My karate learning began in 1969 under the instruction of Sempei Cliff Richmond and then in 1971 I changed to the new style of Shukokai under the Instruction of Sensei Colin Edwards.  As I reached my 4th Kyu I moved to London for 18 months and continued my learning at London-based Shotokan Clubs.  Upon returning home I continued my training under Sensei Colin Edwards, I subsequently attained my Black Belt by 1979 under the Instruction of Sensei Kumura.

I attended many weekend courses and full week courses at Matlock, Sheffield and Birmingham, under the Instruction of Sensei Roy Stanhope, Stan Knighting, Eddie Danials and Terry Pottage.  I also attended a one week course in Japan under the Instruction of  Sensei Kumura

In 1980 I opened my own club under the Sokudo Karate Association run by Sensei Abdul Sharher.  I taught and trained with Sensei Abdul Sharher and attended all organised S.K.A. weekend courses assisting with the Teaching of Basics, Kata and Kumite.

By 1983 I became a S.K.U. qualified Judge then Referee under the instruction of Sensei Brian Smith and refereed at the British and English opens under Sensei Brain Smith.  I then became the Chief Referee for S.K.A. and by 1985 I achieved my 3rd Dan and became a qualified Grading Officer.

I joined NIMA in 2002 and became Kata Coach for the organisation, continuing my training and moving up through the grades until on December 1st 2003 through the English Karate Governing Body, I was awarded my 6th Dan.

In November 2007 the Sukodo Karate Guisborough club became a member of T.A.S.K. under Sensei Mark Raistrick.  Subsequently I re-qualified as an Association Referee and was asked to become Head Shukokai Instructor/ Kata Coach for the Association.

In 2011 was awarded my 7th Dan and received my Silver and Gold award by the B.B.A. for my contribution to Karate.

In 2019 1 was again awarded my 8th Dan and the British Empire Medal ( B.E.M ) from the Queen, for all the charity work the club has done and I have done personally.

 

At present I teach at my own club for 4/5 hours per week with a strong following of students, I also train 4/5 hours myself.

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I am proud to say that over the past 20 + years the club has won many trophies.

My personal competition achievement, of which I am proud of, spanning from 1974 to 1995 is presented below.

 

Kumite

Tyne Tees Championship 1974. 1st

Tyne Tees Championship 1975. 1st

Shukokai Open 1976. 1st

S.K.U. Nationals Team 1982. 2nd

S.K.U. Nationals Team 1983. 3rd

Kiyoo-Noo Open League Team 1984. 2nd

S.K.U. English Open Championship/ Middle Weight. 1st

S.K.U European Team Open 1st

M.S.K. Open Team 1985. 1st

S.K.U. National Open Team. 1st

 

 

Kata

S.K.U. Nationals Championship 1982. 1st

F.S.K. Open 1986. 1st

Manchester Grand Prix 1988. 2nd

Manchester Grand Prix 1989. 1st

Middlesbrough Open 1990. 1st

S.K.A. Open 1990. 1st

M.G.P. Open 1991. 1st

S.K.A. Open 1993. 1st

Middlesbrough Open 1994. 1st

Middlesbrough Open 1995. 1st