Left to right – Councillor Scott Emanuel, Sensei Denise Jones, Shihan Alwyn Heath, Sensei Garry Haines & Tracy Nichols ( Hawthorn Leisure Centre )
This article was originally shared by Hawthorn Leisure Centre
Well, this was special.
It was an absolute honour to welcome the inspirational Alwyn Heath to Hawthorn Leisure Centre, to formally induct him into our Sporting Hall of Fame.
Shihan Alwyn, a 7th Dan, has trained in Kyokushin Karate for 53 years and opened the Pontypridd School of Kyokushin Karate in 1976 – he has been with us from the very start!
Alwyn is, quite simply, a legend.
He:
Is recognised by the Welsh Karate Governing Body as the foremost authority on Kyokushin Karate in Wales Trained with Sosai Oyama himself in 1992! Competed in Welsh, British and International competitions Became the Welsh & British Kyokushin Coach, taking teams to national, international and world competitions, following his retirement Was a qualified referee – recognised as one of the top 10 in Europe officiating at European and World tournaments. Served as WKGB Welsh Squad Manager for a number of years Was Director for the Welsh Karate Governing Body (WKGB), recognised by the Sports Council for Wales.Every one of the thousands of students he has taught over the years will be delighted to hear about his well-deserved spot in the Sporting Hall of Fame.
It is a fitting tribute to a man who has remained committed to, and passionate about, the Kyokushin form for over half a century.
For 53 years he has mastered Kyokushin and competed, referee’d and represented at the highest level.
We are so proud to have him here at Hawthorn Leisure Centre and so honoured to be able to bestow this upon him.
Alwyn was joined by his wife Denise and Kyokushin student of over 40 years, Garry Haines at our Open Day where he was presented with his plaque, which will be placed in the Hall of Fame
A special moment as Shihan Alwyn Heath is presented with his Sporting Hall of Fame plaque at Hawthorn Leisure Centre.
Councillor Scott Emanuel joins Shihan Alwyn Heath to mark his induction into the Hawthorn Leisure Centre Sporting Hall of Fame
Pontypridd / Llantrisant News
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