I started my karate training in Shotokan Karate with the K.U.G.B. in 1987 whilst a student in Wolverhampton.
My instructor was Sensei Randolf Hutton.4th Dan
After 2 years of regular training 3 times a week, I achieved 1st Kyu Brown Belt. However, after leaving college, starting work and due to family commitments, I stopped training. Even though I had stopped my karate studies, I still kept with me the attitude of perseverance and hard work that had been instilled into me during my karate training ; valuable lessons for life ! During the interim years, I kept fit with fell running, hill walking, basket ball, cycling and sea kayaking. I had always meant to return to karate, and so after a "pause" of some 28 years I began training in 2015 at the Chesterfield S.K.C under Sensei Phillip Gandy 6th Dan. The training was hard and there was lots to remember, but I enjoyed the training and the high expectations from all the black belts at the club. With the support and encouragement from everyone at the club, I was able to finally take my 1st Dan grading in October 2017 and passed under Sensei A.Sherry 9th Dan and Sensei W.higgins 8th Dan. It just goes to show that even after a break of some 28 years and at the ago of 50, it is still possible to achieve such goals. With more excellent tuition from the club instructors ( Senseis McLeish , Langen , Pike and McLellan) I intend to continue my karate studies and to see what else I might achieve in karate in the future. My son, George, is now also training at the club, so I am looking forward to the day when he too achieves 1st Dan grade. In December 2017 the Senior Instructors of the club presented me with a trophy for "Best club member" of the year.
On the 12th October 2024 I attended an accredited course" An introduction to safeguarding children and Adults in a sports setting"
On the 15th of February 2026 I passed my 2nd Dan grading exam. The grading examiners were world renown Sensei's Frank Brennan 8th Dan and Billy Higgins 8th Dan
