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'''Henry Wilson Cook''' (born 1949), widely known as '''Harry Cook''', is a British [[martial artist]], teacher, author, and proven predatory sexual abuser of under-age girls.
'''Henry Wilson Cook''' (born 1949), widely known as '''Harry Cook''', is a British [[martial artist]], teacher, and author.<ref name="SJKCook">[http://www.seijinkai.com/SJKharrycook.htm Seijinkai Karatedo Association: Harry Cook] Retrieved on 16 February 2010.</ref><ref name="Compson2008">Compson, H. (2008): [http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/news_at_a_glance/1.269446 Harry is master of oriental art] ''Hexham Courant'' (13 November 2008). Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref> He has written several martial art books, most notably ''Shotokan Karate: A precise history'' (2001).<ref name="Cook2001">Cook, H. (2001): ''Shotokan Karate: A precise history''. Dragon Books.</ref> Cook began training in [[karate]] in 1966,<ref name="Fong1988">Fong, G. (1988): [http://www.karateforum.com/harry_cook_int/interview.html Karateforum.com: Harry Cook interview (September 1988)] Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref><ref name="Banfield2005">Banfield, S. (''c.'' 2005): [http://www.theshotokanway.com/harrycookinterview.html Interview with Harry Cook] ''The Shotokan Way''. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref> and is currently the Chief Instructor of the Seijinkai Karatedo Association,<ref name="SJKCook"/><ref name="Banfield2005"/> a school he founded to teach his own style of karate.<ref name="Compson2008"/><ref name="Jackson2006">Jackson, L. (''c.'' 2006): [http://www.martialedge.net/articles/interviews-question-and-answers/harry-cook-on-karate/ Martial Edge: Harry Cook on Karate] Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref> He holds the rank of 7th ''[[Dan (rank)|dan]]'' in karate.<ref name="Compson2008"/><ref name="TakumiDojo">[http://www.takumidojo.org.uk/documents/Harry%20Cook%20Course%20Jan%202008.pdf Takumi Dojo: Karate training course with Sensei Harry Cook] (January 2008). Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Cook was born in 1949 in [[South Shields]], England.<ref name="Compson2008"/> He began training in the martial arts in 1966, learning karate from two schoolmates.<ref name="Fong1988"/> They belonged to a [[Wadō-ryū|Wado-ryu]] school,<ref name="Fong1988"/><ref name="Banfield2005"/> which he joined in September 1966.<ref name="Banfield2005"/> Subsequently, the Wado-ryu instructors moved from the area,<ref name="Fong1988"/> and Cook joined Ken Smith's [[Shotokan|Shotokan-ryu]] ''dojo'' (training hall) in [[Sunderland, Tyne and Wear|Sunderland]].<ref name="Banfield2005"/> In the late 1960s, Cook was one of the first British karate students to train under [[Keinosuke Enoeda]].<ref name="Compson2008"/><ref name="Fong1988"/> Having completed secondary school, he held the rank of 4th ''[[Kyū|kyu]]'' in karate.<ref name="Fong1988"/>
Cook was born in 1949 in [[South Shields]], England.<ref name="Compson2008"/> He began training in the martial arts in 1966, learning karate from two schoolmates.<ref name="Fong1988"/> They belonged to a [[Wadō-ryū|Wado-ryu]] school,<ref name="Fong1988"/><ref name="Banfield2005"/> which he joined in September 1966.<ref name="Banfield2005"/> Subsequently, the Wado-ryu instructors moved from the area,<ref name="Fong1988"/> and Cook joined Ken Smith's [[Shotokan|Shotokan-ryu]] ''dojo'' (training hall) in [[Sunderland, Tyne and Wear|Sunderland]].<ref name="Banfield2005"/> In the late 1960s, Cook was one of the first British karate students to train under [[Keinosuke Enoeda]].<ref name="Compson2008"/><ref name="Fong1988"/> Having completed secondary school, he held the rank of 4th ''[[Kyū|kyu]]'' in karate.<ref name="Fong1988"/>


