Central was established in 1992 comprising of a very small group of students, with no instructors, it was just Selina, Jamie and Steve. Central were affiliated to UKASKO in Manchester under Roy Stanhope, entering tournaments on a regular basis all over the country. Central were teaching Kickboxing and Karate at this time, students entered the Cimac World Cup on a number of occasions where the fighting was particularly hard. Central were the first in the Midlands, to offer specialised classes in teaching 'children only' exclusively, with no adults training alongside.
In 1995 Central went completely independent teaching Karate and Kickboxing and gradually started opening clubs in the West Midlands area. Steve at that time taught seven days a week. Along with three instructors Justin Thomas, Paul Cicarella and Jamie Donaghy.
In 2000 Steve started training regularly with Sensei Sakagami 7th Dan and decided to join Wadokai England. This period was interesting as our clubs were growing and at this stage after much discussion by Steve and Selina decided to focus totally on Karate and forget Kickboxing altogether. Central would now only teach traditional Karate Kata, basics and pair work and follow Sakagami's teaching of Wado. Sakagami Sensei had started leading Steve, Selina and Paul on the right path of trying to master Karate technique properly.
Over the years Peter May 6th Dan has worked closely with the Central Kata squad as a guest instructor and squad coach, there is no doubt that through his input Central have produced excellent kata students, and continue to do so.
Another huge influence on both Selina, Paul and Steve is Phil Snewin 5th Dan, all started studying Kobujutsu the Classical Okinanwan weapons system, it was as though a light had been turned on, many of the questions that had been raised regarding empty hand techniques seemed to make more sense with a weapon in your hand.
Over the years we have been to various European tournaments and were very lucky to go to the Wadokai World Cup in Japan 2005.
Selina and Steve made some great long term friends whilst being with Wadokai England. People who still support us today at tournaments and at courses.
In 2009 Central went completely independent we are affiliated to the English Karate Federation and follow their guidelines for running the clubs professionally and safely. All of our students are registered with the EKF through the licencing system. Steve and Paul continue to train with Sensei Sakagami privately on a weekly basis.
Central have a dedicated team of excellent instructors and have over 75 clubs in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire. Students are presently training to get into the EKF England squad through selections by Wayne Otto. Central will be selecting our own squad of our best students through our own squad sessions and competition results to enter European Championships and International competitions.
