From the tender age of 6, Sensei Roger Clark trained under the expert guidance of David Roderick studying kickboxing, after 2 years the club was forced to close. Whilst only at the green belt stage,under instruction from David, Roger trained under Mark valentine and Steve Babbs where he antained 1st dan.
After 8 years and winning all the local competitions, Mark felt that Roger was capable of winning in the Major League Tournaments, but with his own restrictions Mark believed that in order for Roger to have the opportunity to fulfill this desire, it would be appropriate to train under a 'Karate Instructor,' The one person Mark had in mind who had the ability to be able to guide Roger was Sensei Unel Wellington 7th dan and founder of the Welsh Karate Association.
THE MEETING! with Unel Wellington
Anticipating Roger's arrival, Unel provided him his audience. Unel un-impressed with Roger's achievements explained that in order to learn the true spirit of Martial Arts he must first learn to forget his past knowledge and put on a white belt again, and start from the beginning.
Very dis-heartened at first as Roger felt he was allot more experienced than the other white belts, but did so to gain an understanding of the teaching techniques taught by Unel.
At the age of 16, Roger wanted to learn to teach students. Unel taught Roger in the style he teaches, Roger then applied for a Youth Training Scheme where he was given the opportunity to open his own club.
KIHONS DOORS OPEN
Monday 19th April 1993, Kihon's Doors opened to the public for the first time. After a successful first year, Roger had a surprise visit from his old Instructor Mark Valentine who put on a gi to be taught by Roger for that lesson. At the end of the lesson Mark proudly honored Roger with his 2nd dan black belt in kickboxing. Roger was very pleased to say the least!
Whilst still training under Sensei Unel Wellington, Unel Instructed Roger to attempt his Black Belt grade, as it had been several years since his last brown belt grading. Roger Passed in 2001, and in 2004 Roger achieved his 2nd dan black belt in karate.
Whilst being with Unel, Roger had the opportunity to teach in Europe. Visited Portugal first, he taught there for a few weeks, then onto Italy for a few weeks, then back to the uk to teach in clubs all over Britain, at the same time learning more and more.
On one occasion Roger attended a Budo Seminar (Multi Styles) held by Sensei Billy Doakes. The hall would be full of Black belts from all styles Including other club Instructors.
Out of them all, Billy Doakes was taken aback by Rogers Knowledge and proudly asked if he would teach on this cause, Honored by this compliment Roger did not hesitate and quickly took up his position in front of a very large class.
Titles Achieved
Over many years Roger fought all over the world in various tournaments. He has achieved the Champion titles in the Welsh, British and French Open. He also attained a World Champion title in the Kubudo Cup Championships held in Canada. All that was left for Roger to Achieve was his 'Dream' of becoming the World Champion In the 'World Karate Federation Championships'. This was never to be, his dream was 'crushed' when he attended a local competition where he sustained a serious knee injury, which required surgery, this disabled Roger from competing at a professional level.
Too carry on regardless
It may be fairly stated that the majority of those who join a Karate club do so for the wrong reasons. To understand this point is to take a great step forward, and to ensure clarification of many of the problems that may arise during the course of training and sometimes testing one's spirit to the limit's and beyond one's stamina, courage and willpower.
To date Roger has trained ,many of his own students who have succeded to become champions in the Welsh, British and European Championships.
After 24 years of training and understanding the 'true spirit' of Martial arts, our Sensei 'exemplifies' the attitude which dictates a way of life.
