CFTS KARATE

I started training in 1985 in Newport Pagnell, under the instruction of Sensei Andy Kidby . At the time we were in an association called T.A.S.K. (Traditional Association of Shotokan Karate) whose chief instructor is Sensei John Van Weenen. I steadily progressed up the kyu grades culminating in September 1992 when I gained Shodan (at that time I believe I was one of the youngest people to achieve this grade in T.A.S.K, having just turned 15). In 1994 Sensei's Kidby, Coppen an

I began training in Sept 1984 with Sensei Kidby at the Ousedale School club in Newport Pagnell. My first major milestone was in Dec. 1987 when I achieved 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt). I usually trained every Tuesday and Friday and when possible made it to the TASK honbu at the Bunyan Sports Centre in Bedford either Saturday for kata else on a Wednesday night for a gruelling session with Sensei Van Weenen. I was awarded Shodan (first level black belt) in December 1991 by sensei Van We

My training began in1987, 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 Ni Dan (2nd Dan) and whilst at 1st kyu level, I was asked by Sensei van Weenen to become the Association Secretary, which at the time had approximately 1400 students. In September 1992, together with a fellow Sho Dan, Des Cooper, we opened our own club i

My karate training began in 1983 when I went to see a demonstration for the opening of a new club in Newport Pagnell. I enjoyed the demonstration and signed up, with a group of others to train with Sensei Kidby and Sensei Balfour. The club was then part of TASK, with Sensei van Weenen as the Chief instructor. I really enjoyed training (and still do) and was young free and single, so I was able to train twice a week at first, then after reaching 3rd kyu I started training in t