Paul Sumner, 5th Dan Shotokan Karate. 3rd Dan Dragon Kung Fu
Paul started training in Shotokan in 1992, aged 18, at Loughborough University under Sensei Jim Edwards, 5th Dan SKGB. He began training at Colchester Shotokan Karate Club during the University holidays under the excellent tuition of Nikki and Shaun Bryant. In 1997 Paul passed his 1st Dan Shotokan black belt grading under Sensei Joe Anderson (Senior), TKA. Paul started assisting with teaching at CSKC in 1998 and was made an instructor in 2001 after passing his 2nd Dan.
In 2002 Paul also started training in kung fu with the Dragon Martial Arts School, and achieved 3rd Dan in 2011. He has also studied the internal arts of Tai Chi and Hsing-I, and a selection of traditional Chinese weapons.
Paul enjoyed competition success in karate kata and kumite events. He also competed in many kung fu competitions and was twice national sparring champion in his weight division.
"Finding the martial arts is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It can help people in many different ways. Training makes us physically stronger, mentally tougher yet more relaxed. It's great for fitness and flexibility. It improves our focus, memory and confidence...and it's fun! You can achieve things you'd never dreamed of. I am passionate about helping others learn the benefits of karate."
Odysseas Christou (Sensei Tone), 8th Dan Shotokan Karate
Sensei Odysseas Christou, known in karate circles as ‘Tone’, is a regular instructor at Colchester Shotokan Karate Club. He started training in karate in April 1977 at the North London Shotokan Karate Club in Edmonton. His first grading was under Kanazawa Sensei. He passed his Sho Dan under Sensei Mick Billman in 1985, and a year later started his own dojo in Hackney, Tiger Karate Club which ran for 12 years.
In 1987 Sensei Tone started refereeing competitions, and progressed to England National level. He also became the Chief Referee of the TSSK association, (Traditional Schools Of Shotokan Karate). Sensei Tone was awarded his 8th Dan by by Sensei Mick Billman (President - English Karate Federation) in December 2023.
“Always try and be positive in all aspects of life and, if facing any negatives, look for the positive. Do not dwell on the negatives”.
Iain’s martial arts journey began in 1970’s Durham when he took up Aikido and progressed to 6th kyu before O levels and motor bikes distracted him. After a long interlude he started practising karate at CSKC in 2007 when he accompanied his young sons, Thomas & Robbie who were keen to learn. Thomas and Iain took their 1st Dan exam together in 2011 and Tom continued to train at CSKC before going to University. Iain has been a consistent member of the club, continuing to grade at black belt level, the most recent being a technical grading for 4th Dan in December 2022.
"There’s more to karate than the blocks and kicks that most people associate it with. Sure, you don’t have worries about being beaten up, but Shotokan karate also teaches awareness, respect and discipline. This is just as important since you avoid any physical confrontation in the first place and these skills do help you with the other parts of your life."
Daryl came to CSKC in 2012 with a group of friends, and he has trained solidly with the club since then. He has gone from having poor flexibility to being able to do full box splits. Daryl passed his 1st Dan in 2015, 2nd Dan in 2017 and did a very good exam to achieve his 3rd Dan in 2022. Daryl has also trained with Dragon Martial Arts School, earning his kung fu 1st Dan in 2019. He has also studied the Chinese internal martial arts styles of Tai Chi and Hsing-I. When taking part in competitions Daryl gained a silver medal in kung fu sparring in 2017, and later a bronze medal in karate kumite.
Daryl enjoys studying kata and its various uses in self defence scenarios and being able to pass on the knowledge he has acquired in doing so.
"Sometimes your worst enemy is yourself. Don’t give up when things start to get tough. You may be surprised at where it takes you and end up exceeding your own expectations. I am a far more confident person now than I ever have been thanks to karate and am physically fitter than I ever have been. I never thought I would one day end up teaching the one thing I love most.”
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