Staines Wado Kai is a renowned karate school located in Staines, UK. Led by Mark Solesbury, a dedicated 2nd Dan instructor, the club has been operating since 2000, with Mark taking over as head instructor in 2008. The club offers classes for young people aged 5 to 16 years as well as adults on Saturday mornings at the Spelthorne Leisure Centre in Knowle Green.
At Staines Wado Kai, the focus is on teaching Wado Ryu, a style of karate developed by Hironori tsuka in the 1930s. This style is widely practised around the world and emphasises discipline, hard work, and determination in order to achieve the coveted Black Belt. The club holds regular gradings and courses to help students progress and develop their skills. These opportunities allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the syllabus and readiness to move up to the next belt level.
Unlike many other sporting activities, martial arts such as karate are suitable for both young and older students. Through years of experience teaching young people, Sensei Mark has found that the best results come from a combination of patience, firmness, encouragement, and an enjoyable learning environment. By instilling discipline and providing enjoyable learning experiences, students are able to accomplish their goals and foster personal growth.
Staines Wado Kai offers classes on Saturdays from 09:30 to 10:30 at the Spelthorne Leisure Centre, welcoming students of all grades. Additionally, there are Tuesday evening classes from 16:30 to 17:30 for all grades. The club strongly encourages all students to participate in gradings, which involve learning and following a set syllabus of techniques. Students can obtain a licence from their senior instructor, allowing them to grade according to their ability and advance through the various belt levels starting from white to black (1st dan).
To support student progress, the club organises regular gradings throughout the year, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their proficiency in the techniques and move up the belt ranks. The determination of when a student is ready to grade is made jointly by the student and the instructor. Courses are also an integral part of the grading syllabus, and attending the required number of courses is essential for grading eligibility. The club organises three courses each year, ensuring students have ample opportunities to meet the requirements.
All instructors at Staines Wado Kai are DBS checked in accordance with UK Karate Staines guidelines. Mark Solesbury, the senior instructor, has extensive experience starting from his training in Shotokan karate in 1983, followed by Modern contact karate during his years in the forces. After joining the police, he began training in Wado Kai under the guidance of John Halsey and eventually took over running the club in 2008. With his background in law enforcement and medical transport, Mark provides valuable insights into the practical applications of karate techniques and can offer medical advice if minor injuries occur during training.
Claire Solesbury, a 1st Dan instructor, also occasionally teaches at the club.
For those interested in starting their karate journey, Staines Wado Kai welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels. With dedicated instructors, regular gradings, and a supportive learning environment, the club strives to help students achieve their goals while fostering discipline and personal growth.