.: About your instructors
Steve Martin
Steve Martin holds 3rd Dan in Wado Ryu Karate under the Shi Kon Karate as well as a 2nd Dan in Tai Ki Karate, he was also presented with a 5th Dan under the Classical Dimension System of Karate which was awarded to him by Willie Chong Lee Lim. Steve has been training in the Martial Arts for 31 years and studied under various Instructors such as Toru Takamizawa 6th Dan and Steve Rowe 7th Dan Karate, 7th Dan Tai Chi Karate and founder of the Shi Kon Budo Kai Association. Steve Martin went on to form Shi Zen Do Karate System and also developed the SAFE program which is Shizendo's self defence system. Steve is a full time teacher and qualified NVQ coach, he also holds an NVQ skills assessor’s award in Karate competence. He has been teaching Martial Arts in Kent for many years, which also includes self-defence for school children. Steve also teaches Yang Style Tai Chi as taught to him by Malaysian Master John Ding of which Steve is a personal Student, Steve takes regular tuition form John Ding to develop his Tai Chi to a deeper level. Steve also studies regularly with international American Master Willie Chong Lee Lim to develop his Karate, Willie Lim holds a 7th Degree in RyuKyu Kempo Karate and 8th Degree in Taekwondo (US Representative for Tae Kwon Do International and US Representative for Sing Ong Tai Chi). Steve continuously seeks to advance his and the students level of martial arts through on going studies. Shi Zen Do system is a learning process through refining, continuously progressing, changing, developing and transforming ourselves through the study of martial arts.
Dean Radmore
Dean Radmore is a karate Instructor and coach who has trained in the Martial Arts since 1992. Dean has studied and continues to study under various instructors including:
- Sendei Steve Martin 4th Dan Karate and founder of Shi Zen Do Martial Arts Association
- Sensei Jim Kerkham 5th Dan Ju Jitsu
- Sensei Steve Rowe 8th Dan Karate, 3rd Dan laido, 1st Dan Jodo, 1st Dan Ju Jitsu and founder of Shi Kon Martial Arts Association
- Master Willie Lim 8th Dan Karate & Tackwondo
Dean was awarded his 3rd Dan in Wado Ryu in March 2008 by Sensei Steve Rowe & Sensei Steve Martin, has an NVQ level 2 qualification in Karate Coaching & Instruction, has full Professional Indemnity Insurance and has an annual Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
Tony McWilliams
I have been with Shizendo training in martial arts since November 2001.
After a very slow start due to a near fatal illness which badly affected my nervous system and severely impaired my mobility particularly affecting balance and flexibility, the Shizendo team and I started working with martial arts to aid my recovery. The process at first was agonisingly slow and I can remember the hours and hours in Steve Martins garden with his patience going over the same move time and time again, then training that move for weeks, sometimes months at a time to stop me stumbling and get me stronger. After some years, training up to six times a week I started to improve both physically and mentally I was recovering. My fellow Dan grades to their credit and for my sake would not allow me any soft options and would not accept anything but the highest of standards from me, I achieved those standards and became 1st Dan black belt in July 2010.
I have trained very closely with Steve Martin for many years, he inspires me and I have been very influenced by his thoughts and training methods, he mentally prepared me for my journey to black belt and taught me self belief. I have now been teaching his system in his clubs since 2007 and have become a familiar Instructor to students and parents alike. I am very keen on the discipline and etiquette that shows good control and spirit, I believe firmly that as the tension diminishes and the softness and sensitivity improves our art is second to none. I have trained with Master Willie Chong Lee who specialises in these qualities.
I also teach the S.A.F.E which is Shizendo's system of self defence and also have my own class at a local school teaching 6th form girls the S.A.F.E system.
For the past 18 months I have run an Acorn Club teaching children from 4 to 12 years old martial arts and a simple form of self preservation which has had a growing contingent of special needs children who respond excellently one of which is totally blind and autistic.
Fridays I am one of Dean Radmore 3rd Dan instructors at his Uchi Naru Chickara Shizendo club at Cliffe Woods School teaching children and adults this is also one of the clubs I get to train myself and sharpen and refine my own skills. Dean has been a strong influence in my martial arts career and has made me work hard to reach my goals and maintain good standards.
I have an affinity with the Kata's Sanchin and Tensho as they suit my body shape and have started to look at the deeper roots of these Kata's which are the core principles for grounding and power' also I would like to specialise in the Kata Kushanku and its applications.
I am very keen on the Tai chi methods and the martial side of Tai Chi which I have been training for a while and have always been intrigued by its amazing internal power. I also have a great respect for the Samurai and their high levels of skill and grace, I am hoping to practice their system in the near future.
I am very proud of my club and its students and I stand alongside some of the finest Dan grades in this country.
Sirus Wise
2011 will be my 12th year training under Steve Martin and the other Shi Zen Do instructors.
I graded to black belt on the 4th of February 2007, one of the proudest and most fulfilling days of my life (despite going wrong in Kushanku and having to repeat it, at least I know I’m not the only one!) I believe that the Shi Zen Do association have shaped me as a person and allowed me to find a talent and passion that is totally satisfying. Since late 2006 I have been teaching within Steve’s clubs and found that it really is a different experience from just training; it really warms you inside when a student works hard for you, thanks you after the session and then goes on to grade successfully. I am looking to soon set up my own sect of the association once I find the time and I look forward to having my own collection of future black-belts.
I feel that I am very lucky to have found a Karate club like this. There’s a strong sense of community in Shi Zen Do, and my peers and senior grades are always there when needed. The Karate we do is not a fighting system; to me it’s a way of life.
I have taken part in some training outside of the club with the Martial Arts Evolution MMA gym and Medway Muay Thai, I found it taxing but interesting to find my own weaknesses and bring another set of skills to the club to accompany that of Pete and Dean who are currently training Ju Jitsu.
After attending two seminars with Willie Lim I was inspired to delve into the Tai Chi sect of the association, now I have begun learning the Tai Chi straight after Karate on Wednesday.
I would say my favourite kata in the Shi Zen Do system is Chinto, closely followed by Tencho, both katas feel very natural to me and suit my style of movement, I hope to specialise in these in the near future.
One of my favourite aspects of Shi Zen Do is the approachability of everyone in the club and I find it inspiring that people with an age gap of almost 40 years between them can learn from each other and develop their skills successfully.
To me the spirit demonstrated by the instructors is inspiring. Steve’s almost infinite wisdom in body mechanics; Dean’s regimented discipline he produces in his students; Tony’s battle with his own body to gain his 1st Dan; Pete’s sly and inventive ji yu; Ian’s brutal bunkai; Chris’ extreme attention to detail; Dean Gunning’s relentless energy; Dave’s drive to share his knowledge; Paul and Nigel’s blend of Karate and Tai Chi. All this keeps standards high and makes Shi Zen Do a very good place to learn.