Having had a break from Wado Ryu, during which the influence of martial arts films, and magazines helped me to decide that when I started training again it would be in a more "Traditional" style. Unfortunately finding a club that offered this took some time, as most seemed to be more concerned with sport & competitions.

I started Lung Jow (Dragon Claw) Kung Fu. I trained with them on and off for about 12 months and achieved my Red Sash, and although I enjoyed it I was not altogether happy with the style.

Shortly after this a chance meeting with an old school friend (Sensei Andrew Jones), informed me of a karate club which I might be interested in. I went along for an introductory lesson, liked the style, and thus started my training with the Ippon Karate & Self-Defence Club under Sensei Jones. This was in January 1997.

I was impressed by the club's attitude and the grading syllabus. The attitude within the club has always been encouraging and positive, and taught that the colour of the belts were not as important as your actual skill, and that Karate is a life long study. The syllabus as well as traditional Shotokan also includes self-defence and weapons. From talking to Sensei Anderson I later learned that the self-defence techniques (and some techniques in the syllabus) were taken from other styles that he had studied.

I had initial problems with the weapons training, but although I cut my ribs with Sai, hit myself in the mouth with Nunchaku, and dropped Tonfa I persevered, and whilst I'm still no expert, I now feel reasonably confident.

In addition to Sensei's Andrew & Louise Jones, I have also trained in Shotokan under Sensei Deena Andrews, Sensei Nick Watkins, and Sensei Martin Boosey. I have attended weapons courses run by Sensei Phil Snewin, and two courses run by Sensei John Anderson the first in England, and the second in Scotland. After the second course I was lucky enough to watch Sensei Anderson conduct Sensei Boosey's Shodan Grading.

I returned to the Club now know as Fudoshin Karate Club, and took my level 1 Coaching Qualification in June 2002. Problems with my back have recently slowed my training progress, but I hope to resume training properly and take my 1st Kyu later this year.

Roddy Goodman - 2nd Kyu