TEACHERS & INSTRUCTORS

YUDANSHA

     Robert Patton is Chief Instructor  Taifu Karate & Kobudo Kai and has been studying martial arts of one type or another since he was six years old. The two primary styles of karate he has studied are Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu. His favourite goju kata is Sesan. His favourite Uechi Ryu kata is Kanchin. His favourite kobudo kata is Kanigawa no Tinbei. Other favourites include knife techniques

I started studying martial arts in 1983, this was Wado Ryu Karate in the NE of England.  After moving South I started to study Judo.  After a while I also started training in Karate again, this time Goju Ryu.  After changing clubs I am now a senior instructor within the Taifu Karate and Kobudo School.  Whilst training constantly in Goju and Kobudo I have also trained and "played" in many different styles and disciplines including a few years studying Kendo with Takahashi Sensei - which only stopped when Takahashi Sensei returned to Japan.  With nearly twenty years of experience in different martial arts and security work I now also teach Personal Safety to many different groups, schools, over sixties groups, special needs and kids that just need a bit of advice.  With a constant bug for travel and training I mix the two and like to train and teach whenever I am abroad.  It does not matter what martial art I will try and be there.  Quote, "I like to see what the rest of the World is up to!"

Started Goju Karate at seven years old, joined Taifu Karate & Kobudo Kai 1995.  Active member of the St. John Ambulance Service.  Attained 3rd degree black belt October 2000.

Attained 1st black belt Kobudo 15th October  2006.  Attained 3rd degree black belt Karate 3rd December 2006.

Attained 2nd degree black belt 1996

Joined Taifu Karate & Kobudo Kai in 1995.  Attained 2nd degree black belt in Karate & Kobudo December 1999.

Started with Taifu Karate & Kobudo Kai from the first day of the School opening.  Attained junior Shodan Karate 1998.

 Nidan Karate -  9th December 2001.

 Attained Shodan Kobudo  2nd November 2003

Started Karate sometime in the 80's.  Joined Taifu Karate & Kobudo Kai in 1995.  Attained 1st degree black belt 1996.  Attained 2nd degree black belt 11/12/2005 .

Attained 2nd degree black belt Kobudo 15th October  2006.  Attained 2nd degree black belt Karate 3rd December 2006.

Bruce Steadman

2nd Dan Taifu Karate Kai

1st Dan Taifu Kobudo Kai

Grade 4 Club Instructor

Attained 1st degree black Kobudo 13th November 2005.  Attained 2nd degree black belt Karate 3rd December 2006.

Started with Taifu Karate & Kobudo Kai from the first day of the School opening.  Attained junior 1st degree black belt in 1998.  Attained senior Nidan - 9th December 2001.

Attained 1st degree black belt in 1998

I started Karate in 1995 and with Seishikan Goju Ryu before joining the Taifu Karate & Kobudo School and have found that along with a fitness, Karate has given me a wider and more meaningful perspective on Life.  I found that instructors within the club are very supportive and encourage new members to take a positive approach to Karate.  When I took my 1st Dan grading along with Sempai Claire Jones and Sempai Dennis Learheart I found the support of the Dan grades helped me to achieve my goal.  I particularly enjoy taking the Body conditioning class as this is an opportunity to challenge your own physical goals

Favourite quote:  "Never say Never"

Favourite Kata: Sanchin

Favourite Kobudo Weapon: Nunchaku

     I had my first taste of karate at the age of 16. It was with a Kyokushinkai club situated in Battle and Bexhill, East Sussex in the UK. I did this for about 3 years before the Battle club closed down. With that style I really enjoyed the knockdown fighting which I found to be quite natural to me. This was from 1986-1988. I still remember training under Shihan Steve Arneil and thinking how much I wanted to be a black belt and knowing the knowledge that went with it.

     This brings me to my present club which I have to thank for getting me to the grade of Shodan in just under 4 years. This style of Karate is everything that I expected from learning martial arts. The things I enjoy most are ne-waza, kata, continuous bunkai and throwing techniques.

     Although there is the Kobudo side which I also enjoy. My favourite weapons are bo, tuifa and tanto. Favourite Kobudo Kata: Hamahiga no Tuifa, Suishi no Kon. Favourite Karate Kata: Pa Chu, Shisochin.

     I would like to thank all the dan grades before me for their help and commitment in helping me achieve my ambition of Shodan status, especially Shihan Robert Patton and Sensei Jackie Tew.   Attained Shodan 8th December 2002.

Clifford Bolt

1st  Dan Taifu Kobudo Kai

4th Dan Jutsu Kai Karate

 Attained 1st degree black belt Karate 3rd December 2006.

Clive Foster

1st Dan Taifu  Karate Kai