Peter Thompson, 7th Dan Karate, 4th Dan Kobudo
Pete has competed and coached with both the UK and England teams.
For a full history please see: Pete Thompson WKA-Senior instructor
Scott Robyns, 5th Dan, 2nd Dan Kobudo
Scott started karate when he was only 5 and had received his 1st Dan black belt by the age of 12. He has attended many national competitions with wins dotted throughout.
Paul Foot, 5th Dan
“I started karate with my brother Gary in 1992 under Steve Legg in Dorchester. Both Gary and I passed all our grades together and in 1996 passed our 1st Dans, being the first brothers to achieve this.
After passing my Brown Belt grading in 1995, I trained under Mark Caples. After 1997 I trained under Peter Thompson but due to family constraints my training was put on hold. In 2003 I returned to training and passed my 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dans during the following 9 years.
I have attended many GKI National Competitions since 1994 achieving a mixture of success. In more recent years I have taken more of a referee role. I am a qualified instructor and regularly assist and teach both junior and adult classes. I am a qualified First Aider.”
Gary Foot, 4th Dan
“Having started karate with my brother Paul in 1992 we both passed all our grades together and in 1996 attained our Black Belts (1st Dan). Two years later I was awarded my 2nd Dan during the summer Gasshuku in Stockholm, Sweden.
Following a few breaks from regular karate training I returned to regular training and in 2007 was awarded 3rd Dan, again, with my brother Paul. I spent some years instructing mixed adult and junior Friday classes at the Dorchester Dojo.
Most recently, I was able to attend the summer Gasshuku in Grobbendonk, Belgium with other members of the Wessex Karate Academy, where I attained 4th Dan.”
Chris Fryer, 5th Dan
Jamie Northover, 4th Dan
“I love Karate; I can’t give it up now. I think it’s one of those things that once you start you never really give up. Even if you take a break you end up coming back sooner or later.”
Nicole May, 2nd Dan
“I have always been involved with martial arts throughout my whole life since progressing I have enjoyed and loved training and teaching karate. It’s means everything not only do I train but it’s like a family I’ve met so many people and gained so much experience. Karate will always be a part of my life!”
Mary Thompson, 4th Dan
“I was encouraged to start training by my sons in the autumn of 1992, and attained my Shodan in 1998. I have attended countless courses in this country, Europe, South Africa and once in Japan.
My fondest memories are of Sensei James’ celebration of 40 years of Goju Ryu Karate in South Africa which was held in Cape Town. There I attained my San Dan and two silver medals in the competition. Portugal saw me earn my Yon Dan in 2009.
I consider myself privileged to have been teaching and assisting Sensei Pete since 1998 as to teach is to learn twice. “
Sadly Sensei Mary passed away at the end of 2017. Even at the end she was the perfect example of a Karateka. She continues to inspire countless students in their training and is missed greatly.
