“Don’t judge each day by the harvest but by the seeds that you plant.”

Dedication

This biography is lovingly dedicated to the pillars of my life, my beloved wife, my children, and my grandchildren, whose presence, love, and support have given every chapter its true meaning.

To my late wife, Caroline, whose courage, compassion, and unwavering partnership have been my guiding light through every season of adversity and triumph. Your quiet strength, generous heart, and enduring faith in our shared journey sustained me through the darkest hours and made the brightest days all the more precious. Every dream I’ve pursued, every goal realized, carries the imprint of your steadfast encouragement and sacrifice. Thank you for being my anchor, my companion, and my greatest blessing.

To my children, whose resilience, warmth, and achievements fill me with an abiding sense of pride. Watching you become your own people, each journey uniquely your own, has been the most rewarding gift of my life. You have taught me as much as I could ever hope to impart to you, and the legacy of hope, empathy, and purpose that we have built together is my greatest inheritance to you.

To my grandchildren, whose laughter and curiosity renew my spirit and remind me daily of life’s most precious joys. You are the living promises of tomorrow and the truest measure of a life well lived. May you always find the strength to dream boldly, the wisdom to persevere, and the kindness to inspire others along your chosen paths.

This work is a tribute to each of you, to the love we have shared, the storms we have weathered, and the memories we have created. My achievements are woven with your stories, your smiles, and your resilience. This dedication is not just a reflection of gratitude, but an expression of how profoundly you shape the man I strive to be every single day.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

Phase 1: The Childhood Days

Dr. Peter Swallow was born on 1st April 1956 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester, UK, into a large family as one of six siblings. His early years unfolded in an environment marked by both the camaraderie and the complexities of such a household. When Dr. Peter Swallow was still a child, the family relocated to South Bank, Middlesbrough, a move that introduced him to the diverse and industrious communities of northern England. It was here, in Middlesbrough, that his formative years were shaped, blending the grit of a working-class neighborhood with the closeness and support of his family.

Growing up, his place among his siblings brought its own dynamics and responsibilities. Among the most profound influences on his youth was the illness of his younger sister, who had infantile eczema and asthma. Consequently, when Dr. Peter Swallow was 9 years old, the family moved down to Basingstoke in Hampshire, so she could attend a school for delicate children at Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. Then just before Dr. Peter Swallow’s 16th birthday, the Isle of Wight became a separate council, and his parents were told his sister no longer qualified for a place at that school. So subsequently the family moved to the Isle of Wight. The school in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight only took children up to the age of 14, so his sister moved back to the family home. Her eventual passing, just before her 16th birthday when Dr. Peter Swallow was 19, left a wound that ran deep. This loss was neither sudden nor isolated, it followed years of watching a loved one battle illness, culminating in a grief that fundamentally changed his outlook on life. The sadness and shock he endured during this time would become a touchstone in his development, nurturing within him a deep empathy for others’ suffering and a lifelong resolve to offer support where he could.

Education was a central thread running through Dr. Peter Swallow’s early life. Both the value of academic accomplishment and practical achievement were instilled in him at an early age. He pursued his studies with devotion, ultimately earning 10 CSEs, 9 GCEs, and 2 A levels. 

“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”

Phase 2 : The Spark of a Calling

Dr. Peter Swallow’s entry into adulthood marked a dramatic shift, a time when seeds of ambition planted in youth began to grow into a lifelong vocation. In September 1977, on the Isle of Wight, he embarked on his martial arts journey with Dave Arnold Shihan joining the Shinto Karate School, a path that was at first intensely personal and rooted in self-discovery. What began as a quest for self-improvement gradually blossomed into a commitment to deep study and community impact, planting the earliest roots for what would become a decades-spanning career.

His early fascination with martial arts was matched by an appetite for understanding. By 1979, after several discussions with the Chief instructor Mike Lambert Shihan, Dr. Peter Swallow was driven by a desire to grasp the subtleties of his chosen art, and turned his attention to the Japanese language, specifically, the intricate Kanji characters that give much of karate’s terminology its depth and nuance. He quickly realized that many techniques bore multiple names and that understanding their true essence demanded more than rote repetition. He scoured Japanese language reference books, meticulously cross-referencing kanji and their meanings, while also exploring diverse schools and philosophies within martial arts.

Over the years, his martial arts path deepened as he joined clubs affiliated with renowned leaders such Paul Coleman Shihan. He further expanded his training under Gurmit Singh Ghatore Shihan within the UKKGK, which is connected to the Gōjū-ryū Karate-do Seiwakai International under Leo Lipinski Hanshi. These affiliations profoundly shaped his technical expertise and philosophical approach to martial arts, contributing to the foundation of his extensive study and teaching career.

