INSTRUCTORS | bolton-shotokan

Founder of Bolton Shotokan Karate Club

Sensei Kyoshi Paul McKenzie (8th Dan) J.S.K.A.

Thank you for looking at my website, I do hope to see you at training some time! I started my karate journey at the age of 17 initially to help with my self control because I was a very angry teen. I began in 1970 training with Sensei Martin Stott in Wado Ryu style of karate, but changed two years later to Shotokan and never looked back. Through Karate, I have had the pleasure of training under some very respected teachers, with Masters Enoeda, Nakayama and Sensei Kawazoe. I consider the late Master Enoeda as my mentor. Through Karate I have travelled throughout Europe competing, training and coaching at international level. I have had the pleasure over the years of teaching and training with some outstanding karateka and am proud to have seen many reach very high lranks in the style, one of which is my son, who is 6th Dan Shotokan. I became a Chief Instructor for Shotokan Karate Federation in 1989 after running my own Dojo since 1980. Karate is my life and has helped me to achieve enormous satisfaction in life and has had an enormous impact in forming the person I am today. I only hope others can experience what I have over the past 40 plus years and I am always happy and willing to introduce and help others to achieve those goals! Oss!

Instructor Team

Instructor Frank Clayton (5th Dan)

I began Karate in 1988 training under Sensei McKenzie. I wanted to find something that I could enjoy, would get me fit and would teach me some self defence. I took Karate very seriously and began to develop self discipline and a dedication that only began to mellow with the attainment of my 1st Dan. I have trained and attended courses across the NW and have trained with some great people but non better than the people I train with and consider friends at Bolton Shotokan Karate Club. The club is extremely well run and the level of instruction, from Sensei McKenzie and all the other Instructors is top notch. Personally, I love teaching people, kids in particular because I think it is important that they have more in their lives than computer games and television.

Instructor Malcolm Campbell (5th Dan)

I started to learn karate in 1969 after beginning my martial arts journey with Judo. My first teacher was Sensei McGlinchie in Glasgow under master Harada of the Shotokai. After earning my 2nd Dan in 1980, I moved to Japan where I took full advantage of training in Japanese Dojos. It was an experience I will never forget. On returning to the UK I moved to Liverpool and started to train under Sensei Steve Cattle, in Shotokan style. When I moved to Bolton, I took a long sabatical in order to study following which, I joined Bolton Shotokan Karate Club and have never been happier. The club has an outstanding Sensei, fantastic members and great atmosphere. I would strongly recommend it.

Instructor John Greyo (5th Dan)

I started training with Sensei McKenzie in 1993 after betting with some friends that I could learn a martial art later in life. After a while, I found that I actually loved Karate and with hard work and training that Karate was a way of life. Now, 20 years later after attending many training sessions and courses, I can safely say that I won my bet. Bolton Shotokan Karate Club is a fantastic family club and provides quality and tailored training for both adults and children. I love teaching Karate and get a lot out of seeing adult and child students develop dedication and discipline. Karate is a way of life I would recommend to anyone, regardless of age.

Instructor Emma Riley (4th Dan)

I started Karate in 1984 aged 11 after I started Secondary School. I was bullied by an older girl so my Dad suggested I learned Karate! I joined Bolton Shotokan Karate Club, and have been training with Sensei Mcenzie ever since. I was never bullied again. Today, my two son's also train with me and am very proud of their achievements. I love this club because of the quality of the instruction and the sense of belonging as all members help each other, whether they are long serving or new to the club. I am particularly interested in getting more females to learn and gain a sense of empowerment as I truly believe that 'Spirit and Technique' renders gender irrelevant. I was honoured to be awarded 4th Dan in 2012 which was a very proud achievement for me and at the same time I proudly watched my son achieve 2nd Dan. I would encourage anyone regardless of gender or age to learn Karate and Bolton Shotokan Club can offer so much to those wanting to take that first step

Instructor Mike Bancroft (4th Dan)

I started training with Sensei McKenzie in 2001. I initially started to support my daughters but my love of Karate soon became my focus. After training for 3 years I attained my 1st Dan in 2004. I have always engjoyed training, the quality of the teaching and the attitude of other members under Sensei McKenzie is superb. I have made some great friends and sparring partners who want to help and be helped in improving their's and everyone elses technique. There is a natural sense of team spirit that you wouldnt find at larger more commercial clubs.

Chief Instructor

Japanese Technical Director: Sensei Norimasa Kajikawa (Toyama , Japan)

Instructor Kevan Stirling (5th Dan)

I started training with Sensei McKenzie in 1980 at the age of 8 after I got bullied and some friends who already trained got me interested. I got so into Karate that I trained 5 nights per week for 2 hrs a night and was awarded my 1st Dan at the age of 14 by Master Enoeda along with one other, we were the only two to pass out of 180 others both of us instructed by Sensei McKenzie. Under Sensei McKenzie, I represented the club at the British Championships and won 1st place in the under 16 Kata. I will always train with Sensei, as his attitude and comitment to teaching Shotokan is the best I have ever seen. Training in Karate has given me a positive focussed can do attitude. I have made some lifelong friends at the club and am always pleased to meet and teach new people.