 Stewart has a wide range of martial arts experience and has been studying Martial Arts since he was first introduced to them in 1968 when he was serving with the “E” Coy. A&SH 51st Highlanders. From 1968 until 1971 he
studied Judo in the style and principles developed by Jigoro Kano. In 1974, just prior to joining Stirling & Clackmannan Police (later Central Scotland
Police) he was introduced to Shotokan Karate and trained at local clubs throughout Clackmannan and Stirling. However, he formed the opinion that the hard style provided by these clubs, although powerful in application, did not
provide the spiritual aspect or understanding he was seeking from his studies in the Martial Arts.
In 1976 a friend invited him to join the Stirling University Karate Club then run by Sensei William Clark. On joining the University Club he discovered a new and
interesting approach to the Martial Arts. Stewart remained with Sensei Clark right up until 1995, some 19 years, until he founded Makoto Kai Karate Do. During the time at the University Karate Club, later formed in 1984 as “Sen No
Kai”, he attended numerous martial art seminars and courses  where he trained with various Japanese Master’s including Sensei Harada (Shotokai).
Most importantly, in 1977 he was introduced to Sensei William (Billy) Coyle, Chief Instructor of Makotokai Aikido Riai, with whom he formed a lasting friendship.
This encounter with Sensei Coyle was responsible for creating a new dimension in Stewart’s study and approach to his Martial Arts training.
Through his association with Sensei Coyle, Stewart was privileged to attend numerous Aikido training courses where renowned instructors such as Sensei Sekiya who, at the age of 70 demonstrated that, despite age and frailty, mind and spirit could overcome deficiencies in physical abilities.
In August 1984 Stewart founded the Cambusbarron Karate Club and continued to expand his knowledge of the martial arts.
Part of his studies included being a private student of "Susan (chosen English name) Lou" in the art of Tai Chi (Wu Style) which is characterised by softness with an
emphasises on re-directing incoming force.
This style of Tai Chi assimilated the ethos encompassed within the Makotokai Karate Do. Today, after some 38 years of training, Stewart still continues his
studies and practices his art with the help of his students who continually provide him with the inspiration to remain on the path of Karate Do. |
