The History of Haxby Shotokan Karate Club
| 'Kamae is for beginners; Later, one stands in shizentai' Principle 17 of karate-do |
From the past to the present
As you may have noticed, we are very proud
of the history of our club. It seems to me that
karate, by it's nature, is reliant on the past to
provide it with meaning and relevance today.
Karate, in one sense, is the passing of
knowledge from one generation to the other;
from the master to the apprentice; from the
past to the future. It isn't written down in
codex but allowed to flow and be adapted as
each new generation stamps it's mark on the
ancient art. They know, however, that they are
only able to do what they do now because of
what others have done in the past.
As you may have noticed, we are very proud
of the history of our club. It seems to me that
karate, by it's nature, is reliant on the past to
provide it with meaning and relevance today.
Karate, in one sense, is the passing of
knowledge from one generation to the other;
from the master to the apprentice; from the
past to the future. It isn't written down in
codex but allowed to flow and be adapted as
each new generation stamps it's mark on the
ancient art. They know, however, that they are
only able to do what they do now because of
what others have done in the past.
From left to right; Gary Osguthorpe,
Ian Shaw, Mike Adamson, Wendy
Shaw.
Ian Shaw, Mike Adamson, Wendy
Shaw.
The club started back in 1981 when
Mike Adamson (left) and Sensei Ian
Shaw founded the club. The first ever
training session was held in November
at the Wigginton Recreation Hall. Both
Mike and Ian, assisted by Ian's wife
Wendy, were only shodans at the time.
Due to financial reasons, the club was
forced to train at the working men's club
for several years before returning to it's
rightful home at the Wigginton
Recreation Hall. Gary Osguthorpe,
pictured above, was the first student at
Haxby to attain the grade of black belt.
He has later been joined by a stream of
others including Alexandra Coleman,
Paul Smith, John Gude and most
recently, Simon Flint.
Mike Adamson (left) and Sensei Ian
Shaw founded the club. The first ever
training session was held in November
at the Wigginton Recreation Hall. Both
Mike and Ian, assisted by Ian's wife
Wendy, were only shodans at the time.
Due to financial reasons, the club was
forced to train at the working men's club
for several years before returning to it's
rightful home at the Wigginton
Recreation Hall. Gary Osguthorpe,
pictured above, was the first student at
Haxby to attain the grade of black belt.
He has later been joined by a stream of
others including Alexandra Coleman,
Paul Smith, John Gude and most
recently, Simon Flint.
Mike Adamson, club co-founder,
demonstrating Yoko Geri Kekomi.
demonstrating Yoko Geri Kekomi.
Unfortunately, Mike decided to end his
karate career but as one Mike bowed out
another joined the fray. In the late
1980's, Sensei Mike Gude joined the
club and became the Chief instructor.
Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian have proved
to be a formidable team and have
reigned over a period of stability. The
club has seen many great students walk
through the door wearing simply a white
belt and leaving with a knowledge and
an ability that will stand them in good
stead for the rest of their lives.
karate career but as one Mike bowed out
another joined the fray. In the late
1980's, Sensei Mike Gude joined the
club and became the Chief instructor.
Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian have proved
to be a formidable team and have
reigned over a period of stability. The
club has seen many great students walk
through the door wearing simply a white
belt and leaving with a knowledge and
an ability that will stand them in good
stead for the rest of their lives.
Sensei Ian kicking Sensei Mike Mae
Geri.
Geri.
It's fantastic that the club has
lasted for as long as it has. It must
mean that something is going
right. However, the club can only
survive into the future with new,
dedicated and committed students
who not only have the true nature of
karate close to their hearts but also
feel a sense of loyalty and passion
about Haxby Shotokan Karate club.
Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian have
done a fantastic job of bringing this
club into the 21st century, I wonder
what the club will be like when it
enters the 22nd Century?
lasted for as long as it has. It must
mean that something is going
right. However, the club can only
survive into the future with new,
dedicated and committed students
who not only have the true nature of
karate close to their hearts but also
feel a sense of loyalty and passion
about Haxby Shotokan Karate club.
Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian have
done a fantastic job of bringing this
club into the 21st century, I wonder
what the club will be like when it
enters the 22nd Century?
Sensei Mike with his son, John
| HAXBY SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB |
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The club was arguably at it's strongest
during the early period of the century.
During 2001 - 2003 the club would see
between twenty five and thirty students
training every night. The club has, at
times, also been close to collapse. At
one time only three students were
training at the club and that is, for an
instructor, incredibly demoralising.
However, Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian
carried on and continued to believe in
what they know.
during the early period of the century.
During 2001 - 2003 the club would see
between twenty five and thirty students
training every night. The club has, at
times, also been close to collapse. At
one time only three students were
training at the club and that is, for an
instructor, incredibly demoralising.
However, Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian
carried on and continued to believe in
what they know.
The club really joined the 21st Century when it launched it's website in September
2007. The club's membership had been declining once again and it became clear
that in order to attract the next generation, the club would need to get up to date
with modern technology. The website has been growing ever since and crucially,
so has the club. Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian now have a core of members who
help, support and drive the club forward as a team.
2007. The club's membership had been declining once again and it became clear
that in order to attract the next generation, the club would need to get up to date
with modern technology. The website has been growing ever since and crucially,
so has the club. Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian now have a core of members who
help, support and drive the club forward as a team.
