CHIEF INSTRUCTOR PROFILE: Arthur Wallace is the Chief Instructor of the SKC. He started training in karate in 1968 at the Rochdale Karate Club under Mike Toze 7th Dan KUGB and gained his kyu grades under Enoeda Sensei. He moved to Kent in 1971, where he continued his training under Ray Fuller 8th Dan chief instructor of the Thames Karate Clubs. Sensei Wallace was responsible for introducing karate to Sheppey and opened his own Dojo in May 1974. Later that year he was awarded his black belt by Kensuke Enoeda 9th Dan (KUGB’s chief instructor). He achieved his 5th Dan Black Belt, under the Thames Grading Panel in 1993 and was awarded his 6th Dan in July 2004 by the English Karate Governing Board on recommendation from the Kent Shotokan Karate Clubs. He is also a 1st Dan black belt in Judo and adept with Kobudo (weaponry) I.e.. Sai (short swords) and Rokushu-bo (6 ft staff).
PERSONAL PROFILE: Arthur has a successful professional career as a prison Governor. The management skills he has developed in the service has greatly enhanced his expertise in running the club in a professional and cost effective manner. The benefits of which, can be clearly demonstrated by the clubs durability and sustained high standards. All three of Arthur and Frances children are former students having achieved their 1st and 2nd dan black belt status.
CLUB PROFILE & AIMS : The club has produced over 117 black belt students, several of which are now 4th Dan Instructors. Sensei is assisted by his wife Frances 4th Dan, and several 2nd Instructors. All the teaching staff are registered National Karate England Instructors and CRB cleared to teach young children. Many parents have asked Arthur and Frances what motivates them to spend so much time and energy teaching children. Their answer is simple “Early on we decided what kind of karate club we would like to run. Our primary objective was to produce over a hundred good quality Black Belts, a strategy underpinned by following several aims, namely to:
* Create a friendly atmosphere where families would feel safe training together.
* Produce a strict but fair code of conduct for all its members and
* Balance the training needs of the student buy using traditional and modern methods of teaching.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SKC? THESE ARE QUESTIONS NORMALLY ASKED BY POTENTIAL STUDENTS;
How do I enrol? You will need to turn up on either Monday or Thursday evenings at the Sheerness Leisure Centre, idealy at 6.20pm before classes commence. You will be asked to complete an application form. You will then be issued with a 12 page Induction & Information pack and be ready to go that evening if you so desire.
Where will I train? The are two Dojos, or training halls in the Sheppey Leisure Complex. Both have been completetly refurbished and are climate controlled to make them more ergonomically friendly for students.
How long before I take my first grading and who will examine me? Normally after the 12 week Induction Course. You will be graded by either Arthur & Frances Wallace the clubs Senior examiners or Glenn Wright 6th Dan Black Belt, (KSKC Chief Instructor) as a guest examiner.
What is the difference between a junior and a senior grade? Juniors,under 16 years old have eleven Kyu grades (Seniors have 9 grades). However a talented, dedicated or older child can be boosted through the ranks and progress like a senior student. We are an equal opportunites club and absolutely will not tolerate any bullying or discrimination in any shape or form and have a published policy statement.
What are the grades or coloured belts?
Novice - White Belt
11th Kyu - White with Red Stripe
10th Kyu - Red with White Stripe
9th Kyu - Orange Belt (seniors starting point)
8th Kyu - Red Belt
7th Kyu - Yellow Belt
6th Kyu - Green Belt
5th Kyu - Purple Belt
4th Kyu - Purple with white Stripe
3rd Kyu - Brown Belt
2nd Kyu - Brown Belt with a White Stripe
1st Kyu - Brown Belt with Two White Stripes
1st Dan - Black Belt
Do I need a karate suit straight away? No, during your first few lessons loose fitting or comfortable clothing will suffice, after this a karate suit becomes essential for efficient practice. Please note we train in bare feet.
How safe is the club? The club has a comprehensive insurance, a Health & Safety policy with risk assessments being completed on each activity and student (subject to their medical declarations). The Leisure Centre also has a fully equiped First Aid Room and emergency response protocols in place (see club Safety Policy statement).
How do you normally pay for classes? Fees are normally paid on a term by term basis and to encourage family membership we specialise in family discounts. Contact Arthur or Frances for more details.
What evenings can I train? As a novice white belt you will normally train on Mondays and Thursdays in a low grade class. There are also various special courses run throughout the year to booster your progress.
How often should I train? You should train a minimum of 12 lessons for your first grading, after this you will be expected to train an average of twice a week if you wish to progress.
When will I need a KSKC Licence? You will need to purchase a licence after you have completed the induction course, details will be issued to you when your licence is due.
What am I expected to do on the grading to get my first grade? You will have to demonstrate (in groups) basic kicks, blocks and punches as taught in the syllabus and perform a set pattern of karate moves known as a “Kata” (for orange belt upwards), this kata is normally taught on a General Kata course which all students normally attend. A full syllabus up and to a Black Belt is published on the notice board.
Are there any competitions that I can enter? Yes, we hold club tournament every three months in which coloured belts are invited to compete in. You will get a certificate issued for attendance with award points going towards your Brown and Black Belt acreditation. All national and regional events are advertised on our notice board.
Are there any other methods of awarding students? Yes, students can be awarded “Merit Badges” in over 10 different categories that also count toward brown and black belt acreditation. There are also certificates awarded for Student of the Year, Best Newcomers, Most Improved Student, Best Tournament spirit, Best Attendance and a special Award for Student Family of the year. (plus tournament trophies & medals)
How am I informed about the clubs events? The SKC has one of the best Communication Strategies in the South East There are information circulars issued to all members on a regular basis, giving all the relevant information and if you are not available they are posted or e-mailed to your home address. There is also a large notice board outside the dojo (practice hall) which displays current circulars and a 12 monthly calendar of events for planning your year.
Why should I train at your club and be a member of the Kent Shotokan Karate Association, when there are other schools and associations in the County? I believe that the KSKC cannot be bettered in terms of the quality of it’s Instructors and teaching syllabus. The professional service it gives, coupled with cost effective fees makes is a top class organisation. And as a member of that association, the Sheppey Karate Club continues to be one of the best clubs in the area. Its record of producing over 117 high quality Black Belts cannot be matched. It’s reputation as a family orientated club has sustained it’s high membership for over a quarter of a century.
A Professional Club run by Enthusiasts”
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