SOMA wishes to record its sincere thanks to Roy Fuller for his tireless efforts in organising and running seminars and tournaments. Roy retired from martial arts in 2017.
Roy ran a large club called Bushido Karate which catered mainly for children and mothers. He ran four classes per week and also did special classes on the weekends.
Roy not only taught karate but he was also a mentor and ‘grand-father’ figure to many of the children in his classes.
PHOTO: Roy with two of his youngest students. Look at the heart-warming way that the little girl on the right lays her head on Roy’s shoulder.
The style of karate that Roy taught was a hybrid version of Kyokushin. He began karate at a relatively late stage in his life, in his 50’s. Roy’s own Sensei was none other than Bill Vaughan, who had as one of his teachers, the legendary Sosai Mas Oyama. So Roy’s ‘pedigree,’ so-to-speak, was very good – just one step removed from one of the greatest karate teachers of all time!
Roy was a fairly hard task-master to his young students. He didn’t accept excuses easily and that reflected in the ability of his students. But he wasn’t easy on himself either. He was a regular swimmer and walker and did numerous other exercises that other men of his age either couldn’t or wouldn’t do.
PHOTO: Roy would never ask any student to do any exercise that he could not do. He would readily hit the floor and rattle off as many push ups or sit ups that he demanded of his students.
Many of Roy’s students have gone on to become highly educated and he was always filled with pride when he spoke of them passing exams. Many went on to university and received bachelor degrees. This was a great joy for Roy and he spoke often of these achievements. There is little doubt that the discipline that Roy instilled into the children held them in good stead for their later years.
PHOTO: A group shot of some of Roy Fuller’s many students.
Roy Fuller reached the substantive rank of Rokudan, 6th Dan. However, on his retirement, Barrie Revell, Hanshi and SOMA President awarded Roy an Honorary 8th Dan in recognition of his passion and all the wonderful work he did during his time with the former AMAA and later, for SOMA.
SOMA greatly appreciates all that Roy Fuller did for it and all members past and present wish Roy a very long and healthy retirement!`
FOOTNOTE: To read more about the exploits of this extraordinary man you can read a much more detailed article under the heading: “Roy Fuller of Bushido Karate Club – Article – featured in Blitz Martial Arts Magazine Vol 25 No 04 (April 2011).” You can find this on the ARTICLES page.