Sensei Julie Jones (3rd Dan)
Chief Instructor - Acklam Antei
I started Karate at the age of 13 at our present dojo (Acklam Sports Centre), training in Wado Ryu under the guidance of my first instructor the late Sensei Gurd Singh. After his passing I was training under Sensei John Hall
who helped me achieve my 1st Dan in 1990, and my 2nd Dan in 1993.
To help further my training during this time, Acklam affiliated to Kiyoo-No Karate Association headed by their Chief Instructor Said Shaher (5th Dan) where I also trained in
Shukokai Karate. Later I trained under Sensei Steve Burke (5th Dan) and the T.S.K.A., and achieved my 1st Dan in 1997.
In 1993 I began teaching ladies self defence classes, and also began training with Sensei Harold Stephenson (N.I.M.A.)
in Shotokan karate who helped me pass my Instructors and Refereeing qualifications.
My main style and love is Wado Ryu, and I knew one day I would end up teaching, but I wanted to learn other styles and disciplines. I tried Thai boxing (Sensei
Dave Burns), stick fighting, grappling etc. as well as experiencing different
methods of teaching before doing so.
I left the Acklam club for a year and competed at a high level, and was very successful in competition karate.
During my time away Sensei John Hall left the club and my training partner and close friend
Elaine Clinton (3rd Dan) (formerly Mason) took over the club and renamed it Acklam Antei. Upon my return in 1997 we joined forces and have made a great teaching team!!
In 2005 Elaine moved from the area and formed Luton Antei Karate
club (we all miss her!!).
I am now assisted by our Senior Instructors, Sensei Ian Boyes (2nd Dan) and Sensei Carl Bunn (2nd Dan).
In 2006 Acklam Antei and it's sister clubs at Luton and Scruton joined forces with T.A.S.K. and their Chief Instructor Mark
Raistrick - who we have known, trained with, competed with and against for many years.
There is a great level of support and friendship between the Instructors within T.A.S.K., and it has been a pleasure and a really good move for our clubs.
Shortly after joining T.A.S.K. I passed by 3rd Dan examination under
Sensei Mark Raistrick (Taishodo), Sensei Karen Parkin (T.S.K.A.) and Sensei Jaga Singh (A.M.A.).
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