Instructors
Mike Whitlow 5th Dan - School Teacher
I started Shukokai Karate in 1974 at the age of 16 under the guidance of sensei Brian Helsby (then a second dan). In those days the main emphasis was on kumite. Brian was a great Karateka and always demonstrated good technique. His assistant Instructor Eddy Woolly was a great example of effort and technique. I achieved 1st kyu with Brian before he left for Australia. The club continued for a while but later disbanded.
I continued to train at various local clubs in Penketh and Warrington and enjoyed the sparring sessions at Paul Grahams gym in Orford. (I was once privileged to spar and be humiliated by Neil Fagin former European champion!) When I was 26 I went to college and did Goju Ryu for four years with John Flint and enjoyed training there with students from many different styles. When I left college I looked for a new club and saw Ged teaching at his Orford club, I then knew that was the place to be.
Over the years I have been lucky to train with top sensei like Shigura Kimura, Taji Kase, Steve Cattle, Greg Wallace, Tony Christian and Keiji Tomiyama. I train and teach at the senior class at the Academy and now have my own club at the school where I teach in Ashton- in- Makerfield.
Chris Collopy 5th Dan
I've trained under Sensei Ged Dolan for sometime now; I started with a couple of friends and soon became hooked. I enjoyed the new challenge each class brought, learning Kata (set forms), Bunkai (applications) and self defence training. With Sensei Ged's training mix of both traditional karate and up-to-date realistic self defence techniques, I have become more aware and confident about what actually happens on today's streets.
During my time at the Warrington Karate Academy I have trained with many visiting instructors including Mr Tomiyama, Derick Ridgeway and the late Steve Cattle. All of these sessions were incredibly informative and extremely enjoyable.
The training is always a challenge and I now have the added honour of being able to pass on what I have learnt by putting my own personality, techniques and experiences into helping other students achieve their ultimate goal, whilst at the same time keeping our style of Renshinkai Karate alive!