CFTS KARATE

Read 'My Shodan Experience'! My interest in martial arts began in 1999 at the age of 28. I started training in in taekwon-do under Shihan Sahota brother to Master Sahota of ukgt taekwon do where I trained for five and half years. After a few years out my son asked me if I could take him to a karate class in Houghton Regis where he lived at the time. We both started there and we both reached 4th kyu together, my son then moved away and I was hooked on karate but, living in New

I started karate in 1996 after 3 years boxing. I wanted a fresh new challenge. I looked around visiting other possible martial arts clubs in Milton Keynes. I looked at most fighting arts that were available at the time such as kick-boxing, Tae-Kwondo and even Judo! However none of these really appealed to me, but when I walked in to the Bletchley Leisure Centre in the Autumn of 1996 I saw Sensei Kidby teaching. It looked like what I was looking for and thought it looked like

I began my karate training in 1992 under Sensei Eddie McClagish at Sharnbrook club, affiliated to the Traditional Association of Shotokan Karate (TASK), under Sensei John van Weenen. I had never had an interest in martial arts but, like many, went with two friends who wanted some moral support. They both left after the beginners course but I stayed and have trained ever since. In 1994, when Sensei McClagish left due to work pressures, the club continued under Sensei Cooper M

My interest in martial arts began in the late 1970’s when I watched with great interest a late night cinema showing of 5 martial arts movies – 2 of which were King Boxer (aka 5 fingers of death) and one that made a lasting impression... Enter the Dragon. I recall I watched in awe as the villains were dispatched efficiently with strange strikes and kicks and noises. Being eager to learn more about this new and mysterious art during the years to follow, I tried my hand - no pun

In 1993 I decided to start a martial art, so I borrowed a book from the library which covered various martial arts and the pros and cons of each art. After reading the book, I decided Karate best suited my body style and mental attitude. I was studying at Coventry University at the time so I joined the University club. After joining the club I found that I already knew the instructor – it was my old music teacher from my secondary school! – Sensei Trevor Withers (then 4th Dan

I first began in martial arts when i started Tae-Kwon-Do in 1992. I stayed in the art for 9 months then left as it was not the art for me. In 1993 I approached Sensei Kidby and started Shotokan Karate. I felt this was the art for me as it suited all my needs. When i joined the association it was was called T.A.S.K. but then it changed to C.F.T.S. later on. I first passed my Shodan grade in April 1998. I opened my first club in April 1999 at the Brickhill Community Centre. Sin

I first started karate at the Bedford Dojo of TASK under sensei Van Weenan in July of 1991 at the age of 6. I continued training there until sept 99, by which time I had attained 1st kyu. In Sept 1999 I moved to train with Sensei Kidby at CFTS. I have continued to train here since. In March 2001 I was awarded Shodan. This was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, as it took so much time and a great deal of hard work to accomplish. Since gaining Shodan I have felt

I started training after moaning to a friend one night that I needed a hobby that didn't involve the pub. She was training with Sensei McClagish at Clapham club so suggested I come join in and see if I liked it. After a day spent panicking at what I'd let myself in for, I went along and was instantly hooked and training very quickly became the highlight of my week. In the years since that I have always enjoyed all aspects of karate training as it is a constantly challenge,

I first started training in 1983 with TASK under Sensei John van Weenen initially as an alternative way of keeping fit. I was attracted to the traditional aspect of Shotokan Karate and felt my character was suited to the discipline involved. Due to family and work commitments I did not train in a Dojo for 5 years in the 90's resuming training in 1996 with CFTS with Sensei Andy Kidby. I reached Shodan in 1998 and moving on to Nidan in 2000 and I am currently working towards Sa

I found Karate very much by chance. Neither of my parents were in any way interested in any form of exercise, in fact they had always encouraged me to follow their love of music. I persevered for some time with trying to learn to play the organ and flute however neither particularly appealed to me. Seriously though it was at the age of nine that I asked my Dad (Sensei Kidby ) if I could begin Karate as a friend of mine had just started. Apprehensive due to the aggressive repu