Cook studied surveying for a year, but then moved on to studying [[Chinese language]] at [[Durham University]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> At university, he came into contact with Rose Li, one of the lecturers, who taught Cook [[tai chi chuan]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> In 1970, Cook established the Durham University Karate Club,<ref name="SKAHistory">[http://www.seijinkai.com/SJKhistory.htm Seijinkai Karatedo Association: History] Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref> which became affiliated to the [[Karate Union of Great Britain]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> He was tested for 1st ''kyu'' by [[Andy Sherry]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> In 1973, Cook received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in Chinese studies from Durham University; a year later, he earned a [[Postgraduate Certificate in Education]] from the same institution.<ref name="SJKCook"/>
Cook studied surveying for a year, but then moved on to studying [[Chinese language]] at [[Durham University]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> At university, he came into contact with Rose Li, one of the lecturers, who taught Cook [[tai chi chuan]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> In 1970, Cook established the Durham University Karate Club,<ref name="SKAHistory">[http://www.seijinkai.com/SJKhistory.htm Seijinkai Karatedo Association: History] Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref> which became affiliated to the [[Karate Union of Great Britain]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> He was tested for 1st ''kyu'' by [[Andy Sherry]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> In 1973, Cook received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in Chinese studies from Durham University; a year later, he earned a [[Postgraduate Certificate in Education]] from the same institution.<ref name="SJKCook"/>


==Career==
==Career==
Cook embarked on a career as a [[Teacher|schoolteacher]], but this was to be short-lived—only around two years.<ref name="Fong1988"/> He successfully applied for a job in Japan.<ref name="Fong1988"/> Cook had originally planned to travel to China, but, as he recalled in a 1988 interview, "at that time it was difficult to enter, so I opted for Japan as it was more Westernized and more modern."<ref name="Fong1988"/> Arriving in Japan in the mid-1970s, Cook started work as a teacher of the English language.<ref name="Banfield2005"/> He had intended to visit the [[Japan Karate Association]],<ref name="Fong1988"/><ref name="Banfield2005"/> but [[Terry O'Neill (karateka)|Terry O'Neill]] recommended visiting [[Morio Higaonna]]'s [[Gōjū-ryū|Goju-ryu]] karate ''dojo'', which Cook did.<ref name="Fong1988"/> While he trained under [[Hirokazu Kanazawa]] occasionally, and also studied [[Kendo|sword]] and [[Jōdō|stick]] fighting arts, most of his training was under Higaonna.<ref name="Banfield2005"/> In interviews conducted years later, Cook would speak very positively of Higaonna.<ref name="Fong1988"/><ref name="Banfield2005"/>
Cook embarked on a career as a [[Teacher|schoolteacher]], but this was (luckily, considering his sexual assault charges) to be short-lived—only around two years.<ref name="Fong1988"/> He successfully applied for a job in Japan.<ref name="Fong1988"/> Cook had originally planned to travel to China, but, as he recalled in a 1988 interview, "at that time it was difficult to enter, so I opted for Japan as it was more Westernized and more modern."<ref name="Fong1988"/> Arriving in Japan in the mid-1970s, Cook started work as a teacher of the English language.<ref name="Banfield2005"/> He had intended to visit the [[Japan Karate Association]],<ref name="Fong1988"/><ref name="Banfield2005"/> but [[Terry O'Neill (karateka)|Terry O'Neill]] recommended visiting [[Morio Higaonna]]'s [[Gōjū-ryū|Goju-ryu]] karate ''dojo'', which Cook did.<ref name="Fong1988"/> While he trained under [[Hirokazu Kanazawa]] occasionally, and also studied [[Kendo|sword]] and [[Jōdō|stick]] fighting arts, most of his training was under Higaonna.<ref name="Banfield2005"/> In interviews conducted years later, Cook would speak very positively of Higaonna.<ref name="Fong1988"/><ref name="Banfield2005"/>


After two years, Cook had reached 2nd ''dan''.<ref name="Fong1988"/> His work contract completed, he returned to England, but only stayed six months before coming back to Japan.<ref name="Fong1988"/> He settled in [[Kyoto]] and began studying butokukan and [[naginata]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> Cook eventually returned to the United Kingdom, and is now based in [[Haltwhistle]], [[Northumberland]].<ref name="TJSKA">[http://www.traditionalshotokankarate.co.uk/precise_history.html Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate Academy: Shotokan Karate – A precise history] Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref>
After two years, Cook had reached 2nd ''dan''.<ref name="Fong1988"/> His work contract completed, he returned to England, but only stayed six months before coming back to Japan.<ref name="Fong1988"/> He settled in [[Kyoto]] and began studying butokukan and [[naginata]].<ref name="Fong1988"/> Cook eventually returned to the United Kingdom, and is now based in Durham Prison, where he awaits sentencing for his sexual crimes.<ref name="TJSKA">[http://www.traditionalshotokankarate.co.uk/precise_history.html Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate Academy: Shotokan Karate – A precise history] Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref>


