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Celebrations for brothers 20th year in Go Ju Ryu Karate.

Brothers Peter and Alan Thompson celebrated 20yrs of dedication and achievement with Wessex Karate Academy.

Peter and Alan started Go Ju Ryu karate in 1988 aged nine and seven respectively after being introduced by their dad who also did martial arts in his youth.

They were joined by founder, Chief Instructor and 8th Dan Black Belt Sensei James Rousseau.

Sensei James is the highest non-Japanese instructor with several clubs all over Europe. He, along with well known within the organisation Peter and Alan attracted students from all over the country.

Alan achieved his black belt at the age of 17 in Stockholm, Sweden and went on to get his 2nd Dan in 2002 in Birmingham. He has competed and won several gold and silver medals both at county and national level and is a competent and qualified instructor.

Peter first gained his black belt at the age of 15 and was the youngest person ever to achieve 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dan black belts. He has also won over 30 medals at national level competitions. In 2006 Peter represented the British Team as their captain at the World Championships in Cape Town, South Africa gaining a gold and bronze medal in team events. He has achieved National Referee Status and in addition to this he is also a brown belt in Ryu Kobudo – The Art of Traditional Martial Arts Weapons. He is the senior instructor of Wessex Karate Academy with more then 12 years spent running the club himself.

If you want proof that this is a sport that can be started at any age then take a look at Peter and Alan’s mum. She started in her 40’s and is now also a club instructor and 3rd Dan Black Belt at the age of 62!

The club is very family orientated and by example of Peter and Alan’s mum shows you can join at any age.

All instructors are CRB checked, insured and first aid qualified.

The point of Go Ju Ryu karate is that anyone can do it. The main purpose is to teach self-defence and not encourage fighting which is a common misconception.

So, old or young come and have a go! There are clubs on Portland, in Weymouth, Dorchester and Milbourne St Andrew, all are available for children and adults alike.