The SEKU squad is comprised of talented, dedicated and ambitious karate-ka from across the membership of the association. Each squad member is able to participate in the squad environment due to the nurturing and sound guidance given over a sustained period of time by a group of eternal karate enthusiasts, namely their club instructors. Therefore all successes are not merely those of the individuals or the Squad coaches but that of the SHOTOKAN of ENGLAND KARATE UNION as a whole.
The SEKU squad is managed by a group of equally ambitious, dedicated and experienced individuals. These being Terry Oliver 5th Dan, Steve Hollister 5th Dan, Stacey Crowe 5th Dan, and Keith Williams 4th Dan.
Sensei Steve Hollister 5th Dan - Senior Kumite Coach
If we had to list this man's honours we could go on and on, suffice to say Sensei Hollister has been very successful in the competition arena for many years. An injury sustained in 2008 forced him to refocus his attentions to which the squad are reaping the benefits, especially the juniors who being coached by Sensei Hollister and training amongst the senior squad members are quickly becoming the stars of the future. While his title denotes that he leads the kumite training, it is merely a title, as all coaches have an input into the content of the training which gives a balanced and comprehensive basis to squad training.
Sensei Stacey Crowe 5th Dan - Senior Kata Coach
Sensei Crowe is the principle instructor at SEKU's honbu dojo and as one would expect is an exceptionally talented individual. The tone of senior squad training days is set by this instructor as all members are reminded (even if they don't need to be) of the highest levels of effort and technical standards expected in these classes. Of course, this is always achieved! A stalwart of previous SEKU squads, Sensei Crowe often trains in the kumite class as is the case with all the coaches. This is seen as a motivational tool to the squad in general and develops a solid bond between all involved.
Sensei Keith Williams 4th Dan - Squad coach
A long time successful coach, squad member and club instructor. In keeping with the drive and determination of the coaching team, Sensei Williams epitomises this by demanding and usually getting every last ounce of effort from those in the class. This in no less than his personal expectations which therefore justifies this desire. This ethos has not deterred any of those who attend these sessions, indeed they have, as a group excelled whenever they compete. It is felt that most have surpassed their own personal goals and have raised their own bar so to speak.
As well as the unified approach of the coaches, the SEKU squad are led and supported by the Captain and Vice Captain namely Dave Galloway 3rd Dan and Matt Powell 3rd Dan. Both are consistently successful and talented people to which the next generation of squad competitors aspire to. This responsibility continues to motivate these men to continue to achieve and helps develop the potential of the other members of the SEKU squad.
Terry Oliver 5th Dan - SEKU Squad Manager
Sensei Oliver has been Captain of both successful SEKU squad and Portsmouth teams of the past and his enthusiasm and ambition has not diminished with time (it was only a couple of years ago!). Sensei Oliver, along with the coaching team have set high objectives for the squad and they can see that such goals are soon to be realised.
The general ethos of the squad coaches, endorsed by Chief Instructor Sensei Dewey 7th Dan, is to ensure a continuation of past successes by developing younger members of the squad by exposing them to the intensity and atmosphere experienced in SEKU squad training. This is not only for competition purposes but for the overall development of karate ability of the highest standard for which the SHOTOKAN of KARATE UNION is renown.
Admittance to squad training is simple. Regular training with your club instructor. Instructors are consulted on this. Regular training on the open squad classes and a measure of competition success although this final point is not exclusive.
To answer some FAQ's:
Yes, it is hard work.
Yes, it requires dedication and commitment
But....the rewards are huge. Ask any of the people already training on the squad or come along and see.
Terry Oliver.