Cook founded his own school, the Seijinkai Karatedo Association, to teach his blend of Shotokan and Goju-ryu karate styles.<ref name="Compson2008"/> The association now has branches in Ireland, Norway, and the United States of America, as well as the United Kingdom.<ref name="Compson2008"/>
Cook founded his own school, the Seijinkai Karatedo Association, to teach his blend of Shotokan and Goju-ryu karate styles.<ref name="Compson2008"/> The association now has branches in Ireland, Norway, and the United States of America, as well as the United Kingdom.<ref name="Compson2008"/>


==Sexual Assault Charges==
⚫
In May 2011, Cook appeared in Newcastle Magistrates' Court facing charges of [[sexual assault]]<ref>{{Cite web

⚫
In May 2011, Cook appeared in Newcastle Magistrates' Court facing charges of [[sexual assault]]. <ref>{{Cite web
| title = Karate instructor in court
| title = Karate instructor in court
| publisher = [[Hexham Courant]]
| publisher = [[Hexham Courant]]
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| accessdate = 18 May 2011
| accessdate = 18 May 2011
| url = http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/news/news-at-a-glance/karate-instructor-in-court-1.837648
| url = http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/news/news-at-a-glance/karate-instructor-in-court-1.837648
}}</ref> in regard to a female from March 2006 to February 2011. He pleaded guilty and is currently on [[Detention of a suspect|remand]] awaiting sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court.<ref>{{Cite web
}}</ref> in regard to a female from March 2006 to February 2011. He pleaded guilty to seven counts and is currently on [[Detention of a suspect|remand]] awaiting sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court.<ref>{{Cite web
| title = Sent for sentence
| title = Sent for sentence
| publisher = [[Hexham Courant]]
| publisher = [[Hexham Courant]]
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==Publications==
==Publications==
Since his admission of seven counts of sexual assault of an under-age girl, publications by Harry Cook are likely to be boycotted.

Cook's best-known work is probably ''Shotokan Karate: A precise history'',<ref name="Cook2001"/> which ''Dragon Times'' editor J. N. Edwards has described as "certainly the best book on Shotokan, probably the best karate book ever published in the English language."<ref name="Edwards2001">Edwards, J. N. (''c.'' 2001): [http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Dtimes/Pages/ShotokanJNE.htm Shotokan Karate: A precise history – Review] ''Dragon Times''. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref> An independent assessment by Rob Redmond concluded that, for students of Shotokan karate, "there cannot be a better resource than Harry Cook’s famous Shotokan Karate: A Precise History."<ref name="Redmond2005">Redmond, R. (2005): [http://www.24fightingchickens.com/2005/11/17/what-is-shotokan/ 24 Fighting Chickens: What is Shotokan?] (17 November 2005). Retrieved on 19 February 2010.</ref> One criticism has been that Cook should have provided more interpretation of the verbatim quotations; "While [the use of exact quotes] is exemplary and well intentioned, it was, for me, one of the few ‘turnoffs’ in the book. Sometimes we need Mr. Cook to provide his view and interpretation of what those he interviewed meant, as the exact phrasings uttered often beg for such historical analysis," wrote Tom Militello.<ref name="Militello2003">Militello, T. (''c.'' 2003): [http://ejmas.com/ejmasreviews.htm#Shotokan EJMAS Reviews: Shotokan Karate, A Precise History, by Harry Cook] ''Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences''. Retrieved on 19 February 2010.</ref> A second edition of this book was published in August 2009.<ref name="TJSKA"/>
Cook's best-known work is probably ''Shotokan Karate: A precise history'',<ref name="Cook2001"/> which ''Dragon Times'' editor J. N. Edwards has described as "certainly the best book on Shotokan, probably the best karate book ever published in the English language."<ref name="Edwards2001">Edwards, J. N. (''c.'' 2001): [http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Dtimes/Pages/ShotokanJNE.htm Shotokan Karate: A precise history – Review] ''Dragon Times''. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.</ref> An independent assessment by Rob Redmond concluded that, for students of Shotokan karate, "there cannot be a better resource than Harry Cook’s famous Shotokan Karate: A Precise History."<ref name="Redmond2005">Redmond, R. (2005): [http://www.24fightingchickens.com/2005/11/17/what-is-shotokan/ 24 Fighting Chickens: What is Shotokan?] (17 November 2005). Retrieved on 19 February 2010.</ref> One criticism has been that Cook should have provided more interpretation of the verbatim quotations; "While [the use of exact quotes] is exemplary and well intentioned, it was, for me, one of the few ‘turnoffs’ in the book. Sometimes we need Mr. Cook to provide his view and interpretation of what those he interviewed meant, as the exact phrasings uttered often beg for such historical analysis," wrote Tom Militello.<ref name="Militello2003">Militello, T. (''c.'' 2003): [http://ejmas.com/ejmasreviews.htm#Shotokan EJMAS Reviews: Shotokan Karate, A Precise History, by Harry Cook] ''Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences''. Retrieved on 19 February 2010.</ref> A second edition of this book was published in August 2009.<ref name="TJSKA"/>


