This page shows our current Black Belt Students.
A Black Belt is widely known as a way to describe an expert in Martial Arts. To become a Black Belt involves a lot of training over a minimum period of 4 to 5 years. Why does it take this long to attain? The answer to this is that a student must reach a set standard in all areas showing good technical skills, the right attitude and good physical fitness. Because of this it is a challenge for the student and therefore some don’t make it, but those who do excel in their discipline.
The Black Belt system starts from Shodan – 1st Dan then goes up through the Dan grades. For example, Nidan – 2nd Dan, Sandan – 3rd Dan, Yondan – 4th Dan, and so on. So the 1st Dan level is just the start, there is so much more to the arts than reaching Black Belt. It is a lifetime endeavour and one that evolves as the martial artist matures.
Current Black Belts
Sensei Fred Bateman
Sensei Bateman have a number of Dan grades and is the chief Instructor for Kodokan Martial Arts, teaching Anshin Ryu Karate, as well as Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan. More information about him can be found within other pages of the website.
Sensei Chris Bateman
Sensei Chris Bateman is one of the former founders of Kazoku Karate Club – the first club associating the style of Anshin Ryu Karate. She is still very actively teaching in the Anshin system for the Juniors.
Sensei Stuart Bateman
Another founder member of the Kazoku Karate Club. Also he is still a 3rd Dan in Anshin Karate, he has a wealth of knowledge. Over is years of training he has studies Kamishin Karate, Ninjutsu and Aikido. He is also a student member of Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International.
Shidoin Beckie Challans
Shidoin Beckie came to us back when she was just 6yrs old and we have seen her grow into a excellent martial artist in both Karate and Kobudo. She is a valuable member of our team and helps in class on a regular basis whipping the students into shape.
Shidoin Marc Faux
Shidoin Marc joined the group as a Kobudo student and since 2010 has worked his way through the system to become a Dan grade in Kobudo. He now takes classes as part of his training to become Sensei in Matayoshi Kobudo. He is well respected be the Sensei and students alike.
Sempai Justin Kotzes
Justin Kotze came to us back in 2002 from Wing Kung a Kung Fu system that he studied in South Africa. Since then he has had a break in training while qualifying as a PhD in Criminology. He has now just recently returned and his now relearning the system that has moved on from when he last trained. It is hoped that he will eventually regain his Sensei title. He still has an excellent technical ability and work ethic. He is also a good fighter that is not afraid of getting stuck in!
Sempai Michael Dean
Michael San was another student that joined the group at the very early age. He acquired his Shodan (1st Dan) but then went to university to study archeology. He has now qualified but is not yet living close enough to train in Anshin Ryu Karate. He is currently a long distant student, living in Scotland in Matayoshi Kobudo. We see him when he train at regular Seminars and Gasshuku.
Sempai James Boyd
James has obtained is Shodan in July 2011 after much hard work, training in both Junior and Senior classes. As with Sempai Kotzes James San left to go to university to obtain a Maths degree. He is now back training with us.
Past Dan Grades
The students below are some that had achieved their Dan grades, but now have moved onto other things. Sometimes this happens, especially with juniors as other subjects become more important to them, such as their studies, other sporting practices and involvement in their social lives.
Beccie Johnson – Shodan
Stephinie Howey – Shodan Dan
Peter Shepperson – Shodan Dan
Richard Downs – 1st Dan