I first came to Blackpool Shotokan in 2000 before stopping for family
reasons in 2001 after several successful grading examinations. When
my youngest went to University, I looked online to resume where I
had left off.

I was delighted to find that Renshi Ray Wilkin had continued to run a
karate club in Blackpool for the whole period and knew there was no
need to look any further.

A couple of texts later and I resumed my Karate journey in Autumn
2021, apprehensive as to what to expect of karate and myself. I
need not have worried. I was allowed to ease myself into a few
sessions of basics before working on areas that I had last tackled 20
years previously. I would never say it was easy. I don’t believe it
ever will be but I feel so much happier in myself that I have taken this
opportunity now.

You could travel many miles to seek the quality of training that can
only come from significant experience in instructing and Renshi Ray
Wilkin gives this each and every time he leads a class.
I’ve no hesitation in recommending the dojo for its open, friendly
and positive nature where everyone is encouraged to become better
versions of themselves.

Renshi Ray Wilkin personally oversees the sessions and his recent
successful grading to being one of only a handful of 7th Dans in the
country was testament to the quality of his training provision and a
depth of knowledge arising from a lifetime of dedication to the art.
He is supported by Sensei Andy and Sensei Henry as Club Instructors
who themselves have many years of experience to draw on when
teaching students. Their ability to engage and deliver to all students
means that everyone learns something from attending the dojo.