Sensei Richard Hang Hong
5th Dan
Sensei Richard is the founder and Chief Instructor of Seitou Ryu Karate, with over 30 years of martial arts experience. His journey began in 1986 with Wado Ryu Karate. After a brief break and time spent exploring other activities, he returned to training in 1997 and has dedicated himself to martial arts ever since.
He holds a 5th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate and has trained across the UK, Europe, Japan, Okinawa, Russia, and the USA, learning from many of the world’s most respected instructors. Over the years, he has also studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Iaido, and now trains regularly in Kobudo (Okinawan weapons), continuing to expand his knowledge of classical martial arts.
Sensei Richard has competed and coached at international level, and while he stepped away from the competitive side of karate in 2020, the experience shaped his passion for helping others reach their potential. Since founding Seitou Ryu Karate in 2005, he has taught thousands of students across all ages and backgrounds, from nervous beginners to seasoned black belts.
His teaching reflects the core values that define SRK: respect, integrity, support, commitment, and continual improvement. Whether you’re a parent looking to help your child build confidence, focus and discipline, or an adult wanting to improve fitness, learn self-defence or reconnect with yourself through meaningful training, Sensei Richard brings the patience, structure and encouragement to help you thrive.
He teaches across all SRK dojos and leads instructor training, gradings, and seminars. His classes blend traditional values with modern methods, offering a safe and welcoming environment where every student is supported to grow—not just as a martial artist, but as a person.
Above all, Sensei Richard believes in building a positive community where every student, child or adult, feels seen, respected, and inspired to become their best.
Grading History
- Shodan-Ho/1st Dan – Kenshukai (2001)
- Shodan/1st Dan – Kenshukai (2002)
- Nidan/2nd Dan – Kenshukai (2004)
- Ikkyu/1st kyu – Iaido (2005)
- Sandan/3rd Dan – Seitou Ryu (2007)
- Sandan/3rd Dan – Goju Ryu Karatedo Seiwakai (2011)
- Sandan/3rd Dan – Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) Goju Kai (2011)
- Yondan/4th Dan – Shotokan (2012)
- Yondan/4th Dan – Goju Ryu Karatedo Seiwakai (2015)
- Yondan/4th Dan – Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) Goju Kai (2015)
- Blue Belt – Gracie Barra Brazilian Jujitsu (2020)
- Godan/5th Dan – Goju Ryu Karatedo Seiwakai (2022)
- Godan/5th Dan – Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) Goju Kai (2022)
Training History
- 1986 – Started training in Wado Ryu Karate in West Wickham, Kent
- 1992/3 – Briefly trained in Judo and Kung Fu at local clubs in Beckenham & Bromley, Kent
- 1997 – Restarted karate. Training in Go-Kan-Ryu Karate under Shihan Rod Martin
- 2000 – Continued training in Kenshukai Karate full time under Shihan Rod Martin
- 2001 – Graded to Shodan-ho (Provisional 1st Dan) in Kenshukai Karate under Shihan Rod Martin
- 2002 – Graded to Shodan (1st Dan) in Kenshukai Karate under Shihan Rod Martin
- 2003 – Promoted to Senior Regional Instructor for Essex in Kenshukai Karate
- 2004 – Graded to Nidan (2nd Dan) in Kenshukai Karate under Shihan Rod Martin
- 2005 – Began training in Iaido under the Sensei Okimitsu Fuji, Sensei Steve Boyle and the late Sensei Tom Grogen
- 2005 – Established Seitou Ryu Karate in Essex. Affiliated to NAKMAS
- 2005 – Started training with Sensei George Andrews – 7th Dan (Goju Ryu) and Sensei Steve Roberts – 6th Dan (Shotokan)
- 2005 – Graded to Ikkyu (1st Kyu) in Iaido under Okimitsu Fuji Sensei and Naburo Mano Sensei
- 2007 – Graded to Sandan (3rd Dan) in Seitou Ryu Karate
- 2008 – Became a member of the Shi Kon Martial Arts Association
- 2010 – Became a member of Seiwakai and the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Goju Kai, training under Shihan Leo Lipinski
- 2010 – Started training in Brazilian Jujitsu under Lee Catling, Gracie Barra
- 2011 – Graded to Sandan (3rd Dan) in Seiwakai under Shihan Seiichi Fujiwara in Omagari, Japan
- 2011 – Graded to Sandan (3rd Dan) in JKF Goju Kai in Kyoto, Japan
- 2012 – Graded to Yondan (4th Dan) in Shotokan through Shi Kon Martial Arts Association
- 2015 – Graded to Yondan (4th Dan) in Seiwakai under Hanshi Seiichi Fujiwara in Omagari, Japan
- 2015 – Graded to Yondan (4th Dan) in JKF Goju Kai in Beppu, Oita, Japan
- 2016 – Restarted training in Brazilian Jujitsu under James Costa, Carlson Gracie
- 2018 – Restarted training in Brazilian Jujitsu under Professor Jez Lord and Professor Lee Catling, Gracie Barra
- 2018 – After the passing of Shihan Lipinski (01.01.18), continues training in Seiwakai under Shihan Gurmit Singh
- 2020 – Joined GKC Global under Sensei Paul Enfield as an associate dojo
- 2020 – Promoted to Blue Belt in Gracie Barra Brazilian Jujitsu by Professor Lee Catling
- 2022 – Graded to Godan (5th Dan) in Seiwakai under Hanshi Seiichi Fujiwara in London, England
- 2022 – Graded to Godan (5th Dan) in JKF Goju Kai in London, England
- 2024 – Resigned from Seiwakai
Qualifications
- DBS Checked (enhanced disclosure)
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- First Aid trained & certified
- 2005 – Recognised Senior Instructor and Grading Examiner by NAKMAS
- 2006 – Level 1 Coach – City & Guilds (Classic Coaching)
- 2016 – Certified Fit2Fite Instructor
- 2017 – Qualified as Silver Level Fit2Fite Instructor
- 2022 – Qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer
Recognitions
- 2008 – Dedication & Commitment to Martial Arts Award from Black Belt International
- 2008 – Instructor of the Year at the Munich Hall of Fame
- 2009 – Assistant Coach for the Havering Karate Squad – London Youth Games
- 2009 – Honorary Membership to Sankaku Ryu Ju-Jitsu & Martial Art Alliance at the Munich Hall of Fame
- 2009 – Honorary Membership to the International Police Training System at the Munich Hall of Fame
- 2009 – International Martial Arts Instructor of the Year at the Munich Hall of Fame
