Sensei Maurice Vermont retires as Chief Instructor
After nearly 25 years of running Chikara, Sensei Maurice Vermont JKA 4th Dan has had to give up the role due to work commitments. It was a decision that he had to make with deep regret. Over the past 23 years Sensei Vermont has trained 27 students to 1st Dan status, 4 to 2nd Dan level and 1 to 3rd Dan. This is a phenomenal achievement. Everyone at the club wishes Sensei all the very best for the future and hope he will be in a position to rejoin the club once work permits.
Sensei Rob Sibley JKA 2nd Dan was elected the new Chief instructor in July and will be ably supported by Sensei's Jay Jelf (1st Dan), Terry Oliver (1st Dan) and Paul Harmer (1st Dan). Sensei Sibley paid tribute to Sensei Vermont's achievements and added that his lessons were always challenging especially the sparing but left the student with a real sense of achievement and progress.
Chikara Basingstoke Karate Club's initial objective under new instructors is to grow the number of students. Chikara will remain affiliated to the Japan Karate Association England and continue to teach traditional Japanese Karate under the guidance of Sensei Ohta. All instructors have been assessed, approved by the JKA and granted coaching licenses. Chikara will remain a 'not for profit' organization and all proceeds will be ploughed back into the club to enhance the training of students.