In August 2024, Dr. Peter Swallow was awarded his 4th Dan in Gōjū-ryū karate by Dave Arnold, 8th Dan Shihan, a recognition that was incredibly special to him. Dave Arnold had been Dr. Swallow’s first Sensei and remained his Sensei since 1977. 

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

Phase 3 : Expanding Horizons

Entering the new millennium, Dr. Peter Swallow found himself simultaneously balancing numerous demanding roles, entrepreneur, instructor, researcher, family man, and, increasingly, caretaker. While his martial arts teaching and dictionary project continued to develop, home life and personal responsibilities deepened in complexity and meaning, shaping the next decade into a transformative period of growth, loss, and renewed purpose.

The turn of the 2000s ushered in a pivotal time. Having earned his Shodan and started his own club, Dr. Peter Swallow’s role as a teacher became ever more central. He was committed not only to physical training but to deepening his students’ appreciation for cultural authenticity. Translating Japanese terms for students as part of his club’s practice, he was propelled, thanks to the encouragement of his instructor, to more thoroughly organize and systematize his extensive notes, aiming to create a reference that grouped categories for ease of access. This ambition brought with it both challenge and satisfaction, highlighting the need for rigorous cross-referencing and careful documentation.

In 2003, another change took root at home, after the passing of his father-in-law in 1999, Dr. Peter Swallow and his wife welcomed his mother-in-law into their household. This new arrangement required not just space and resources but emotional commitment, reinforcing the value of family support and adaptability as circumstances evolved. Through periods of intense busyness and the ebb and flow of daily life, Dr. Peter Swallow continued working on his dictionary, seeking new sources and guidance from mentors. His first instructor, now residing in France, visited in 2005 and provided essential feedback, helping to shape the project’s evolving format. Conversations with his instructor illuminated the complexities of language and translation, prompting Dr. Peter Swallow to justify every term with authoritative academic Japanese character dictionaries, both to validate his work and to maintain scholarly rigor, it was at this point that he decided to cross reference his dictionary to the Academic Japanese Character dictionaries that he had used for his research. 

Note of Thanks

Writing the biography of Dr. Peter Swallow has been an extraordinary and deeply rewarding endeavor. It is truly a privilege to have had the opportunity to document the life of a man whose journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and quiet strength in the face of profound challenges. I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Peter Swallow for trusting me to capture the essence of his story, a life marked by unwavering commitment to knowledge, service, and the empowerment of others.

This biography would be incomplete without recognizing the deep influence and unwavering support of his family. His wife, whose courage and companionship were central pillars throughout his life, remains at the heart of his legacy. Their partnership exemplified devotion, from building a family and business together, to weathering the most difficult storms with mutual respect and affection. The love and strength they shared, and the memories they created, were constant motivators and remain Dr. Peter Swallow’s proudest achievement.

Equally vital to this narrative are his children and grandchildren, who embody Dr. Peter Swallow’s ideals of resilience, kindness, and efforts. Their presence has provided not only joy and purpose but also inspiration for his ongoing work in education, coaching, and service. The legacy of compassion and dedication that he passes to them stands as a living testament to a life well lived, grounded in love and enduring connection.

My deepest appreciation also extends to the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have played crucial roles in his growth. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in his potential have been instrumental in shaping Dr. Peter David’s path, whether in martial arts, education, or coaching. Their support has helped transform a personal passion into a legacy of knowledge and compassion that reaches far beyond himself.

Special thanks are due to the community and clients who have benefited from his coaching and rehabilitation expertise, individuals whose lives have been renewed and enriched through his patient, individualized care. Their trust and stories stand as a living tribute to Dr. Peter Swallow’s commitment to making a genuine difference in the lives of others.

I am equally grateful to those who have contributed insights and shared reflections on his professional impact and personal character. Their voices brought depth and authenticity to this narrative, shining a light on the respect and admiration Dr. Peter Swallow has earned through decades of quiet efforts and service.

To you, the reader, may this biography inspire you to embrace life’s challenges with courage and purpose. Dr. Peter Swallow’s story reminds us that true success is measured not only by the accolades we accumulate but by our willingness to persist, uplift others, and pursue our passions wholeheartedly. May his example encourage you to strive continuously and face life’s uncertainties with grace, conviction, and an open heart.

Thank You
– Dr. Peter Swallow