Wantage Karate Club

John Fry

My introduction into martial arts was in 1984 when as an NCO in the French Army Special forces I was enrolled in the close combat instructor’s program.

In 1989, back in England, I began training in Wado Ryu karate with the Worcester based NKA (under Senseis Graham and Terry Wilkes 5th dan). I reached 1st kyu but internal politics and disappointment caused me to eventually leave the club in 1993.

After wandering in the virtual wilderness for several years I returned to the path in 2000 when, changing to Shotokan, I joined the SSKS (Witney Club) under Sensei Rob Lewis, 4th dan. By 2001 I had stumbled across the TSKA Club in Wantage and was impressed by the level of technical skill. For several years I trained at both clubs and graded to 1st dan in New York with Ged Moran, 6th dan, in 2003.

By this time the Wantage club had really began to feel like home and shortly after grading I left the SSKA and entrusted Sensei Paul with ironing out my bad habits!

Since the new year (2008) I have been joined by my 6 year old son, George, who is making great progress and hopes to get rid of his “horrible white belt” in the July grading. (Webmaster's note: he managed that quite easily!)

Over the years I consider myself privileged to have trained with (amongst others and in no order of merit)

Scott Langley (4th dan Shotokan)

 

 

John with Sensei Kanazawa

John in his younger Wado days ...