PROFILE ON:  SHAUN LANHAM

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR: 4th DAN

I have been training in martial arts for 12 years now and I have enjoyed every aspect of it.

I first started in judo   at the age of 10 years and I have just moved on from there and never looked back.

I feel that being involved with Martial Arts is like being on a journey you never stop learning and your physical; and mental health continues to grow, I feel that if you give martial Arts the respect it deserves you should never get bored.

The first karate club I started in was Shokokia this was ran by Pete Hodge, when this shut down I moved over to Tim Steven’s who taught wado-ryu. Style I trained under Tim Steven’s for 11 years He has a wealth of experience as he is 5 times world champion.

Concentration dedication and fitness are very important to any Martial Arts without these I believe you will not succeed, I also believe that these things grow with you as you learn, although you need to have a willing to want to learn in the first place.

I do not have a favourite technique in kumite, as I like to practice all aspects of kumite, as different techniques work on different people, this is where being agile is important

So I believe that keeping up a level fitness is vital for karate.

Over the years I have had my fair share of injuries, some have been minor and others have been more serious, but I believe that its important not to give up, as things like this build up an inner strength, and I feel that is just as important as the fitness.

I feel that this is also teaching you your own lesson to concentrate when sparring.

I have always taken criticism well and I try and build on what people say, lower grades as well as high grades I believe everyone has some good advice.

I really enjoy Kata, kata is a big part of karate for me, my favourite are pinan godan, nianchi,Bassia and Seipai, if all Kata’s are done properly they are very hard work

I do like to see sharp movements with dedication.

I enjoy teaching Karate and handing my knowledge to my students and to start them on their journey of Martial Arts.

I have twelve years behind me so I feel I have a good base, and although I am a 3^rd Dan I still feel that ive got lots more to learn.  I would still like to widen my knowledge in other Martial Arts so I can offer my students an even more of a variety. This is why I have now joined an independent karate style association, so my Students have the opportunity to train and see different styles.

I hold a lot of admiration and respect for Sensei Gerald Bacon, Sensei Pete Hodge and Sensei Tim Steven’s because they have given me the encouragement and the support that i've needed through my journey in Karate.