Instructors

Photograph by David Rutter FRPS, https://www.davidrutterphotography.com/

Pete Rees

3rd Dan

It’s never too late to start karate. I did not start until I was 43 years old, and there is no better club than Wantage. Despite my nickname of ‘Chopper Pete’, I like all the senior dans are happy to offer help and advice and Wantage could not be a more welcoming club.

I started karate in 1994 under sensei Mark Ord of the Association of Shotokan Karate Union of Great Britain. When Mark left in 1995 I joined Martin Carter of the Shotokan Karate Union and graded up to 2nd kyu (brown belt). When Martin left in 1999 sensei Paul Edwards took over and changed to the Traditional Shotokan Karate Association. Under Paul’s guidance I went on to pass 1st kyu and 1st Dan Shodan (black belt). I have also trained under Senseis Terry O’Neil and Vince Morris, who are both 7th Dans.

2004 was a personal highlight for me as this was when I passed my 1st Dan (Shodan). In the same year I also fought for the club in Ayre, Scotland, winning Bronze and silver in Kumite. To top the year off I was awarded Karateka of the Year!

Training under Paul, Dave and Baz just does not get any better. You only have to see the number of Karateka training each session to witness what a popular activity this is.