Kyokai Shotokan Karate – Cardiff

I started looking to take up a martial art after a couple of incidents occurred where I was assaulted through no fault of my own and I lost control. I wanted to be able to defend myself effectively and stay in control. I had seen that there was a karate club in Cardiff and decided to give it a try.  I was impressed by the friendly atmosphere, even though we were kicking seven bells out of each other. 

I took my first grading on 15^th June 1988 in Jutsu Kai with Lee Costa. I reached 7^th kyu before finding it difficult to attend after the birth of my first child. In 1989 some friends started training in Shotokan karate on an informal basis with Sensei Reede Brown, who was also a friend of mine, and I decided to join them. I enjoyed the way my instructor combined discipline with humour and enthusiasm and I looked forward to each lesson.

In 1991 we entered the E K O (English Karate Organisation) national championships and came second in the team event, not bad for our first competition! I was disqualified from the individuals for excessive contact, but at least I knew my technique worked, even though it lacked control. In 1992 we came third in the team event, and in 1994 I came joint third in the individuals.

I attained my first Dan in July 1995 on my second attempt. I failed first time, and this was the first grading I had failed, but it made me even more determined to train hard and try again.

I have trained with the following Sensei’s: Lee Costa, Bernard Creton (Jutsu Kai), Dave Sharkey, Tony Conroy, Vince Morris, Pat McCarthy, Rick Clarke, Shinji Akita and Reede Brown. I have also trained on several courses that included traditional weapons training and thoroughly enjoyed it!       

My two sons have now attained their Dan grades and I enjoy training with them along with the other members of the club. In addition to helping my fitness and flexibility, I have met a lot of people through training in karate and made some good friends. 

I admire the people that I have trained with (listed above) for their skill, ability and enthusiasm for their art, in particular my own instructor and very good friend, Sensei Reede Brown, who has been an inspiration to me over the years.