Steve Balaam-Reed 4th Dan (Chief Instructor Chikara Wado Ryu)

Steve began training at the age of 17 with the E.KA. (English Karate Association) With Mike Sutcliffe (currently 7th dan) and made steady progress up the grades.

Eventually he passed 1st dan at the age of 23 and around this time got selected for the E.K.A. National squad, fighting both in Enland and in Europe.

He went on to be ranked 4 in the light weight division at E.K.B. level before a knee injury ended his competition career.

At the age of 32 he found himself back at the nationals (then renamed the E.K.G.B.s), this time in the Kata section after that year winning the Heian Ryu title.

Currently a 4th dan and with WADO UK. he is one of the most respected instructors in the Hull area.

Paul Braid 1st dan (Assistant Instuctor Chikara Wado Ryu)

Paul Runs his own Club (Shin-Ken Dojo) but expressed an interest in training with us. We were happy to welcome him, his enthusiasm and expertise.

Training since he was a small boy he has a vast experience and has trained with many of the top Wado Ryu Instructors. He has also studied a number of other Martial arts.

Craig Bunting 1st dan (Assistant Instuctor Chikara Wado Ryu)

Craig Has been training at the club since he was 10 and has worked hard to gain his Shodan. With lighting fast kicks and a good Wado attitude he is certainly a talent for the future.

Currently selected for the Wadokai England National Squad, so congratulations to Craig on yet another great achievement.

Emily Watson 1st dan (Assistant Instuctor Chikara Wado Ryu)

Emily joined us from another Wado based group as she wanted a more authentic Wado experience. Since then her talents have blossomed and she has been able to show her true abilities.

Grading to Shodan with Craig she is a valuable addition to the club.

She has also been selected for the Wadokai England National Squad, and is the 2007 Wadokai European Ladies Kumite champion at 60 Kilos.

Sophie Balaam-Reed 1st dan (Assistant Instuctor Chikara Wado Ryu)

Sophie has worked very hard to get where she is in Karate. As you can imagine being the instructor's daughter she has been pushed very hard.

She achieved 1st dan at the age of 15 taking the full senior grade and now has full senior 1st dan status.

She has won a number of local and National Trophies and is very active on the competition circuit and was AMA National under 60 kilos kumite champion in 2005.

Currently not training we hope to welcome her back soon.

Roger Moorhouse 1st dan (Assistant Instuctor Chikara Wado Ryu)

Sempai Roger Moorhouse began his training in his home town of Wolverhampton back in 1990 with the Elite Karate Association under Josh Johnson 7th dan.

In 1997 Roger gained his Shodan and began to assist in the instruction at his original club.

He has competed at a number of local and national competitions in both Kumite and Kata back in his teens.

When his job brought him to hull he sought out a Wado Ryu Club to continue his training. He paid us a visit and after expressing his interest in joining us we were happy to welcome him.

Since joining us here at Chikara Wado Ryu Roger has become part of the clubs fabric. He has brought to the club not only his expertise but also a vindication of the high standard Chikara Wado Ryu.

Sadly his job doesn't allow him to train as often as he would like, but we are always happy to see him when he can get down.

For a full History of Roger Moorhouse click this link