Sensei Will Skinner 3rd Dan
Sensei Will Skinner started martial arts at the age of 8 when he joined the judo club at primary school. He graded to yellow belt after 2 years, but stopped training due to moving abroad where there wasn't a judo club.
At Bristol Polytechnic, Will joined the Jiu Jitsu club and trained for a year in a class run by Sensei Dave Walker. Some karate techniques were covered during Will's training with Jiu Jitsu.
Will's friend Richard started training at Bristol Shotokan Karate Club. He convinced Will to join the club, and at the end of 1990 he started training in classes under Sensei Ed Starks and Sensei Bill Winfield at the old dojo based at the YMCA in Totterdown.
Will's initial aim was to pass his second belt (Red Belt) as it was higher than his earlier achievements in Judo and Jiu Jitsu. He achieved this during 1991 in gradings taken by Sensei Bob Poynton.
In 1992 the Bristol Shotokan Karate Club dojo relocated to its current home at Horfield Parish Church Hall.
In 1994 Will was awarded the club's "Best Spirit Award" due to his attitude towards training and consistent attendance, by this stage he had reached brown belt.
In 1996 Will attempted his black belt grading under Sensei Sherry and Sensei Frank Brennan - he passed Kumite, but was required to retake the full grading.
In 1996 Will helped to teach at the junior beginners class which was running at the time.
In 1997 Will was involved with the competition with Hayes karate club.
Will took a break from training between 1999 and 2002 and restarted his training with Bristol Shotokan Karate Club under Sensei Ed Starks.
In March 2003, Will started training twice a week on a regular basis.
In March 2005, Will took his black belt grading again, and passed Kihon and Kumite, and then in July 2005 passed Kata.
Sensei Will started teaching Bristol Shotokan Karate Club's beginners sessions in 2006 with Sensei Shaney on Thursdays.
In July 2008, Will passed his second Dan black belt grading.
In October 2013, Will passed his third Dan black belt grading.
