Fudoshin Karate Kai was formed in 1988. One of its founder members was Sensei Ken Dicks who instructed at the Federations’ Coseley club, he was the Federations chief instructor and a greatly respected Sensei to all he taugt. As an 8th Dan black belt, he had been practising the art of Wado Ryu since 1964, where he began under the instruction of Sensei Harada.
Sensei Dicks was part of the successful “All England” Team, which were world team champions in 1971. This was when an “ippon” really was an ippon. Protective mits and pads are a new idea and in those days, they weren’t worn.
Over the years, he had trained with many of the top names in Wado Ryu, including Tatsuo Suzuki, Toru Takamizawa, Mr Shiomitsu, Mr Hyakawa, Mr Kono, Mr Toyama, Mr Sakagami, Mr Fuji and Mr Maeda. The last 2 were “All Japan ” Champions.
Sensei Dicks instructed many iconic Wado personalities, including Eddie Cox, Eugene Codrington, Jerome Atkinson and Clayton Murrain, just to name a few. There is a wealth of karate history and expertise within the Federation for members old and new to draw from, and Sensei Dicks ran courses throughout the year to pass on his skills to his students, where all grades were welcome.
