E.McClagish Karate C.V.

My training began in 1987, accompanying my 11-year-old son to a beginner's course with the Traditional Association Of Shotokan Karate (TASK) under the instruction of Sensei John van Weenen.

During my time with TASK, I achieved a Nidan Grade and whilst at 1st kyu level, I was asked by Sensei van Weenen to become the Association Secretary, which at the time boasted some 1400 students.

In September 1992, together with a fellow Shodan, Des Cooper, we opened our own club in the village of Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire, with an average student number of 30.

Also, in the early part of 1992, I had a heavy involvement in the first of TASK's many relief convoys to Albania. I had responsibility for the arrangement of the warehousing facilities, packing, storage, transport and final loading of 24, 32 tonne articulated trucks.

Following a three year break due to pressures of running a small business, my training recommenced in 1997 when I decided to join CFTS at their Kempston Dojo under the instruction of Sensei Andy Kidby – 5th Dan. It was here in a more relaxed and non-political environment that my passion for karate was rekindled and in April 1998, I was awarded my Sandan grade.

Since then, I have maintained a regular training schedule, standing in as a relief instructor at the Kempston Club and undertaking the role of examiner in the 3 monthly grading sessions.

In February 2002 I established my own club in Clapham, Bedfordshire that has gradually grown from an initial 8 beginners and guests to a regular attendance by 35 students of all grades and abilities. I believe the club has a good mix of adults and children of both sexes and maintains a good standard of training, etiquette and discipline. 

Future Development in Relation to Karate: 

I see my future development in Karate continuing with the running of the Clapham Karate Club, together with regular training under Sensei Kidby at his Club in Kempston. As my students progress up their own Grading path, my knowledge will need to also develop ahead of them in order for me to ensure they achieve their ambitions.

To this end, my own training is aimed at continual improvement.