1989
I started Karate when I was 9 years of age under the instructor, Sensei Ken Cartwright 6th Dan. My early gradings were with Sensei Colin Williams 7th Dan who was a visiting instructor for some time from Chester. I really enjoyed karate and I made some good friends in the club that went to my school. My older brother trained and achieved his black belt and for some time my sister also trained.
1997
After failing my first attempt at black belt grading, I trained extremely hard to pass the next time. It was long, exhausting and difficult. I did it, and I went on to become the Dojo captain and started instructing karate.
2001
Within four years, I was taken under the wing of one of the senior instructors in the club to train and prepare me for my 2nd Dan grade. Sensei Inge Riley. She was the best instructor for kata, she taught in so much detail and with enthusiasm. It was with great sadness that she passed away some years later.
2004
I gained my 3rd Dan in Shotokan. Having learned and performed at least 5 advanced katas it was the toughest grade so far. I was taught the kata Gojushiho sho by Sensei Kim 3rd Dan for the grading. This is a favourite of mine. It was upon achieving this grade I moved on to instructing black belts in the advanced katas and preparing them for gradings for my Sensei for many years to come after this. I hardly missed a lesson, and became the instructor if anyone was stuck with a movement, they would come to me.
2021
I had many years experience learning karate and loved every minute. After my Sensei passed away, It was my turn to start a karate club. That's when Chikaku Goshin Jutsu was started. I will write more about Sensei Ken Cartwright in future articles.
2024
This year I decided it was time to complete my 4th dan grading. It had been 20 years since I last graded so I was overdue to take a grading. I hope it helps to inspire other students in the club to always keep trying. I was particularly happy about completing an essay looking at the history of Karate and similarities to the Chinese martial art Tai chi.
If you are interested in reading this I will add it to this website.
