INSTRUCTORS
Steve Carless 5th Dan
Steve is the founder of the Walsall School of Shotokan Karate. He has continuously trained in Shotokan Karate since 1980 and graded to 5th Dan in 2000 under Shiro Asano Sensei whilst in the SKI federation. He is now a member of the JKS federation and as a full time professional karate instructor dedicates himself to daily training, teaching and developing the school and his students. Steve has had experience of other martial arts over the years and applies any useful learnings back to Shotokan Karate in his classes. Prior to becoming a full time Karate instructor Steve had a long career with a global blue-chip company starting as an undergraduate student moving onto working abroad and finally progressing to become the youngest member of the UK board of directors.
Major Competitive Acheivements
Steve Spence 4th Dan
Steve started training in 1982. A natural athlete, he excelled in all sports and signed professionally for Leicester City football club as a teenager. He gained his Shodan black belt under Shiro Asano Sensei in 1985 and went on to achieve 4th Dan in 2007. He first competed internationally in 1990 and still competes today in both Veterans and Senior events where he is still giving youngsters a run for their money. Steve also worked as a doorman for many years gaining valuable skills in dealing in confrontational situations. He has been a very close colleague of Steve Carless for over 25 years and they continue to work closely together developing the students at Walsall School of Shotokan Karate.
Major Competitive Acheivements
SKIGB Veteran Grand Champion
Veteran Kumite Champion JKS (GB) Nationals
Team Kumite Champion SKIGB Nationals
3 Times Team Kumite Champion Shiro Asano Nationals
SKI European silver medalist Team Kumite