Goran Powell is a freelance writer who holds a 6th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate. In 2006 his first book, 'Waking Dragons' was an instant bestseller on Amazon's martial arts listing and is now in its third edition. Goran's novels include award-winning historical fiction titles 'A Sudden Dawn' and 'Chojun', and the Cold War thriller 'Matryoshka'.
His book 'Every Waking Moment' is an advanced training manual for the 30 Man Kumite. 'Karate on a Cushion' recounts his experience of Zen practice and its connection to martial arts. In 2017, Goran was awarded Writer of the Year at the British Martial Arts Awards.
His book 'Every Waking Moment' is an advanced training manual for the 30 Man Kumite. 'Karate on a Cushion' recounts his experience of Zen practice and its connection to martial arts. In 2017, Goran was awarded Writer of the Year at the British Martial Arts Awards.
MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE
Goran began Judo in 1972 at the age of seven. In 1984 he moved to London and trained in Shotokan karate, Kyokushinkai and Taekwondo before settling on Goju Ryu karate. In 1999 he joined Daigaku Karate Kai and completed the gruelling Thirty Man Kumite in 2002, writing up the experience in his bestselling book, Waking Dragons.
In 2007 he achieved the rank of 4th Dan after demonstrating skill in modern and traditional weaponry and in 2013 he was awarded the master grade of 5th Dan. In 2021 he was promoted to 6th Dan with the Okinawa Martial Arts Association. Goran's lifelong passion for the martial arts has included research into Zen meditation with the Dogen Sangha London, shiatsu and pressure point fighting. He is currently training at the Azi School of Taiji in London.
In 2007 he achieved the rank of 4th Dan after demonstrating skill in modern and traditional weaponry and in 2013 he was awarded the master grade of 5th Dan. In 2021 he was promoted to 6th Dan with the Okinawa Martial Arts Association. Goran's lifelong passion for the martial arts has included research into Zen meditation with the Dogen Sangha London, shiatsu and pressure point fighting. He is currently training at the Azi School of Taiji in London.