Sensei Bowden

About me:

I was born and raised in Perry, Florida. I graduated from Taylor County High School then graduated from North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Georgia with a BS in Business Administration and Military Science. I shortly thereafter served in the US Coast Guard Reserves and received my Honorable Discharge. I earned my Mathematics Teaching Certificate from the University of Florida and started teaching Math at Taylor County High School in the late 60's. I completed my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida State University and transferred to Taylor County Junior High School where I taught Math for 5 more years, became Assistant Principal for 3 years and then Principal for 10 years. I was then Principal at Taylor Elementary for 3 years then moved into the Taylor District Office as Personnel Director for 10 years. I am now retired from Taylor District schools. I started my Karate career in 1973. My original teachers were Senseis John Hinken and Charlie Parker. Sensei Parker moved away in '75 and Sensei Hinken remained until '79 when he moved to Tampa. He appointed me his successor when I completed my requirements for 1st Dan. We joined the Shotokan-Kenkojuku Karate Association in 1980 and Sensei Koji Sugimoto became my new teacher. By 1996 I was promoted to 3rd Dan by Sensei Sugimoto. I have remained a student of Sugimoto until March 4, 2007. My karate school in Perry, Florida is the home to many excellent students. My students have not only excelled in karate but have become successful in life. Our style of Shotokan Karate is one of the few remaining styles where there are no(full) black belts below the age of 18.