How did you first get into Karate?  What first drew you to Karate? What made you stay?

I have always been into exercise and keeping fit.  During the 1970s martial arts became very popular – this being the heyday of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan – and I must say that these films were an influence.  However what really inspired me to take up a martial art was the Judo champion Brain Jacks.  At that time Brian was winning international medals in Judo for Britain.  The other thing was that like me, Brian was not a big guy – so to see him taking on and winning against much bigger opponents was very impressive.

Initially I trained in Judo (and for a period under Brian Jacks himself) however while I made some progress I was also keen to try out other martial arts.  Karate soon followed, and I took to this fully and after a while found myself within an Ishinryu club.

Who have been your biggest influences in Karate over the years? 

My first Ishinryu sensei was Roy Jerome.  Roy was an inspirational teacher as well as being successful in competition.  Over the years I've had the privilege to train under a number of karate legends – notably Dave Hazard, Dominic Valera, and of course, Ishinryu founder Ticky Donovan.  I've been privileged to train with many of the best Karateka, so apologies to anyone I haven't mentioned here.

Who do you look up to in Karate today?  Who do you think sets a good example of what a true Karateka should be?

In addition to those mentioned in the last question I would say Phil and Greg Francis.  To me these brothers epitomise what karate is all about; disciplined and 100% focused within the Dojo, but friendly and absolute gentlemen outside the Dojo.

 What do you consider your main achievements in your Karate career so far?

Bringing out the best in the students I teach.  For me It is very satisfying to see students make progress and gain confidence from their karate training.

 What about the future?  What karate ambitions do you have moving forward?

To keep on training!  I’m approaching 54 years old and accept that my fitness is unlikely to increase very much moving forward.  I retired from competition kumite some years ago, but have always trained consistently and continue to attend the Dojo three times a week.

Remaining karate ambitions are very much about passing on what I have learnt onto future generations – to help my students reach their full potential no matter what that might mean to each individual student.

What is your attitude to teaching?  What teaching techniques do you think work best?  How do you aim to get the best out of your students?

First and foremost is to be positive with students.  Let them know what they're doing right rather than focusing on any failings.  In every case I see my role as getting the very best out of each student based on that student's capabilities.  This may not necessarily be linked to grading or competition success.  Students take up karate for a variety of reasons – guiding them towards their personal goals is always my aim as an instructor.

What to you are the most important elements of running a successful karate club? Grading success?  Competition success?  Anything else?

Grading and competition success are important, but they are by no means the only criteria for success.  The traditional aspect of karate is very important and we pride ourselves in this club on focusing on these traditions.

I'm a very firm believer that Karate is for everyone – male or female and irrespective of age or physical capability.  A typical training session at Woodlane will include students from 6 years old to over 60, and will include a full range of capabilities and abilities.

Will all my students reach black belt?  No – I accept that this won't happen.  However, can all my students train to their full potential?  Yes – this is achievable, and this is exactly what we expect at Woodlane.

What qualities do you look for in new students?  Are there any qualities you have seen that guarantee success in karate?  Do the successful students have anything in common?

Students arrive at our club in all shapes and sizes and all are very welcome.  In terms of successful students – these are the ones who work hard and consistently to reach their own full potential – whatever they may be capable of.   Students cannot be easily categorised and each will have their own dreams and ambitions – I see my job as guiding each student to reach their own full potential in karate.

What advice would you give to anyone considering taking up karate at Woodlane?

First and foremost - to be prepared to work hard.

Second – to be patient and do not expect instant results.  If you train hard and consistently you will make progress, but understand that there are no short cuts.  Karate can be immensely rewarding but you have to put in the time, commitment, and sheer hard work to reach your goals.

Ishinryu training has taken place at Woodlane for many years.  Why has Woodlane thrived so long while other clubs have come and gone?  What’s special about this club?

I believe much of our success has to do with the family orientation of this club.  In the Dojo we train hard, but outside the Dojo there is a good social atmosphere that extends beyond the training.  We encourage the parents of our younger students to participate in club activities and this group of supporters are very important to club success.

This 'family' atmosphere at Woodlane has been noticed, and commented on especially by those attending Summer School.  I firmly believe that the teamwork and social activities beyond the Dojo have a direct impact on the success of this club.

However, the students will always be the foundation and building blocks of this club.   The bottom line is that without the students you don't have a club

How about future plans for Woodlane?  How would you like to see the club develop going forward?   For example, how would you like to see the club in five years time?

I would very much like to see this club continue as is.  That is, to see the traditions that have made Woodlane successful over the years continue into the future.  In particular my hope is that some of the younger black belts we have today will continue to develop their training and skills so that they can assume the responsibility of running this club into the future.

Personally I hope still to be training at Woodlane in five years time and offering advice to this new generation of instructors who, even today, I can see growing and developing into that role.

Sensei - thank you for your time.