Sensei Passmore began the study and practice of Traditional Japanese Budo (martial arts) and philosophy with Karate in 1964 in South Africa, under the tutelage of the renowned Richard Salmon - the Doshu or Founder of Budokan, who was one of the most brilliant exponents of Karate of his generation.

 

He flourished under the direction of the Doshu - became one of his Uchideshi and trained under his direction until he left SA for the UK.

 

He competed in national and international karate tournaments, including, representing the province of Natal at the South African Games.

 

He founded Budokan in the UK in 1970.

 

Karatedo  is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa) from indigenous fighting methods Te

(literally: "hand") and Chinese Kenpo.

 

Shoshin Nagamine said "Karatedo may be considered as the conflict within oneself or as a life-long marathon which can be won only through self-discipline, hard training and one's own creative efforts."

 

For many practitioners, karate is a deeply philosophical practice.

Karate-do teaches ethical principles and can have spiritual significance to its adherents.

(See philosophy section)

 

Gichin Funakoshi ("Father of Modern Karate") interpreted the "kara" of Karate-do to mean "to purge [oneself] of selfish and evil thoughts. For only with a clear mind and conscience can [the practitioner] understand that [knowledge] which he receives."

 

Funakoshi believed that one should be "inwardly humble and outwardly gentle."

 

Only by behaving humbly can one be open to Karate's many lessons.