Sempai James Archer 1st Dan
I began my training in the January of 2007, mainly because a
friend and I decided that we could not spend every evening sitting in front of
the television. By chance we came across a club in Uckfield run by Sensei Barry
Lovett, I remember watching and feeling so nervous the first time I was in the
dojo. I've always wanted to take up a martial art but never really did anything
about it; at school I was never interested in taking part in any kind of sport which
is still true as an adult. After the first training session I was hooked,
throwing myself in to as much training as possible, reading books and taking a
look into the history of Wado Ryu. It sounds strange but the year I started my
karate training two good things happened, I met my partner and got a new job
both of which I believe I owe to karate. Five years on karate-do is a way of
life for me and I am very fortunate to have a partner and family that supports
me one hundred percent, my partner and I now have a son and I hope that when he
is old enough he will follow in my footsteps
Over the past five years I have had the privilege of not only training directly under Sensei Barry and Sensei Sarah but other notable karate-ka such as Sensei Jon Wicks 8th Dan Chief Instructor WIKF, Sensei Robert Heale Mason 8th Dan and on a number of occasions the late Master Tatsuo Suzuki 8th Dan Hanshi. Suzuki Sensei gave me real perspective on the way I train and live, I am very appreciative for the time I spent with him.
As well as training and assisting Sensei Barry I am also learning to be an official and referee. I also attend the Suzuki Sensei WIKF Open Courses once or twice a year.
Grades
Shodan (1st Dan) - 27th March 2010
Competitions
WIKF British National Championships 2010 - Table Official
WIKF British National Championships 2011 - Table Official
Acknowledgements
I wish to thank both my Sensei's for the guidance and all that I have learnt from them. I would especially like to thank Sensei Barry Lovett for the instruction and confidence he has given me, thank you for showing me the "Way".