Senior Instructor   

Sensei Aamar Rajpoot, the founder and head instructor of Karate Academy UK has dedicated his life to the study and mastery of Goju Ryu Karate, beginning his training in 2003 at the age of 11 in Karate-Do Goju Kai under Sensei Gurmit Singh. He has honed his skills through rigorous practice and a deep commitment to the traditional principles of this Okinawan martial art. His journey has seen him grow not only as a skilled practitioner but also as an exceptional instructor, known for his wealth of knowledge, technical precision, and profound understanding of the art of Goju Ryu. 

He demonstrated early dedication and passion for the art. However, his path was not without challenges. At the age of 15, he faced the profound loss of his mother to cancer, which led to a two year pause from Karate.  

During this break, Sensei Aamar explored the art of Boxing. He began training at 15 and participated in two amateur contests, achieving an undefeated record of 2-0. This experience not only honed his physical skills but also instilled a deeper sense of discipline and resilience.  

At 17, Sensei Aamar resumed his Karate training with Sensei Gurmit Singh. He was a dedicated student who would attend all sessions and rarely miss a session along with attending additional sessions and earlier sessions to teach the lower grades. His dedication earned him his Black Belt in 2012. Driven by his passion for teaching and a desire to share the benefits of karate, he established Karate Academy UK at the age of 19 in June 2012 and opened his first Dojo in Slough.   

At the age of 20, Sensei Aamar’s martial arts training expanded beyond the dojo as he worked as a bouncer in London’s busiest clubs. This experience allowed him to apply the self-discipline, control, and situational awareness gained through karate in real-world environments. His time managing security in high-pressure settings further sharpened his abilities, particularly in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and the practical application of Karate for self-defence. 

Sensei Aamar later founded his own security company, which he successfully ran alongside his martial arts and IT Career. This hands-on experience in both the physical and psychological aspects of security has provided him with a unique perspective on self-defence and personal safety, which he integrates into his teaching. 

Start of the Journey in OGKK 

After his initial instructor, Sensei Aamar sought further instruction and inspiration. In 2013, he discovered Sensei George Andrews and embraced his teachings of Okinawan Goju Ryu. This was a turning point in his martial arts journey, leading him to align with the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai (OGKK) in 2024.  

Sensei Aamar found that OGKK’s teachings and values resonated deeply with his own, solidifying his commitment to the style of Karate-Do Goju Ryu. Today, he holds a 4th Dan Black Belt and registered branch director under OGKK and continues to both train and teach with unwavering dedication.   

Sensei Aamar was regraded to 4th Dan in Japan 2024 by the following grading panel; Sensei Koei Teruya 10th Dan, Sensei Masataka Muramatsu 10th Dan, Sensei Ryoichi Onaga 10th Dan, Sensei Masanari Kikugawa 10th Dan, Sensei Tokimitsu Minei 9th Dan, Sensei Seiei Hirata 9th Dan and Sensei Toshiro Fujioka 8th Dan.   

Professional Commitment, Philosophy and Vision 

While building up Karate Academy UK, Sensei Aamar has worked in the IT Sector, dedicating his free time to training, teaching, and growing the organisation. He believes that expanding the Academy will provide more opportunities for students to compete and improve their skills across different regions. 

Sensei Aamar’s motivation for opening the dojo extends beyond teaching karate techniques. He aims to provide a positive impact on his students’ lives, much like how karate supported him through his own hardships. He believes that the discipline, respect, and resilience taught in Karate can help younger generations avoid trouble and adopt healthier lifestyles.  

As an instructor, Sensei Aamar is known for his approachable, patient and motivating teaching style. His dedication to the philosophy of Goju Ryu emphasizes not only physical strength and conditioning but also mental focus, discipline, and respect. 

In Goju Ryu, the balance between “hard” and “soft” movements requires precise control over the body. Sensei Aamar’s understanding of biomechanics of fighting and emphasis of importance of correct posture, alignment, and breathing, all of which are critical for maximising power, speed, and fluidity. His teaching involves breaking down techniques to their core components, helping students understand how to harness their body’s natural energy and transfer it efficiently into strikes, blocks, and defensive movements. 

A key focus of Sensei Aamar’s instruction is on the coordination of the hips, core, and stance. He teaches how rotational movements, especially through the hips, are crucial in generating force, and how tension and relaxation are used strategically to enhance both offensive and defensive applications.  

Diverse Martial Arts Training 

Beyond Karate, Sensei Aamar has broadened his martial arts expertise by studying various disciplines, including:  

• Boxing  

• Krav Maga  

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu  

• Judo  

This diverse training background enriches his teaching, allowing him to offer a comprehensive martial arts education to his students.  

Sensei Aamar Rajpoot’s journey is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and passion for martial arts. Through Karate Academy UK, he continues to inspire and guide students, helping them navigate their own paths in Karate and in life. His story and philosophy serve as a beacon of perseverance and positive influence, making Karate Academy UK a place of growth, learning, and community.  

Conclusion

Sensei Aamar Rajpoot’s journey is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and passion for martial arts. Through Karate Academy UK, he continues to inspire and guide students, helping them navigate their own paths in karate and in life. His story and philosophy serve as a beacon of perseverance and positive influence, making Karate Academy UK a place of growth, learning, and community.