My name is John Ward took up Martial Arts in 1974 aged 14 and joined the karate class at the old Youth Centre with his mates. Eddie taught old School Karate – no nonsense, disciplined, hard training and lots of fighting. After a few years he reached Green Belt never believing one day he’d get to the coveted Black Belt.
He drifted away from Karate and took up other sports. After 30 years by chance John bumped into Instructor Eddie who still looked as fit as ever being involved in martial arts and boxing. Eddie visited the Karate Club at Neville Parade where one of his former students Steve Wilkinson was an instructor and a 4th Dan. John decided he would go and train there as a means of keeping fit.
Sensei Andy Bailey, Sensei Dave Blackburn encouraged John to reach his potential. Five years later after walking back into the Dojo and over 40 years since starting as a 14 year old, John passed his ‘Shodan’ Black Belt grading.
If anyone is thinking of starting martial arts then please check out the club at Neville Parade Community Centre – our instructors have huge experience. You will be taught Karate which is a complete fighting system including throws, locks and groundwork. All instructors are DBS checked.
For more information contact Andy Bailey 07999 501379 or email naanshinryu@gmail.com
