KARATE HISTORY
Alex began his martial arts training over 20 years ago at a dojo in Streatham, South-West London, which taught Wado-Ryu Karate. He also trained for a short period in Kyokushinkai Karate, but soon returned to his former style, and has studied that particular discipline ever since.

After moving to West Sussex in the 80's, he joined the Horsham branch of the 'Wado-Kai, School of Karate', based in Farnborough of which the Chief Instructors were Sensei Bill Bishop and his son Robert.

With the death of Sensei Bishop (Sr.), Alex then took some 'time out' from Karate. He later resumed training at a new Dojo in the area - The Horsham S.E.M.K.A. Wado-Ryu Karate club - under the tutelage of Sensei Paul Elliott 6th Dan. In March 1996 he attained his 1st Degree Blackbelt, followed two years later (April 1998) by his 2nd Dan certificate. In the summer of 2001 he achieved his 3rd Degree Blackbelt at the Tanbridge Dojo, and was also promoted to the Rank of 'Senior Instructor'.

Alex also holds the position of Kobudo Weapons Instructor (TONFA) for the Club, and is a qualified S.E.M.K.A. Contest Referee.

IAIDO HISTORY
Alex has also studied a particular style of Japanese Swordsmanship - 'Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido' - with Sensei David Ansell, 6th Dan, at the 'Shin Ichi Do' Iaido club, based in Warnham, West Sussex. He holds the Rank of Shodan 1st Degree Blackbelt in the art.

T'AI CHI HISTORY
Alex began to train in the 'soft' martial arts disciplines about 10 years ago. He has experimented with a number of Chi Kung methods and with various styles of T'ai Chi, such as Wudang T'ai Chi Chuan, Long and Short Forms of the Yang Style, and 24 Step Beijing Form.

He was first shown a version of the Yang Style Long Form by a student of Gerda Geddes, an early exponent of the art in Britain (during the 60s), who was herself taught by Master Choy Kam Man.

Later he learned a version of the 37 Step Short Yang Style, or what is commonly known as 'the Cheng Man Ching Form', at the London School of T'ai Chi Chuan. He is presently studying another version of this same Form, as well as the traditional Long Form, with Instructors who were themselves taught by Dr. Shen Hongxun, a Taiji and Bugi Healing Teacher.

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