I began studying Shotokan Karate in 2009 and attained Shodan in 2011. I began training under Sensei Putt in 2014 and in 2016 I successfully graded to Nidan.
I have become a qualified adaptive karate coach (for students with disabilities) in 2018. I qualified as a national kata and kumite judge in 2016. I have made many friends along the way and my dojo has become a second family.
The most important lesson I have learned from my training is that effort is key to everything and as long as you try your hardest you will be successful.
Georgina Putt 2nd Dan
Kandice Bowie 1st Dan
From a toddler I was glued to the television whenever I got a glimpse of anything that was martial art related. I remember one evening, I wasn't even eight years old, I was playing with my toys whilst my mum and godmother were watching one the most infamous late 80s films: Best Of The Best. I excitedly pressed buttons on the remote thinking it was a video I could rewind for my own viewing pleasure. I think that was when a decision by my parents and grandparents to introduce me to shotokan karate was made.
I began training in 1995 under the guidance of Karen Hicks. My journey with Karen took me to 6th Kyu. My gradings were conducted my Michael Dewey, David Hazzard and of course, Karen.
Chapter Two of my karate journey started with Mark Berbeck, then 4th dan (yondan.) I successfully graded to 1st Kyu. Due to unforeseen circumstances Mark had to put his karate on hold, leaving the club in the hands of Wendy Stanley, 2nd dan (nidan.) I was just thirteen years old when Wendy had me take my black belt grading (1st dan/shodan.) Unfortunately I didn’t pass the examination. But nonetheless I continued to train.
At this point it seemed a long time ago since first putting an obi around my waist. I had taken a 7 year break from the dojo, but I missed karate so much I found my way back into my pyjamas of pain only now under the instruction of Stuart Hick, then 3rd dan (sandan) now 4th dan. The rules and regulations of SEKU (Shotokan If England Karate Union) required me to re-take my 1st Kyu, which I did and passed for the second time. On the 12/09/2012 I successfully passed my 1st dan (shodan) under Stuart Hick, John Eaton and Luke Irving.
A few years later I found myself dojo hunting, yet again.
In December 2016 I joined Devonport Shotokan Karate Club and commenced training under the guidance of chief instructor sensei Colin Putt, 8th dan. Sensei Colin watched me train for many weeks before he gave me persmission to continue training as a 1st dan. Thus far I have achieved a lot at DSKC. I have been privileged to attend many courses, seminars and competitions including the SKDUN (Shotokan Karate Do United Nations) 25th world championships in Eger, Hungary. Since training with sensei Colin I have also attended a course to become a qualified national judge.
People often ask me what my main goal/objective is in my journey, and the truthful answer is to continue diligently studying the art and to be the best karateka I can be. If one day I become just a fraction of the person and karate-ka my sensei is, my journey will be a success.
Nikki Hobden 1st Dan
I started Karate in 2008 under Sensei Ian Eldred, I trained twice a week at his club and eventually moved onto training at Sensei Colin Putts club once a week, so I was training 3 times a week, my gradings were always done at Sensei Putt's Dojo, I reached 3rd Kyu with Sensei Eldred but then sadly his club closed due to family and work commitments, I switched my training permanently to Sensei Putt where I reached my Shodan on the 30th October.
During my Karate career I was lucky enough to train with Sensei Toshiaki Namiki and Sensei Gerry Breeze, I also took part in a referee course and was honoured when asked to teach the junior grades on several occasions.
Karate has taught me never to give up on things , it has given me inner strength I never knew I had, I made many good friends through Karate whom I miss very much.