Hello and welcome to my profile page. I am Sensei Keith Boardman Chief Instructor and founder of Keibudo Karate for martial arts in Devon.

I founded Keibudo Karate in January 2003, after 15 years of study in a traditional Karate system, during which time I served as an instructor for 10 1/2 years. I started training in the Martial Arts because it was something I always wanted to do, after growing up on a diet of Bruce Lee and various other late night Kung Fu films. It seemed like the right thing to do, and I’m pleased to say I have never looked back! Martial Arts have given me a great sense of purpose and direction, plus it has kept me fit and healthy too! To be able to give some of that back, and in my own way is a wonderful feeling. It is clear that, no matter what Martial Art you practise, we are all trying to do the same thing. That is to develop our mind and body, to react when we feel threatened and in a way that will protect us! So it doesn’t matter what art you practise, as long as it works for you, just keep an open mind and you can learn from anything and anyone! Keibudo Karate is based on natural response.

To use your natural reaction, and put a technique on the end of it, then develop the technique until that becomes your natural reaction. I have trained with instructors from Tae Kwon do, Tang Soo Do, Wing Chun, Shotokan, Kenpo, and Ju Jitsu, from 1st Dan’s to 10th Dan’s!

They all believe that what they are doing is the best! I have learned more from all of them, than just one of them! Keibudo eliminates unnecessary movements but still maintains a strong root foundation to balance, stance work and Kata. From that aspect we are still traditional. I chose freestyle because I didn’t want to be tied or restricted to just one form or movement! There are many great Instructors out there, from all over the world and fortunately, they are now starting to network with each other through the many groups and organisations that have sprung up in the last few years. I want to travel more and experience as much as possible. If it can help me then it can help my students and that should be the sole aim and responsibility of any Instructor. To help those in need of guidance and security, in other words, a Martial Art!

I was born in June 1964, and fell in love with the Martial Arts at the age of 10, when I sneaked in to see Enter the Dragon at the cinema. I remember we all came out hopping around thinking we were Bruce Lee, but something stuck with me and it became something I always wanted to do. So here I am! I recently visited the grave of Bruce and Brandon Lee, it was an amazing feeling to be so close to the person who inspired me and helped me become who I am today! I hope you enjoy our website and that it helps you to get involved in a Martial Art!