Steven Reynolds took up Wado Ryu karate in 1981 with Sensei Len Jay in his home town of Solihull, grading to 5th kyu. After a break due to university he restarted as a Shotokan beginner in 1999 at the Cambridge University KUGB karate club; gaining 4th kyu in 2001. A new job resulted in a move to Cardiff where he trained with Sensei Gabe Operanta (7th dan chief instructor of the Welsh Shotokan Karate Association) before moving to Welsh Shotokan Karate Union under Sensei Chico Mbakwe (7th dan chief instructor and world referee). Steve achieved his sho-dan with the WSKU in 2003 and subsequently his ni-dan in 2005. Steve now trains with Sensei Paul Edwards at the Wantage Karate club. He also trains with Norman Gomersall of Oxford Shotokan Ryu Kase-Ha based in Abingdon.
