CHILDREN and adults are invited to try out a martial art at a Karate club being launched in Wincham.

Wincham Community Centre is the venue for a six-week introductory course which is to be run by 4th Dan Andrew Wilson.

The course starts on Monday, June 6, and is aimed at children aged six and above and adults.

Andrew lives in Davenham, and Karate is a passion in his family, as both his wife and seven-year-old son practice the martial art.

“I have been assisting Sensei Barry Williams, who is a 6th Dan, at Williams Karate Academy at Weaverham, for a few years, and he is supporting me in setting up a new club,” said Andrew.

“I have good friends in Wincham, and I know first hand what a great community it is.

“It is important as a Karate-Ka that I give something back, and opening a club and passing on my knowledge is a great way to do this.

“Wincham Karate Club will be a friendly, family club, but with a focus on discipline and that when you do your best anything is possible.”

Andrew took up Karate in 1986 under the current Shito-Ryu Shukokai Union UK (SSU-UK) Chief Instructor, Sensei Denis Casey.

He worked his way up the ranks, becoming junior team captain, then senior team captain, winning many Shukokai association team and individual National Championships.

Andrew captained the Shukokai England team to Shukokai World Cup victory in Chartres in France in 2005.

“My greatest achievement was being on the All-Styles England and Great Britain ‘A’ Squads, eventually representing England in 1997,” he said.

The introductory course at Wincham Community Centre runs from 6pm to 7pm, and anyone who is interested in taking part is asked to confirm their place by contacting Andrew on 07802 863901, or emailing him on Andrew.wil@hotmail.co.uk.

“We as an association are very fortunate to have our HQ in Japan, and that the Japanese masters come to Europe or Britain every two years,” said Andrew.

“There is also an opportunity to travel and train in Japan under the guidance of 10th Dan Haruyoshi Yamada.”