Instructors
Rob started training in 1973 in Wado-ryu karate training under John Smith then Jimmy and Dave Cooper. Rob’s interest at that time and for the next 10 years was kumite (sparring) both light and full contact. For a spell he trained under Ticky Donovan (now 7th Dan OBE) but as he was enjoying competition fighting he didn’t grade.
Eventually he took his 1st Dan in 1990, 2nd Dan in 1996, 3rd Dan in 1999 and 4th Dan in 2004 all under either Nick Walker 4th Dan and/or Tom Hibbert 7th Dan MBE. (See governing Body).
Christine Shaw
Christine started karate in1987, became obsessed and trained four times a week grading to 1st Dan in 1990. Her instructor until 1994 was Nick Walker 4th Dan who taught a modern sports style of karate incorporating techniques of a number of martial art disciplines. In 1994 Nick Walker moved away and she and Rob took over the running of the Club.
In 1996 Christine took her 2 nd Dan and in 2005 she took her 3rd Dan under Tom Hibbert. Christine and Simon also run the Junior Club in Carbis bay.
Simon Norris
Simon started training in Shotokan whilst at University in 1977 grading under Sensei Bob Poynton . In 1980 he moved to SKI (due to moving through work) and was awarded his 1st Dan by Sensei Asano 9th Dan in 1984. Due to work he stopped training in 1986 but resumed in 1993 when he moved to Cornwall.
In order to take time to study Shorin–ryu he started again as a 9th kyu, taking 1 st Dan in 1999 and 2 nd Dan under Tom Hibbert in 2005.
In June 2008 Simon was awarded 3rd Dan by Tom Hibbert and Rob Jones. As part of his examination Simon demonstrated a number of Okinawan Kobudo katas in both The Sai (3 pronged truncheon) and The Bo (6 ft Staff).
Andy Cree
Andy used to watch his children train but in 1998 decided to put on a Gi and give it a go.
Consistently training despite various injuries (through work largely) Andy passed his 1st Dan Black belt in December 2009, examined by a panel chaired by Rob Jones.
Mark Taylor
Mark started training in 1997. Though under time restraints due to work and family life (4 young children) Mark continued his training and passed his 1st Dan Black belt in June 2010 examined, by a panel chaired by Rob Jones.