Revision as of 18:11, 26 June 2011

For other people named Harry Cook (martial artist), see Harry Cook (martial artist) (disambiguation).
Harry Cook
BornHenry Wilson Cook
1949 (age 74–75)
South Shields, Tyne and Wear
ResidenceUnited Kingdom Haltwhistle, Northumberland
StyleShotokan Karate, Goju-ryu Karate
Teacher(s)Keinosuke Enoeda, Morio Higaonna
Rank7th dan karate

Henry Wilson Cook (born 1949), widely known as Harry Cook, is a British martial artist, teacher, author, and proven predatory sexual abuser of under-age girls.

Early life

Cook was born in 1949 in South Shields, England.[1] He began training in the martial arts in 1966, learning karate from two schoolmates.[2] They belonged to a Wado-ryu school,[2][3] which he joined in September 1966.[3] Subsequently, the Wado-ryu instructors moved from the area,[2] and Cook joined Ken Smith's Shotokan-ryu dojo (training hall) in Sunderland.[3] In the late 1960s, Cook was one of the first British karate students to train under Keinosuke Enoeda.[1][2] Having completed secondary school, he held the rank of 4th kyu in karate.[2]

Cook studied surveying for a year, but then moved on to studying Chinese language at Durham University.[2] At university, he came into contact with Rose Li, one of the lecturers, who taught Cook tai chi chuan.[2] In 1970, Cook established the Durham University Karate Club,[4] which became affiliated to the Karate Union of Great Britain.[2] He was tested for 1st kyu by Andy Sherry.[2] In 1973, Cook received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese studies from Durham University; a year later, he earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the same institution.[5]

Career

Cook embarked on a career as a schoolteacher, but this was (luckily, considering his sexual assault charges) to be short-lived—only around two years.[2] He successfully applied for a job in Japan.[2] Cook had originally planned to travel to China, but, as he recalled in a 1988 interview, "at that time it was difficult to enter, so I opted for Japan as it was more Westernized and more modern."[2] Arriving in Japan in the mid-1970s, Cook started work as a teacher of the English language.[3] He had intended to visit the Japan Karate Association,[2][3] but Terry O'Neill recommended visiting Morio Higaonna's Goju-ryu karate dojo, which Cook did.[2] While he trained under Hirokazu Kanazawa occasionally, and also studied sword and stick fighting arts, most of his training was under Higaonna.[3] In interviews conducted years later, Cook would speak very positively of Higaonna.[2][3]

After two years, Cook had reached 2nd dan.[2] His work contract completed, he returned to England, but only stayed six months before coming back to Japan.[2] He settled in Kyoto and began studying butokukan and naginata.[2] Cook eventually returned to the United Kingdom, and is now based in Durham Prison, where he awaits sentencing for his sexual crimes.[6]

Cook founded his own school, the Seijinkai Karatedo Association, to teach his blend of Shotokan and Goju-ryu karate styles.[1] The association now has branches in Ireland, Norway, and the United States of America, as well as the United Kingdom.[1]

Sexual Assault Charges

In May 2011, Cook appeared in Newcastle Magistrates' Court facing charges of sexual assault. [7] in regard to a female from March 2006 to February 2011. He pleaded guilty to seven counts and is currently on remand awaiting sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court.[8]

Publications

Since his admission of seven counts of sexual assault of an under-age girl, publications by Harry Cook are likely to be boycotted.

