Instructor Profiles
Lee Smith (5th Dan)
Sensei Lee Smith, senior instructor at Woodlane Ishinryu, started karate training in 1984 at just 8 years old. In 1990 he achieved 1st Dan Black belt, followed by 2nd Dan in 1994 and 3rd Dan in 1998. In 2003 Lee was awarded 4th Dan by Ishinryu founder Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE - 5th Dan was awarded in July 2010. In addition to extensive competition and coaching experience Lee is also a qualified Ishinryu association Referee.
To learn more about Sensei Lee Smith, his time with Woodlane, and his views on Karate please see an Interview with Sensei Lee Smith and this article that appeared in the November 2009 issue of Traditional Karate.
Chris Vant (3rd Dan)
Sensei Chris Vant, senior instructor at Woodlane, started training in Ishinryu karate in 1983 at the age of 27. Chris graded to 1st Dan Black Belt in 1993, followed by 2nd Dan in 2003. Chris was awarded his 3rd Dan by Sensei Ticky Donovan O.B.E. at the 2008 summer school. Chris is a qualified Ishinryu association Referee.
To learn more about Sensei Chris Vant, his time with Woodlane, and his views on Karate please see an Interview with Sensei Chris Vant
Tony Spinks (3rd Dan)
Sensei Tony Spinks, senior instructor at Woodlane, started training in Ishinryu karate at ten years old. Tony graded to 1st Dan Black Belt in 1997, followed by 2nd Dan in 2004 and 3rd Dan in 2008. Tony is a qualified Ishinryu association Referee.
To learn more about Sensei Tony Spinks, his time with Woodlane, and his views on Karate please see an Interview with Sensei Tony Spinks