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Sensei Ed Starks Place of Birth: England Started Shotokan: 1974 Awarded Shodan: 1979 Awarded Nidan: 1983 Awarded Sandan: 1993 |
Sensei Ed Starks, 3rd Dan is Chief instructor here at Bristol. Ed started shotokan training in 1974, at the Bristol Shotokan Karate Club based in Totterdown YMCA, training under Sensei Bill Winfield. Ed originally joined for self defence reasons but soon found that there was a lot more involved. Obtaining a high level of fitness, speed and confidence soon appealed to Ed, he enjoyed sparring (kumite) and kata, which is where you practice set moves with imaginary opponents.
By 1979 Ed had gained his Black Belt and was teaching Shotokan Karate classes which he continues to do to this day, "I enjoy helping students gain confidence in themselves, improving their fitness and defence techniques and gaining their respect and friendship".
In 1993 Totterdown closed due to refurbishment of the property, and that is when Bristol Shotokan moved to the hall of the Holy Trinity in Horfield. Ed is now helped by Sensei Guy March (1st Dan), former student of Sensei Bryan Gideon of Backwell SKC.
