Some styles/clubs automatically assume that once you have
passed your black belt examination you are "qualified" to
teach karate.
The Black Belt merely indicates that you have a specific level of proficiency in set karate techniques, it doesn't mean that you can teach!
Though a black belt will be encouraged to "assist" in teaching a class now and again as part of their personal development not everyone enjoys taking a class. Those who show interest and aptitude will attend special courses held by external bodies to help them become not just a "better" black belt, but a teacher who can inspire their students as a group yet cater to the specific needs of an individual student.
As part of our commitment to provide the best tuition possible to our students we encourage our black belts to gain nationally recognised, teaching-specific qualifications, so you can rest assured that you will progress under the auspices of a professional.
Click on the name of one of the instructors below for more information ...
Sensei Mark Raistrick (5th Dan)
Sensei Raistrick began Karate training in Shukokai Karate in 1980 at the age of 7. Initially under the guidance of Sensei Abdu Shaher (7th Dan, EKGB vice president, former world champion and head regional coach) and Sensei Said Shaher (5th Dan). The club was a member of the Shukokai Karate Union (SKU) until Sokudo Karate and Kiyoo-No Karate were formed.
Sensei Raistrick gained his Shodan (1st Dan) in 1991, and chose to further his karate training with the Kiyoo-No Karate Association with Sensei Said Shaher (5th Dan), Steve Burke (5th Dan) and Andy Buckley (3rd Dan).
He gained his 2nd Dan in 1993 and became a Senior Instructor/Referee, and was awarded his 3rd Dan in 1996.
Sensei Raistrick left Kiyoo-No Karate 1998 and trained (and co-instructed) locally at Easterside Karate Academy with colleague Jaga Singh (3rd Dan). He set up the Teesside Academy Shukokai Karate (T.A.S.K.) in Thornaby - Teesside, and was awarded his 4th Dan in November 2003 by Sensei Dave Sharkey (7th Dan) E.K.O. Chairman and Chief Instructor, and went on to become an E.K.O. National Coach in March 2004.
Recently Sensei Raistrick was instrumental in the formation of Taisho-Do Karate, which is now a member of the English Karate Federation and the B.N.M.A.A.
For his obvious dedication to Karate in general and Taisho-Do specifically, Sensei Mark Raistrick was awarded his Black Belt 5th Dan at the BNMAA Black Belt International training weekend by Sensei Paul Griffin (8th Dan) on December 1st 2008.
This grade is registered with the BNMAA, Taisho-Do Karate and the English Karate Federation.
David began studying karate at the age often in Middlesborough under the instruction of Chief Instructor Said Shaher (5th Dan), Chief Instructor of the Kiyoo-No Karate Association. He was heavily influenced by his uncle, Mark Raistrick (now Taisho-Do Chief Instructor), who helped him progress and supported him through his karate training.
After reaching his 3rd kyu, David took time away from karate due to work commitments. After a few years in the wilderness he returned to karate, trying several local clubs. In 2000, David committed to the Easterside Karate Academy which was co-instructed by his uncle Mark Raistrick and Jaga Singh. In June 2003 he joined T.A.S.K. as one of its senior students.
In November 2003 he achieved his 1st Dan at a grading in Solihull, Birmingham by E.K.O. Chief Instructor Dave Sharkey (7th Dan) - at the same time as his uncle Mark Raistrick was awarded his 4th Dan. A special day for T.A.S.K.!
David currently trains three or four times a week, also training with Sokudo Karate under the guidance of Abdu Shaher (7th Dan) to improve his Competition Kumite. Recently David has won a number of trophies at a variety of competitions throughout Britain, providing a sterling example and leadership for the Teesside Academy Shukokai Karate students and members of the Taisho-Do Karate Association.
Now a Sandan (Black Belt - 3rd level), David's goals are to continue to compete at a high level, to help further the growth of Taisho-Do Karate, as well as working towards his next black belt grade.
