I achieved my 1st Dan in Judo at the age of 16, with the International Budo Council and at around the same time I was also graded as 1st Kyu in Aikido, awarded by Tomeo Otain. It was then that I opened the 1st of my Judo clubs. In 1985 I moved to Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, where I have been ever since and have four clubs in this area. |
Competing in Judo on an international level, I have achieved many national and international medals and awards. My fighting career came to an abrupt end in 1988 when during a training day I suffered from a smashed kneecap and therefore no longer able to compete I turned my attention even more to teaching and coaching others. I also gained the qualification of National and International referee.
I achieved my Renshi award in 2000 and was awarded my 6th Dan in 2004, by Kancho Alf Bates 10th Dan.
During my 36 years in Martial arts I have had the privilege of being taught by some great Masters and Sensei, although not graded I have experience therefore of other martial arts, such as Iaido, Ju-Jitsu, Karate and Kendo.
I was delighted to join Kevin Pell Hanshi and Ishin Ryu as Director of Judo in December 2005.
Renshi Paddy Swallow currently teaches at the following Dojo's:
I was awarded my title of Renshi and my 6th Dan by Kancho Bates. I progressed to 6th Dan under his guidance and support, during the 30+ years that I had the privilege and honour to train with him.
 Training Aikido with Tomeo Otani |  Paddy Swallow Renshi With Alfred Bates Kancho |
On Saturday the 17th of March 2007, Paddy was awarded the title of Kyoshi by Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu's founder and chief instructor, Kevin Pell Hanshi at the organisation's 17th Anniversary presentation dinner held in Borehamwood in Hertfordshire.