OTLEY KARATE CENTRE

INSTRUCTOR PROFILES

Shihan John Walker - 7th Dan.

Chief Instructor

My karate journey began in 1979 when I joined Otley Karate Centre. At that time, I started training with my son who went on to achieve his 1st Dan black belt.

I fitted my training around my shift work as a City of Leeds firefighter and after a dedicated 7 years I achieved my 1st Dan black belt.

Over the next 33 years I trained regularly and was awarded instructor status by Shihan Ken Gee, in recognition of my dedication to the art of karate.

I retired in 1996, after 30 years service with the Leeds City Fire Brigade, which enabled me to focus on my karate training and achieve senior instructor status in 2002.

The whole of my karate career has been under the watchful eye of Shihan Ken Gee. I felt immensely honoured and privileged when he asked me to take over and continue running the club following his retirement.

It is important to me to maintain and uphold Shihan Gee’s high standard of instruction and dedication to the spirit of Karate-do. This is why I continue to positively promote Shukokai karate as a “way for all”, ensuring our lessons are fun and inclusive for all ages and abilities.

Sensei: John Cunningham - 6th Dan

Senior Instructor

Sensei Michael Hofman - 4th Dan

Senior Instructor

I was promoted to 4th Dan black belt in 2022 after 16 years of dedicated training. I was instructed by Shihan Ken Gee (9th Dan), the founder of Otley Karate Centre.
Initially, it was my daughter who started karate lessons, but after several months of watching her from the side-lines, I decided to give it a go. I was instantly hooked by the enthusiasm of the students and the knowledge and experience of Sensei Gee. Once I started I became fascinated by karate as a martial art and wanted to learn even more. In those early days the thought of becoming a black belt felt like a pipe-dream, but with hard work, dedication and commitment I made it.

I'm passionate about my karate and always try to bring the same level of enthusiasm to training my students that I benefitted from in my early days. If you want to learn karate then I want to teach you, I’m an approachable, friendly and fun instructor; after all if you don't enjoy what you’re doing then what's the point?

I look forward to meeting you soon at one of our no obligation 4 week Introduction to Karate courses.

Sensei Natalie Hofman - 4th Dan

Senior Instructor & Kata Squad Coach

I started karate when I was eight years old and, apart from a short break whilst I was studying for my degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, I have been training ever since. I was awarded my 4th dan black belt in December 2022.

Having trained alongside my father for many years, I firmly believe that karate has benefits for adults, children and families,

My favourite aspect of karate is kata, and I have won many medals and trophies competing in numerous competitions, including representing the SSKA England team at the European championships in 2013.

As the coach for the Team Kyojin kata squad, I aim to use my competition experience to encourage, support, develop and inspire the club's future champions.