My love of Martial Arts began in 1971 when I joined the local Judo club in Lancashire which I trained at for many years. Some time later I began training in Budokan Karate under Sensei Mike Newton and continued until I left the area.
In 2003 my son decided he wanted to start karate so I thought I would join him! We looked at a few places in the area and eventually Wantage Shotokan Karate club was recommended to us, so we came along to see if we liked it and have been happy there ever since! It is a great club with excellent instruction and a friendly atmosphere.
I achieved my Shodan in December 2007 with the TSKA , mainly thanks to Sensei Paul Edwards and all the other instructors, training partners and club members who have helped and supported me along the way. I hope to continue learning and improving my karate and supporting members of the club on their journey.
Steve Reynolds, 2nd dan
Steve Reynolds
Steven Reynolds took up Wado Ryu karate in 1981 with Sensei Len Jay in his home town of Solihull, grading to 5th kyu. After a break due to university he restarted as a Shotokan beginner in 1999 at the Cambridge University KUGB karate club; gaining 4th kyu in 2001. A new job resulted in a move to Cardiff where he trained with Sensei Gabe Operanta (7th dan chief instructor of the Welsh Shotokan Karate Association) before moving to Welsh Shotokan Karate Union under Sensei Chico Mbakwe (7th dan chief instructor and world referee). Steve achieved his sho-dan with the WSKU in 2003 and subsequently his ni-dan in 2005. Steve now trains with Sensei Paul Edwards at the Wantage Karate club. He also trains with Norman Gomersall of Oxford Shotokan Ryu Kase-Ha based in Abingdon.
