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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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