5th Dan Master Black Belt

Lead Instructor

My interest in martial arts started from a young age when I practiced Judo. I went on to represent my University but gave Judo up in my early twenties.

I was lucky enough to spend a number of years working in the USA and took up a Classical style of Okinawan Karate (Ryukyu Kempo). This style concentrated on using the techniques hidden within the forms for effective self-defense rather than the sport side of Karate which is often prevalent in the UK. I returned to the UK and discovered the Doushikai where I learned Shotokan Karate under Pam and David Batten. I found the Doushikai very interesting as it opened my eyes to the use of pressure points to make striking and locking techniques much more effective. I have been practicing Karate for over twenty years and I also study Wing Chun Kung Fu.

My teaching focuses on understanding the hidden techniques within the forms and developing drills to practice these to develop deep memory muscle. We find students really enjoy the drills versus “marching” up and down punching into thin air which is traditionally the way most clubs operate.

I am married with two grown up children one of which was a student at Doushikai. I also enjoy music and windsurfing.

2nd Dan Black Belt

Instructor

I began martial arts training with Judo from the age of 19, continuing for a few years to get to Green Belt and stopping after dislocating a toe!

I didn't do martial arts for years afterwards until I happened to see a karate club was training in my local Gym in Maidenhead (subsequently moved location).  The club was being run by Senseis Pam & Dave Batten who founded Doushikai Martial Arts.  Pam and Dave were fantastic teachers for both young and old and inspired me to aim towards a black belt (1st Dan) which I achieved in April 2013 (and 2nd Dan in September 2020).

Personally karate has helped with my balance, flexibility, fitness and general confidence; as well as providing self defence skills in case ever needed.  I enjoy teaching others and it is rewarding in particular to see the younger members of the club rapidly develop in confidence and capability.  It's also a fun and friendly atmosphere where we all learn together.

3rd Dan Black Belt

instructor

I began my martial arts training when I was 19, starting with a short period of Aikido and then entering the realm of Okinawan-style training through several years association with Mushindo Kempo, under the watchful eye of Sensei Bill Rowles, a style which shared some of its many forms and techniques with Shotokan Karate-Do, and therefore made the eventual switch to the Japanese form relatively easy.

During the past forty years I have also practiced a non-combat form of Tai Chi Chuan (or Taijiquan - Yang Style, Long Form) which has informed my martial arts practice throughout this time and provided further insights into the subtle energy techniques underpinning most of the more combative styles.

In my workouts I like to combine warm up routines developed from Hatha Yoga which I have practised since my late teens, together with Mindfulness Breathing exercises to attune students to the fine motor skills and mental strengths they possess but do not always utilise in everyday activities!

Joining Doushikai 15 years ago and reaching my teaching grade through the efforts of Senseis Pam & Dave Batten and Duncan Penny (and with the help of all of my fellow club members of course) has allowed me to develop these earlier trainings and to assist others to increase their own personal martial arts skills. 

4th Dan Master Black Belt

instructor

My first introduction to martial arts was when I joined Doushikai Karate nearly 20 years ago. From day one I was hooked, training under Sensei's Dave and Pam Batten. I learnt not only the physical aspects of Karate and pressure point fighting, but was encouraged to research the hidden meanings and applications (bunkai) in the forms (kata), which to this day remains a passion of mine.

I have also trained in Wing Chun a chinese martial art for the past 7 years.

My daughter Eva trains with us in the adult class and I have seen her grow as a person as well as developing as a martial artist.

When teaching I like to make it as fun and interesting as possible with what we call "little gold nuggets" laced into the training so all students are continuously improving.

3rd Dan Black Belt

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Visiting Instructor and Co-founder

7th Dan Grand Master Black Belt

Dave co-founded Doushikai Martial Arts with his wife, Pam in September 2001. Pam and Dave now live in France but provide guidance and mentorship to the club they founded.

7th Dan Grand Master Black Belt

Visiting Instructor and co-founder

Pam co-founded Doushikai Martial Arts with her husband, Dave in September 2001. Pam and David now live in France but provide guidance and mentorship to the club they founded.