The Chingford Traditional Shotokan Karate Club is a non-profit organisation that was set up to support local people, by supplying high standard Martial Arts training. The club follows the traditional way and traditional values, but also adapts techniques to fit the modern day society.
Mark started Karate back in 1983 and trained under Sensei Mick Billman at Picketts Lock Centre, Edmonton with the association known as ESKA.
After some while, Sensei Mick Billman left ESKA to form a new body called 'Croyland Karate Association' with the main club based in Croyland Road Edmonton. Many students decided to follow Sensei Billman and supported him in this new venture. Croyland Karate Club quickly became very popular and produced many fine Karateka.
Many clubs throughout Britain heard of Sensei Billman's association and wished to join, eventually a strong bonding was made with many good clubs up and down the country.
After negotiations, Croyland Karate joined the 'AMA' and sensei Billman joined forces with another well-respected Traditional Karate Instructor Sensei Richard Jackson and a new association 'TSSK' - Traditional Schools of Shotokan Karate - was born.
After three years of hard training at Croyland Karate Club, Mark gained his 1st Dan Black Belt, and at that time then became involved in judging competitions, learning from the Chief Referee 'Sensei Mike Burnand'. He worked his way through many exams and was eventually awarded 'A'-class association referee status, officiating in many competitions nationally. He then stepped up the level and worked towards governing body recognition and passed E.K.B. (England Karate Board) referee theoretical and practical examinations.
He then became interested in competing, first entering an 'AMA' National Open competition in which he came 2nd place in Kata, against 40 other Dan grade competitors. This gave him an appetite for more! (see Karate Experience for more information).
Mark opened his own club 'CTSKC' in 1988 with another Karateka Chris Buchanan. After about 5 years Chris had to leave due to work commitments and handed the club fully over to Mark. He teaches at the club every lesson, and it is unusual for such a high grade to be regularly teaching at their own Dojo.
Many students come and go as in any sort of Club, but Mark is proud that about 35 students to date, both Junior and Senior have over a period of time started as beginners at the Club and reached the coveted 'Black Belt'.
Mark is now 7th Dan, teaching Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays assisted by his other Dan grades.