Alun James (Mad Al) – 1952-2007
Alun was one of the founder members of the Budokan club. “Peter Poser” Jones was the instructor, with other members, Andy Cotton, Hughie Morgan and Kevin Alford. Soon after came Fred Viola, Neil Rees, Chris Williams “Guvnor”, Hugh “Bungie” Ruse, Wet Dave, Wayne Morcoome, Peter Ambulance and Tall Andrew plus host of others. Together with special guest members Paul Scott and Chris Blundell. Sadly earlier this year Fred Viola passed away, he collapsed in Llanelli Town centre and never regained consciousness again.
We were a team, and some team we were! We went to the Gym, to competitions, to the pub and each others houses, together. We travelled all over the country competing. Later on in Alums Karate career, his love was refereeing which he did while we were fighting. He became a qualified referee using his skills at local and national level.
Alun was always ready to teach and share his knowledge of karate with anybody who came to our club, He was the beginner’s grade instructor for many years and after Poser left, Alun became Swedes assistant in the management of the club. Alun stopped training after an accident in work. Alun achieved the rank of 1st Dan in 1987.
Alun was nick named “Mad Al” from his motor bike days; He was one hell of a fast rider. He had some of the fastest production road bikes made in his time; tragically he died on a motor bike in an accident on the 5th August 2007.
Alun will be sadly missed by all who knew him and the memories of him will always be cherished by all his friends