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Paul Whitfield Sensei 3rd Dan |
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I was born in Coxford Road, Southampton on March the 23rd 1953 I'm the eldest of seven children, I ran wild as a teenager and used to hang out in the cottage cafe in Totton, I joined a motor cycle club and that is where I met my wife Nancy. We married in 1972 and had two boys David and Ricky who are now 35 and 27 years old. Ricky the youngest started karate at the age of seven under Steve Whitton Sensei. I used to take him and sit and watch the lessons, and then decided I would have a go myself, although at the age of 36 I thought I might be too old but you are never too old to take up a sport of any kind and found I really enjoyed it. I trained under Ray Wood Sensei 5th Dan. I had a heart attack at the age of 39 and thought I might not train again, but with the help of my wife and my instructors I soon got back into it. My son Ricky achieved his 1st Dan and with the help of my wife I have now achieved my 3rd Dan which was awarded to me by the late Alfred Bates Kancho, the founder and chief instructor of the T.B.C.I. I ran a children's club for 6 years but had to close it down, but I try to train when ever I can and do private training with Ray Wood Hanshi 8th Dan now and again when his health allows following his retirement from the martial arts. The people I have met through the martial arts have been amazing and I am glad to have known them. These are the people whom I would like to thank: My wife Nancy for being so understanding Alfred Bates Hanshi 10th Dan Ray Wood Hanshi 8th Dan Keith Hayes Sensei 6th Dan Paul Whitfield currently teaches at the Marchwood Village Hall Dojo |