Sensei Anne 6th Dan

Anne was born into a family of 12 children. Growing up as a child in hard surroundings gave her the desire to succeed. As a young child took on challenges, became a distance swimmer and a gymnast. Left school to train as a nurse, qualifying as a general nurse in 1976. Anne commenced training in August of 1973 in a dusty sometimes cold and wet dojo which had been a factory in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.

Anne knew immediately where her future was destined. Following her first lesson in Shotokan Karate bought her first Gi and a book by Ginchin Funakoshi. Ken Smith of the Tyne and Wear Karate School was Anne first instructor. She was very fortunate to be in this Dojo as she was introduced too and  influenced by many excellent Karateka and famous instructors during the first 2and 1/2 years of her Karate life.  The late Enoeda Sensei  and Steve Cattle. Kanazawa Sensei, Kato Sensei, Bob Rhodes, Bob Poyton, Harry Cook, Sandy Hopkins.

Anne achieved her first black belt with the Late Enoeda Sensei at Crystal Palace London in the record time of 2¹/2 years. Following Anne's Grading success the following Day in the national championships won the ladies team kata and took 3rd Place in the ladies individual Kata.

Anne began teaching in the Spring of 1976. Life was changing at this time and due to relocation in North Yorkshire Anne began training with Asano Sensei and Kato Sensei. Anne having already been very influenced by Kato Sensei's Karate, sought out his courses and attended everyone. She was lucky enough to be invited to the Black Belt courses. They changed the face and direction of her karate life. Kato Sensei became a great friend and remains so. Anne continues to train with Sensei on a regular basis. Anne trained with Asano Sensei continually for 20 years, was part of the Shotokan Karate International British team. During those 20 years Anne competed around the world. Winning World, European and British championship as part of the SKI and Kodokai British Team.

During those twenty years Anne's karate developed, training regularly with the best in the world. An enormous thank you to the following instructors who helped create and shape the form and character of Anne's karate and life; Kato Sensei, Asano Sensei, Enoeda Sensei,  Kanazawa Sensei,  Asai Sensei, Kowazoe Sensei, Oragani Sensei, Kagowa Sensei, Muri Sensei, Nagi Sensei, Takahashi Sensei, Kasamura Sensei,  the late Brian Woods Sensei, Graham Austin Sensei.

In the summer of 1978 Anne was given the opportunity to take over the instruction of the Knaresborough Shotokan Karate Club. the club had been formed by Richard Burns who now lives and trains near Tokyo in Japan. Anne developed the Dojo and changed it's name to the Mirai Shotokan Karate Kenkyukai in 1994. Mirai meaning "Future" Kenkyukai  Meaning  The academy. As well as Anne's competition career she continued to grade. She graded with the Following Sensei's; Enoeda Sensei, Kato Sensei, Asano Sensei, Asai Sensei

Highlights in Anne Karate Life.

World travel

Being a champion (only if it was for one day) Kato Sensei said to her following the winning of British Championship "Anne San" You are only champion for one day tomorrow we go to Dojo and train.

Being awarded the Wilkinson Sword of honour by Asano Sensei for outstanding contributions to Karate.

The winning of the Albert Hampson Kata Trophy.

Winning the Male Kata championships.

Winning the Kata and Kumite in the British Championships SKI.

Travelling and training in Japan.

The planning design and construction of the Mirai Dojo Halfpenny Lane Knaresborough.

Teaching in the UK and abroad as a guest instructor.

The friendship and loyalty of the students and instructors .

The development of the Mirai Dojo students and instructors.

In Anne's private life she enjoys and has enjoyed  many other aspects.

Anne plays squash, loves to get out on her bike,  loves to cook and read. Very little time for TV.

Learning Japanese both the language and the culture.

The company of great friends.

Working with some great people who helped making a smile.

Going to the gym, swimming,  sunshine holidays.