Shihan Paul Coleman

Hi, my name is Roxanne Selby and I am one of the current karate students of the beloved Shihan Paul Coleman, of Oxford Karate Academy (OKA). I’m very sad to update the text of this fundraiser as Shihan Paul sadly passed away on 31 August 2023 very peacefully, surrounded as always by his family and friends, in Katharine House Hospice. I still can’t believe he is gone. 

Shihan Paul was very poorly due to advanced cancer. We his students love him dearly. We had hoped to have him for a bit longer (although our visits to him in Katharine House Hospice and the CCU at the Horton Hospital enabled us to stock up on at least a few more bad dad jokes and karate anecdotes to pass on to the next generation of OKA students!) but alas he is no longer with us and his funeral took place on 28 September 2023. 

Shihan Paul has a unique ability to connect with people of all backgrounds. He touched the lives of so many people from so many places all over the world for so very many years - from karate students in the 1970s (many of whom he seems to have knocked out and/or spectacularly side kicked!) to the present day; to people throughout Oxford (is there a decent coffee shop where he is not known?); to the lovely nurses in the Horton Hospital and Katharine House (ever the charmer!). As hard as nails, yet a sensitive kind soul, he was the living embodiment of his hard and soft (Goju) karate style. 

This fundraiser was set up to try to make sure that the end of his life was as comfortable and stress-free as possible and (crucially) that his family and friends have enough money to give him the funeral and memorial service that he would wish for (OK, maybe given financial issues perhaps it won’t be EXACTLY everything he would wish for - “lavish” is the word he used!). I do hope and believe that knowing we had some monies raised helped alleviate at least some worries at the end of his life. 

Alas, we’re not able to fulfil his dying wish of being dressed in a superman costume and thrown out of a plane over Pinewood Studios, but we at least hope to arrange a decent celebration of his extraordinary achievements. 

We and Shihan and his family are hoping that people far and wide will give generously. All the money will go towards a celebration of his extraordinary life and a truly fantastic send off that we will all remember forever!

All money raised will be transferred after Shihan Paul’s death to his little brother, Roy, to go towards funeral expenses. Please do continue to donate and share as many will wish to attend and celebrations are eye-wateringly expensive. 

Please do also share your memories of this incredible man. Shihan, we love you and remain your students and friends forever. We treasure the memories you have given us and we will continue your legacy.