I started karate in 1991. I was intrigued by the idea of defeating strength with timing and movement. I started training with Sensei Wicks in Basingstoke on a weekly basis. Once I had achieved 5th kyu, I started training twice a week, at Fleet as well as Basingstoke. I graded for 1st dan in February 1998 under Sensei Suzuki. I am fortunate enough to have taken all my dan grades (up to 4th Dan) with Sensei Suzuki and my 5th and 6th Dan under Sensei Wicks. I started to assist Sensei Wicks in the lessons when I was a high kyu grade. After a few years of his guidance, I was able to teach on my own. I currently run 5 clubs for Su-Ha-Ri. I am now the senior coach to the WIKF England team under Sensei Michaelides. I have also travelled abroad to teach kumite courses. However, it is very important not to slip into teaching mode and neglect your own training. That’s why I still train on a weekly basis. Also, I was privileged to train with Sensei Suzuki on a monthly basis.

I entered my first competition as a 7th kyu, in both kata and kumite. After winning several of the Inter-club championships, I was selected to represent Su-Ha-Ri at the WIKF National Championships in Mansfield. After competing at national level for a few years, I was invited to train under Sensei Neiman Prince with the WIKF England team. For 3 yrs I failed to earn a place on the team as the standard was incredibly high. In 1998 I was picked to represent England at the WIKF European Championships in Cyprus. In 2000 I won my first European title in Italy. I have represented England for over 20 years. I have won 11 WIKF World and European titles across all categories (Kata, Kumite, team kumite and tanto dori). I also competed on the All-Styles circuit, where I won many medals, including 4 team Golds at the EKF English Championships and the BKF Four Nations. many of my students have won All Styles National titles.

My goals for the future are to train as Sensei Suzuki would have wanted and try to master the essence of Wado. Also, as squad coach I aim to help more of our students attain the level of the England team and perhaps reach the Olympics. Most importantly I hope to keep training under Sensei Wicks, as a karateka never stops learning. I am very proud to be part of the WIKF family, through which I have made many friends all around the world.