Sensei Peter Littlewood (3rd Dan)
I began my karate journey at the age of six (shortly after watching my first Bruce Lee film!) under the tutorship of the late Sensei Gurd Singh and Sensei John Hall at Acklam Sports centre.
From there I moved to the Higashi Karate Kai, still studying Wado Ryu at the Zanshin Karate club until I was 12 years old.
I then drifted in and out of several martial arts over the course of the next few years, trying different disciplines until finally returning to my first love - KARATE!
I trained under Sensei Enrico Capaldi (6th Dan) and Sensei Abdu Shaher (7th Dan) in Shukokai with the Sokudo Karate Association. I competed in local and national competitions for about five years, achieving 1st place in the North East Open at Sunderland in November 1999.
I gained my Shodan in 2001 under Enrico Capaldi (6th Dan), Nigel Houston (5th Dan) and Dale Darby (2nd Dan). I was awarded Nidan in May 2003 by the same panel.
After the birth of my son I took nearly three years away from karate until finally building up the motivation (and courage!) to "get back on the horse!"
I have been training at the Thornaby Harewood T.A.S.K. under Sensei Raistrick (5th Dan), and recently completed the BNMAA/MASTARR Instructors and Coaching course.
I have recently been appointed as a Senior Instructor within T.A.S.K. and co-instruct at the Harewood and Billingham Forum dojo. In August 2007 I was appointed Child Protection Officer for Taisho-Do Karate, and in December 2008 I was awarded my 3rd Dan.
In the future I hope to achieve my next black belt grade, and maybe compete again in competition!
Information to come ...
Sensei Poppy Dawson (2nd Dan)
Information to come ...
You are most welcome to join us at any time.
Your first training session is free of charge, so what do you have to lose?
Drop in to your nearest club or contact us for more information.
The Black Belt merely indicates that you have a specific level of proficiency in set karate techniques, it doesn't mean that you can teach!
Though a black belt will be encouraged to "assist" in teaching a class now and again as part of their personal development not everyone enjoys taking a class. Those who show interest and aptitude will attend special courses held by external bodies to help them become not just a "better" black belt, but a teacher who can inspire their students as a group yet cater to the specific needs of an individual student.
As part of our commitment to provide the best tuition possible to our students we encourage our black belts to gain nationally recognised, teaching-specific qualifications, so you can rest assured that you will progress under the auspices of a professional.
Click on the name of one of the instructors below for more information ...
Sensei Mark Raistrick
Sensei Mark Raistrick (5th Dan)
Chief Instructor - Teesside Academy Shukokai
Karate (T.A.S.K)
Taisho-Do Chairman and National
Administrator
|
 |
Sensei Raistrick began Karate training in Shukokai Karate in 1980 at the age of 7. Initially under the guidance of Sensei Abdu Shaher (7th Dan, EKGB vice president, former world champion and head regional coach) and Sensei Said Shaher (5th Dan). The club was a member of the Shukokai Karate Union (SKU) until Sokudo Karate and Kiyoo-No Karate were formed.
Sensei Raistrick gained his Shodan (1st Dan) in 1991, and chose to further his karate training with the Kiyoo-No Karate Association with Sensei Said Shaher (5th Dan), Steve Burke (5th Dan) and Andy Buckley (3rd Dan).
He gained his 2nd Dan in 1993 and became a Senior Instructor/Referee, and was awarded his 3rd Dan in 1996.
Sensei Raistrick left Kiyoo-No Karate 1998 and trained (and co-instructed) locally at Easterside Karate Academy with colleague Jaga Singh (3rd Dan). He set up the Teesside Academy Shukokai Karate (T.A.S.K.) in Thornaby - Teesside, and was awarded his 4th Dan in November 2003 by Sensei Dave Sharkey (7th Dan) E.K.O. Chairman and Chief Instructor, and went on to become an E.K.O. National Coach in March 2004.
