Shihan Paul Bernstein, HF

A founding member and trustee of the Barbados Shotokan Karate Club, Shihan Paul Bernstein, 8th Dan, started karate in January of 1973 and has been a major influence in the development of karate as well as the club over the years. He is a graduate of the ISKF Instructor Program and now holds the designation of International Karate Daigaku A-Class Instructor, A-Class Judge, and A-Class Examiner.

For the last 28 years, he has been elected President of the Barbados Karate Association. This shows his leadership abilities and rapport with his members and students. Shihan Bernstein is a Justice of the Peace as well as a former Barbados Senator. In 2011, he and President David Clarke, acting in place of the Reverend Father Compton Meerabux, S.J., administered the Oath of Office to the Chief Instructor and Deputy Chief Instructors of IKD. As well, they both presided at the unanimous passing of a Special Resolution by all member countries electing the masters to their Offices.

Apart from his teaching ability, his administrative skills have led to the success of the BSKA and the development of karate in Barbados. His contribution to karate has resulted in Barbados as a karate power house. He played a major role in building the BSKC, the first permanent dojo in the Caribbean. He is a valued member of the IKD Shihan-kai and a great public relations officer. He and Alice have one son Shaun, who is not only a medical doctor and surgeon, but also a black belt.