Cook's best-known work is probably Shotokan Karate: A precise history,[9] which Dragon Times editor J. N. Edwards has described as "certainly the best book on Shotokan, probably the best karate book ever published in the English language."[10] An independent assessment by Rob Redmond concluded that, for students of Shotokan karate, "there cannot be a better resource than Harry Cook’s famous Shotokan Karate: A Precise History."[11] One criticism has been that Cook should have provided more interpretation of the verbatim quotations; "While [the use of exact quotes] is exemplary and well intentioned, it was, for me, one of the few ‘turnoffs’ in the book. Sometimes we need Mr. Cook to provide his view and interpretation of what those he interviewed meant, as the exact phrasings uttered often beg for such historical analysis," wrote Tom Militello.[12] A second edition of this book was published in August 2009.[6]

Cook's other books include: Samurai: The story of a warrior tradition (1993),[13] The way of the warrior: Essays on the martial arts (1999/2004, two volumes),[14][15] The Shotokan Karate book of quotes (2001, co-authored),[16] Karate (2005),[17] and Extreme survival (2006, co-authored).[18] Cook is a Contributing Editor for Classical Fighting Arts,[19] which was formerly Dragon Times until March 2003.[20][21][22] He has written several articles for Dragon Times.[23][24][25][26][27][28][29]

Reflecting on his contribution to karate scholarship, Cook has said: "I am deeply interested in history and I came to understand that many of the myths prevalent in karate were derived from an abysmal understanding of the history and evolution of karate. So I decided to light a candle against the dark!! Have I achieved my objective? Not really … the same myths are still heard over and over again … but maybe one [or] two people have been pointed in the right direction."[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference Compson2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Cite error: The named reference Fong1988 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Cite error: The named reference Banfield2005 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Seijinkai Karatedo Association: History Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference SJKCook was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate Academy: Shotokan Karate – A precise history Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  7. ^ Helen Compson (16 May 2011). "Karate instructor in court". Hexham Courant. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
  8. ^ Ruth Lognonne (20 May 2011). "Sent for sentence". Hexham Courant. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cook2001 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Edwards, J. N. (c. 2001): Shotokan Karate: A precise history – Review Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  11. ^ Redmond, R. (2005): 24 Fighting Chickens: What is Shotokan? (17 November 2005). Retrieved on 19 February 2010.
  12. ^ Militello, T. (c. 2003): EJMAS Reviews: Shotokan Karate, A Precise History, by Harry Cook Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences. Retrieved on 19 February 2010.
  13. ^ Cook, H. (1993): Samurai: The story of a warrior tradition. New York: Sterling. (ISBN 978-0-8069-0377-4)
  14. ^ Cook, H. (1999): Way of the Warrior: Essays on the martial arts (Vol. 1). Prudhoe, UK: Warriors' Dreams. (ISBN 978-1-9022-6701-2)
  15. ^ Cook, H. (2004): Way of the Warrior: Essays on the martial arts (Vol. 2). Prudhoe, UK: Warriors' Dreams.
  16. ^ Layton, C., & Cook, H. (2001): The Shotokan Karate book of quotes. London: Kirby. (ISBN 978-0-9539-3383-9)
  17. ^ Cook, H. (2005): Karate. Milwaukee, WI: G. Stevens. (ISBN 978-0-8368-4193-0)
  18. ^ Akkermans, A., Mattos, B., Morrison, B., & Cook, H. (2006): Extreme survival. London: Lorenz. (ISBN 978-0-7548-1552-5)
  19. ^ Classical Fighting Arts: Home Page Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  20. ^ Dragon Times: Home Page Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  21. ^ Dragon Times: New name & new magazine format Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  22. ^ Dragon Times: Articles Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  23. ^ Cook, H.: The Bubishi Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  24. ^ Cook, H.: Jujutsu & Karate Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  25. ^ Cook, H.: The Sensei Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  26. ^ Cook, H.: Success in the martial arts Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  27. ^ Cook, H.: Fighting Spirit Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  28. ^ Cook, H.: Karate training Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.
  29. ^ Cook, H.: Roots Dragon Times. Retrieved on 18 February 2010.

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