Chief Instructor - Sensei Stuart Tickner 4th Dan
| How did you get started with Karate? I started training at the age of 10. Initially I was heavily influenced by classic 90s television such as Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and wanted to learn how to do the things that I saw them doing. Once I started training, this very quickly changed into a genuine desire to be part of something bigger. I realised that Karate was something that I could pour my efforts into and excel at. What motivates you to train in and teach Karate? Training has always made me feel part of a wider Karate community. It keeps me fit and healthy, and I enjoy learning new things so that I can pass them on. Teaching Karate is incredibly rewarding because I really believe that Karate is a force for good in the world. The ultimate purpose of training in any martial art is to develop character traits such as confidence, self-control and self-reliance, and it is great to watch and guide students as they develop in this way. What single piece of advice would you give to anyone starting Karate? Absolutely anyone can excel at Karate. All you need is to be willing to learn and to work hard. Regardless of how athletic or fit you are, or how you've fared with sport in the past, if you are determined then nothing can stop you. A black belt is simply a white belt who never gave up - it sounds trite but it is very true! Have you trained in any other martial arts? My focus has always been on Wado Ryu Karate, but I have also dabbled in Taekwondo and Jujitsu. What do you do outside Karate? By day, I am qualified as a barrister and currently work as a civil servant. When not practising Karate, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, walking, watching films and playing board games. |
Instructor - Sensei Gareth Wiseman 2nd Dan
| I joined Shinjitsu Martial Arts in 1999 at the age of 11, after receiving a flyer at primary school promoting a new Karate club. At the time I was looking for a new hobby to do during my spare time having tried other activities with little motivation to continue. I mainly went along to the introductory lesson because some of my friends were also attending and I have been a member ever since. Karate has definitely improved my confidence and my fitness whilst also learning about respect and self-discipline. Although we are mainly a Karate club we do mix in other arts like Jujitsu and Kobudo which makes it more interesting. Whilst at University in Leicester obviously my progression slowed due to living away but whenever I was at home I went as often as I could and managed to obtain my 3rd brown (1st Kyu) during this time. Since leaving university I have taken Karate more seriously which resulted in obtaining my black belt (1st Dan) in 2012. Now a senior member of the club I am keen on helping in the development of the club with setting up a new training day and the development of a new club website. Over the years I have attended various courses and have had the honour to meet and train with some amazing practitioners including: Grand Master Jack Hogan, Grand Master Bill Thurston, Professor Dave Hodgson and Sensei Ernie Blackburn. |
Instructor - Sensei Michael Corsham 2nd Dan
| How did you get started with Karate? Growing up, I saw a couple of Jackie Chan movies and thought to myself that I wanted to be able to do exactly what he could do. As fate would have it, Shinjitsu Martial Arts started a new club at White Court Primary School when I was in Year 6 there. I quickly learned that Jackie Chan did a different style of martial arts after I went to the first class but I haven't looked back since. What's your motivation to come to the Dojo each week? It can be difficult when you need to balance home and work life to make it to the Dojo, but what keeps me motivated are our students. I am always trying to improve my martial arts knowledge and skill, but I enjoy helping the students overcome whatever goals they have set for themselves to the point they feel confident enough to take part in competitions. I especially enjoy the family-feel that we have at our club. What single piece of advice would you give to anyone starting Karate? If you struggle because you find something harder to pick up than someone else, don't give up. Every student learns at their own pace and we are more than happy to support you. Any one can become a black belt, whatever their ability or age. What do you do outside of the Dojo? I am a solicitor by day. I also belong to a archery club which shoots the English Longbow and help out at various National Trust events with archery coaching and medieval history. I enjoy music; I play acoustic / electric guitar and have just started out on the piano. |
Instructor - Sensei William Bolton 2nd Dan
| I started Karate at Shinjitsu Martial Arts when I was 9 years old as something to add to my growing list of hobbies, which at the time was pretty much any sport I could get my hands on. Initially it was a fun way of making lots of new friends of all ages in a small and friendly local club, whilst learning a cool new skill. However in no time I was itching to get into the Dojo every week and show my parents the latest kick that I had been learning, much to their despair. After achieving my 1st Dan Black Belt in 2016 and more recently my 2nd Dan in 2019, teaching new students for me has become just as important as training and competing. As a Sensei, seeing students develop as martial artists and young people is the most rewarding part of my martial arts career and helping students progress has taught me numerous lessons to become a better instructor. The single piece of advice I would give to someone wanting to take up Karate would be to challenge themselves. The more you challenge yourself the faster you will pick things up, whether that be a move or a whole kata, and never be afraid to ask questions. Currently I am a student studying Biological Sciences but when I’m not studying you will probably find me playing football, squash or training in the Dojo. In the future I hope to progress in the Wado-ryu style of Karate and use the skills I’ve learnt here to learn new disciplines like Jujitsu. |
Instructor - Sensei Kayleigh Cutmore 1st Dan
| I remember quitting ballet at the age of 8, after only trying it for a couple of months. My mum wasn’t best pleased after paying out for my dance wear, only for me to confess that I really didn’t enjoy it. From a young age, I had watched and admired many martial arts films, with the legends of Bruce Lee, Jet Li and later Hiroyuki Sanada. So, when I found out there was a karate club at my primary school, I leapt at the opportunity to try it out. What I love about karate is that it doesn’t just teach you how to punch and kick, but it has also trained me as a human being. I started karate intending to learn self-defence and a way to keep fit – little did I know karate would bring me so much more than that. I have learnt important lessons in self-discipline, patience, respect and has strengthened my resolve. I am especially grateful for the family I have made along the way. I have achieved my goal of becoming a black belt and teacher but continue to have a passion for learning! My latest interest is expanding my knowledge of Kobudo – a Japanese term for the weapons system of karate. This is giving me a new challenge and now I am learning how to use the Sai; something I am really enjoying and has inspired me to try other Japanese weapons. Sometimes I still can’t believe I have the privilege and honour of teaching, but I love seeing students improve and share my passion for karate! One thing that I have learnt throughout my training, and something I’d advise new students, is to never be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes you may feel that you aren’t progressing, but if you have a willingness to learn, you will improve. Anyone can learn karate, it just takes time, practice and determination. When I’m not practicing karate, you’ll most probably find me painting, writing, reading or walking my dog. |
