Roland Read

Roland has run the local Karate club for more than 30 years. It welcomes people of all ages and fitness. It is one of the few clubs around that isn`t run as a business. Roland changed the junior class to a family class when parents started showing an interest in doing a sport with their children and our style is traditional so there is no contact. Many parents bring their children to teach them some discipline, focus or just to build their confidence. There are also several special needs pupils. We have many members that are complete families. Although Roland has a full time job and for many years has worked with the Parish council, and other local committees he still finds time to run the club 10 hours a week. His patience and charisma in controlling a class, which can be 50 pupils or more ranging from 7 years to 60+. I would never have dreamt of learning a martial art as I suffered with my confidence for years, but his way with people is inspiring and I can`t believe that after 13 years with the club I am now a 2nd dan instruction. The club doesn`t make a profit and in the leaner years Roland subsidised the club himself and no-one is turned away because they can`t afford to come. The desire isn`t to create black belts, it is to build confidence and character and awareness and also to have fun. It is a wonderfully social place to be and we are one huge family. How he keeps it all together even when he is struggling himself is amazing. Everyone knows Sensei Roland.