Recently Sensei Raistrick was instrumental in the formation of Taisho-Do Karate, which is now a member of the English Karate Federation and the B.N.M.A.A.
For his obvious dedication to Karate in general and Taisho-Do specifically, Sensei Mark Raistrick was awarded his Black Belt 5th Dan at the BNMAA Black Belt International training weekend by Sensei Paul Griffin (8th Dan) on December 1st 2008.
This grade is registered with the BNMAA, Taisho-Do Karate and the English Karate Federation.
Sensei David Barber
Sensei David Barber (3rd Dan)
David began studying karate at the age often in Middlesborough under the instruction of Chief Instructor Said Shaher (5th Dan), Chief Instructor of the Kiyoo-No Karate Association. He was heavily influenced by his uncle, Mark Raistrick (now Taisho-Do Chief Instructor), who helped him progress and supported him through his karate training.
After reaching his 3rd kyu, David took time away from karate due to work commitments. After a few years in the wilderness he returned to karate, trying several local clubs. In 2000, David committed to the Easterside Karate Academy which was co-instructed by his uncle Mark Raistrick and Jaga Singh. In June 2003 he joined T.A.S.K. as one of its senior students.
In November 2003 he achieved his 1st Dan at a grading in Solihull, Birmingham by E.K.O. Chief Instructor Dave Sharkey (7th Dan) - at the same time as his uncle Mark Raistrick was awarded his 4th Dan. A special day for T.A.S.K.!
David currently trains three or four times a week, also training with Sokudo Karate under the guidance of Abdu Shaher (7th Dan) to improve his Competition Kumite. Recently David has won a number of trophies at a variety of competitions throughout Britain, providing a sterling example and leadership for the Teesside Academy Shukokai Karate students and members of the Taisho-Do Karate Association.
Now a Sandan (Black Belt - 3rd level), David's goals are to continue to compete at a high level, to help further the growth of Taisho-Do Karate, as well as working towards his next black belt grade.
Sensei Peter Littlewood
Sensei Peter Littlewood (3rd Dan)
Child Protection Officer
I began my karate journey at the age of six (shortly after watching my first Bruce Lee film!) under the tutorship of the late Sensei Gurd Singh and Sensei John Hall at Acklam Sports centre.
From there I moved to the Higashi Karate Kai, still studying Wado Ryu at the Zanshin Karate club until I was 12 years old.
I then drifted in and out of several martial arts over the course of the next few years, trying different disciplines until finally returning to my first love - KARATE!
I trained under Sensei Enrico Capaldi (6th Dan) and Sensei Abdu Shaher (7th Dan) in Shukokai with the Sokudo Karate Association. I competed in local and national competitions for about five years, achieving 1st place in the North East Open at Sunderland in November 1999.
I gained my Shodan in 2001 under Enrico Capaldi (6th Dan), Nigel Houston (5th Dan) and Dale Darby (2nd Dan). I was awarded Nidan in May 2003 by the same panel.
After the birth of my son I took nearly three years away from karate until finally building up the motivation (and courage!) to "get back on the horse!"
I have been training at the Thornaby Harewood T.A.S.K. under Sensei Raistrick (5th Dan), and recently completed the BNMAA/MASTARR Instructors and Coaching course.
I have recently been appointed as a Senior Instructor within T.A.S.K. and co-instruct at the Harewood and Billingham Forum dojo. In August 2007 I was appointed Child Protection Officer for Taisho-Do Karate, and in December 2008 I was awarded my 3rd Dan.
In the future I hope to achieve my next black belt grade, and maybe compete again in competition!
Sensei Tracy Orchard
Sensei Tracy Orchard (3rd Dan)
Information to come ...
Sensei Poppy Dawson
Sensei Poppy Dawson (2nd Dan)
Instructor: Billingham Shukokai
Information to come ...
You are most welcome to join us at any time.
Your first training session is free of charge, so what do you have to lose?
Drop in to your nearest club or contact us for more information.