Sandan            -           2007 (Seitou Ryu)
Nidan               -           2003 (Kenshukai)
Shodan            -           2001 (Kenshukai)
Shodan-Ho      -           2000 (Kenshukai)

Training History

Richard began his journey in karate at the age of 6 at a Wado Ryu club in West Wickham, Kent. He enthusiastically trained at the club for a brief period before moving home prevented him from continuing his training.

Several years later, after a few spells of training in judo and kung fu, Richard started training in Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR) Karate, a hybrid style of Goju Kai and Keishinkan (an offshoot of Shotokan). He initially trained under Jim Gurney, followed shortly by Bijal Wadher and then Rod Martin, who later became his main instructor and mentor. Richard reached the rank of 2nd kyu in GKR before he followed his instructors to a new organisation, Kenshukai. It was here that Richard received further training under the direct tutelage of Rod Martin and eventually went on to achieve 2nd Dan black belt.

In 2005, Richard followed his instructor to set up their own clubs. One in Australia (Ho Shin Do), and one in England (Seitou Ryu). Both follow a common strain of karate, but are taught independently of each other. Richard continued his training under various instructors who have since helped him further understand his roots of the base styles of Seitou Ryu. Some of these instructors include George Andrews and Leo Lipinski from Goju Ryu, and Steve Roberts, Ron Silverthorne and Shihan Kenneth Funakoshi from Shotokan. At the same time, Richard also started training in Iaido under Tom Grogen and later on Steve Boyle. He currently holds the rank of 1st kyu.

In 2007, at the first annual Seitou Ryu Gasshuku Training Camp, Richard was awarded the rank of 3rd Dan.

Qualifications

CRB Checked (enhanced disclosure)

Professional Indemnity Insurance

First Aid trained & certified - St John Ambulance

2006 Level 1 Coach - City & Guilds (Classic Coaching)

2005 Recognised Senior Instructor and Grading Examiner by NAKMAS

Recognitions

2009 - Honorary Membership to Sankaku Ryu Ju-Jitsu & Martial Art Alliance at the Munich Hall of Fame

2009 - Honorary Membership to the International Police Training System at the Munich Hall of Fame

2009 - International Martial Arts Instructor of the Year at the Munich Hall of Fame

2008 - Dedication & Commitment to Martial Arts Award from Black Belt International

2008 - Instructor of the Year at the Munich Hall of Fame

Competition Achievements

Richard holds numerous titles in kata and kumite on regional, national and international levels (2001 – Present) and is a regular competitor on the tournament circuit.

2009 - Kumite Champion: Kaizen Cup Winter Heat & Finals

2009 - 2nd place Kata: Kaizen Cup Winter Heat & Finals

2009 - 1st place Kata: Tokon Kai Invitational

2009 - 1st place Kumite: Tokon Kai Invitational

2009 - 1st place Team Kata: Tokon Kai Invitational

2009 - 1st place Kata: Malympex European Championships

2009 - 1st place Kumite: Malympex European Championships

2009 - 3rd place Kata: Munich International City Challenge

2009 - 3rd place Team Kata: Munich International City Challenge

2009 - 1st place Breaking: Munich International City Challenge

2009 - 1st place Kata: Kaizen Cup Spring Qualifier

2009 - 1st place Kumite: Kaizen Cup Spring Qualifier

2008 - 1st place Kata: Munich International City Challenge

2008 - 2nd place Kumite: Munich International City Challenge

2008 - 2nd place Team Kata: Munich International City Challenge

2007 - 3rd place Kumite: Tokon Kai Karate Invitational

2007 - 2nd place Kata: Tokon Kai Karate Invitational

2006 - 3rd place Kata: BIKO Southern Open Championships

2006 - 3rd place Kumite: Tokon Kai Karate Invitational

2006 - 5th place Kata: Tokon Kai Karate Invitational

2004 - 1st place Kumite: Kenshukai Team Challenge

2003 - 1st place Kata: Kenshukai Team Challenge

2002 - 1st place Kata: Kenshukai Team Challenge

2002 - 1st place Kumite: Kenshukai Team Challenge

2002 - 1st place Kata: Kenshukai National Championships

2002 - 1st place Kumite: Kenshukai National Championships

2002 - 1st place Team Kata: Kenshukai National Championships

2001 - 1st place Kata: Kenshukai National Championships

2001 - 1st place Kumite: Kenshukai National Championships

1998 - 2nd place Kata: GKR National Championships