Rob Copeland was a 23 year-old 2nd Dan when, with Martin Payter (3rd Dan) he started a club at Barry Leisure Centre in 1984, The club was then under the wing of the Karate Union of Wales, headed by Sensei Mike O’Brien.

After a year or so, Martin left and Rob continued running the club on his own.

From humble beginnings, The club slowly grew and eventually became the biggest club in the KUW.

In November 2000, Rob withdrew his club from the KUW and became an independent member of the Welsh Karate Governing Body (WKGB) as The Vale of Glamorgan karate Organisation (VGKO)

In 2002 at the WKGB Welsh Championships, The VGKO topped the medal table for the first time, and have remained at the forefront of competitive Karate in Wales ever since.

In 2011, Rob pulled out of the WKGB and was a founder of Karate Wales Ltd. Rob was president for several years.

Now named Vale Karate, Rob has taught full-time since 2006 and with his wife Cathy, has run Vale successfully for 40 years!

He has no plans to slow up, so here’s to the next 40!

For a bio on Sensei Rob CLICK HERE