Shihan Gavin Mulholland, 7th Dan

Sensei Gavin Mulholland

Gavin‚ began training at an early age alongside his brothers under the tutelage of their father who was teaching Judo and unarmed combat in the British Forces throughout the 1960s. After witnessing a demonstration of Goju Ryu by Kyoshi Kim Roberts in the late 70s he became an immediate convert and trains with Kim to this day.

Gavin has travelled extensively throughout Asia experiencing a wide diversity of Martial arts. However, as an holistic fighting art, Goju already incorporates elements from virtually every other fighting system and Gavin has remained within the Goju framework.

Gavin is a member of the Combat Hall of Fame, and was awarded the rank of Godan in 2002 by the one-time student of Ei'ichi Miyazato, Shihan Rick Woodhams.  Kyoshi Kim of the Sobo Bugei No Kai subsequently awarded him the title 'Shihan'.  In June 2009 Gavin was awarded the rank of Rokudan and in June 2019 he was promoted to Nanadan by the Chairman of the OMAA, Shihan Roger Sheldon.

Gavin spent many years on the door and was a regular instructor for Meido Ltd, a company specialising in‚ door supervisor, security and close protection. He has made TV and film appearances, published regular articles and wrote the highly acclaimed Four Shades of Black.

He is Chief Instructor of Daigaku Karate Kai alongside Shihan Dan Lewis of Bristol Combat Goju Ryu and is also a regular on the UK MMA scene with his team DKK Fighters who compete successfully in Cage Rage, Ultimate Challenge, and BAMMA. One student even made it as far as the UFC.