Franck Peretel and his Club
The Club's beginnings
The adventure, the real one, began just thirty years ago, when the former student of Arcisse-de-Caumont returned to Bayeux after completing his military service in the Alpine Hunters.
« With nowhere to train, we would meet up on the beach. There were five of us, and starting a club wasn't on the agenda yet. »
Significant events
In search of premises, the small group ended up setting up an association and moved into the technical high school's gym in February 1995... A year later, there were around a hundred members enjoying the use of a municipal gym.
« At the time, some people saw karate, where you strike your opponent, as a sport for thugs. »
Two decades later, Franck Peretel turned this discipline into a school of rigor.
The arrival of the other clubs
Over time, he spread his wings and created new clubs: in Tilly-sur-Seulles, Tessy-Bocage, but also in Saint-Vigor-le-Grand and as far as Caen, where his former students took up the torch.
The martial path
Franck Peretel chose to pursue martial arts at the age of 15. Kyokushin has shaped the man he is today. His story is unique in that karate has influenced the path he has followed. Placed in foster care, young Franck found himself among siblings who were required to practice a sport.
« There was no choice. I chose Kyokushin by chance. Since then, I have never stopped practicing it. »
First in Nonancourt, before arriving in Bayeux, at the Arcisse de Caumont high school.
« I was 16 years old and still training in the Eure region. We were a group of friends and took part in all the competitions. I founded my club on February 23, 1995, in Bayeux with eight members. »
, says Franck, who chose the medieval city for Sarah, his wife.
At the age of 23, he traded in his Alpine Hunter uniform for a dogi in order to put his military service behind him and begin passing on the knowledge that had put him back on track at just the right moment.
« I lacked direction. I couldn't find the values of karate anywhere else. The “guys” I faced helped me build myself up. »
« The years of work and training I devoted to learning the discipline of Kyokushin Karate, as well as my travels across Europe and to Japan, gave me the opportunity to make the most of my life. »
Nearly 300 disciples
Today, the Bayeux Dojo (Bayeux Kyokushin Kai Kan) has become the spearhead of the “Team Basse-Normandie Kyokushin,” bringing together the Basse-Normandie Dojos, which have nearly 300 disciples.
This is quite a feat, given the secretive nature of this school, which was founded in the 1950s by Sosaï Masutatsu Oyama. It is an extremely rigorous style, involving striking techniques.
Since the death of Masutatsu Oyama on April 26, 1994, several global organizations of his school, Kyokushin Karate, have been created.
« Even though I chose to stick to my guns and remain an IKO licensee, several of my friends followed another group to pursue the Kyokushin Way. It doesn't matter... »
In short...
« My friends and brothers in arms will remain so, regardless of the organization in which they continue their journey. Let us never forget that Kyokushin is the sole property of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. We are merely the guardians of his work. »
Dozens of national team selections and French Cup winners, students selected for the European Championships and World Championships... Dozens of national team selections and French Cup winners, students selected for the European Championships and World Championships...
Since 1995, Franck has trained generations of fighters, judges, coaches, instructors, and more.
« What I have gained from martial arts, I try to pass on today. Karate is not something you practice. It is something you live. »
His first value is humility.
« You can be very strong and get knocked down in 20 seconds... It's a philosophy that guides choices, even unconsciously. »
« The most important thing is to walk the path with sincerity, courage, and honor! »
A model
Franck is one of France's best-known practitioners and is renowned for his work. He is respected outside France.
« I have known Sensei Franck Peretel for over 20 years. He is a model karateka and budoka because he embodies all the values of Kyokushin through his tenacity, humility, respect for others, and desire to progress in a fair manner.
He is as demanding of his students as he is of himself, striving to see things through to the end in perfect accordance with the martial way. He devotes his life to the development of both martial arts and human beings. He approaches his work and commitment with efficiency and good humor—aside from his legendary outbursts—making him a highly reliable partner.
“We are fortunate to have someone of such high caliber among us », says Shihan Jacques Legrée, 7th Dan, French representative of Kancho Shokei Matsui (President of the IKO in Japan and successor to the founding master, Masutatsu Oyama).
« The essence of karate lies in combat. »
For Franck, teaching Kyokushin without fighting is inconceivable.
« If you want to train competitors, you have to know what you're talking about. You always have to have a foot in the door. »
As a competitor, referee, coach, and world judge, Franck is never far from the tatami mats.
« According to Master Oyama, the essence of karate lies in combat. You can have all the theory in the world, but without practice, it's just hot air. »
Goodbye Sensei, Hello Shihan
On May 29, 2025, during the second edition of the Nörmandy Camp in the presence of Shihan Isobe (IKO Brazil), after holding his 4th dan for more than 10 years, Franck Peretel was awarded his 5th dan by Shihan Jacques Legrée, giving him the title of Shihan Franck Peretel.
OSU Shihan Peretel !