A karate instructor “with a sensitive, kind heart” has passed away after more than a decade-long battle with cancer.

Paul Coleman, who took over the running of Oxford Karate Academy in 1975, one year after its founding, passed away at Katharine House Hospice in Banbury, on Thursday, August 31.

The news comes after one of Mr Coleman’s students from the academy, Roxanne Selby, started a GoFundMe page, the raised total of which will now go to Mr Coleman’s younger brother Roy, to help with funeral costs.

READ MORE: Oxford karate coach with advanced cancer receives support

Mr Coleman’s students, friends and family have so far raised nearly £7,000.

The 67-year-old was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer more than 10 years ago and had undergone several rounds of treatment.

In a tribute to her instructor, Mrs Selby said: “Shihan Paul touched the lives of karate students from the 1970s to the present day, as well as friends around Oxford, the UK, and internationally.

“He is remembered by older students for his ripped youthful physique and legendary sparring, as well as for his tough, imaginative training and technical skill.

“His karate was outstanding until the very end: in July 2022 he achieved 8th Dan black belt in his association, Seiwakai. “His international seminar teaching was highly acclaimed as recently as May 2023, despite his intense physical pain.

“In his personal life, he embodied the ‘go’ (hard) and ‘ju’ (soft) of his karate style, fighting hard, but with a sensitive, kind heart that inspired devotion.

“He endured his illness with strength and humour. He made new friends even in the hospice, where he enjoyed singing, memories and laughter with a huge number of friends.

“Oxford Karate Academy has been passed on to Shihan Paul’s senior students. It will be led by Senseis Hkanhpa Sadan and Joe Bennett (both 3rd Dans), who will, with the support of students and friends, ensure that it thrives in his image.”

The karate instructor leaves behind two sons, Aaron aged 29 and Blade, aged 11, and a younger brother, Roy, aged 62.

The academy has produced more than 100 blackbelts and Mr Coleman taught and competed internationally in karate.

Junior, senior and blackbelt classes are on offer at the academy, with a focus on the personal development aspects of martial arts, not just self-defence moves.

All of the instructors are certified black belts, qualified, and professionally trained to teach martial arts, and the facility features a viewing area for parents, as well as matted floors throughout.

Mercedes Lopez, from Oxford, said: “I totally recommend Oxford Karate Academy. My two boys are training there and they love.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1