Northwich karate instructor reflects on 30 years of teaching

Barry Williams is a seventh Dan black belt karate instructor and provides training to ages five and above at the Williams Karate Academy at Kingfisher Court in Denton Drive.

The 52-year-old started karate training 46 years ago in 1979 and has become ‘one of karate’s most decorated competitors,’ winning multiple European, English and British Championship titles.

Whilst being a decorated champion, Barry has also dedicated the last 30 years to instructing and has managed to help more than 200 students achieve a black belt.

Barry Williams, front centre, in his younger days following his black belt grading with brother Paul (left) their friend Steve Atkins (right) and instructor Dave Warburton (centre back) (Image: Contributed) Barry said: “It's great to just be able to give back to kids, and it's nice when you see them winning a competition, and the smile on their faces is really good.

“When I see my own students achieving the same things I did, it's nice to see and it just feels like I’m passing the torch on.

“With this day and age, it's a really good thing to learn as it gives kids better confidence in themselves.

“The way I try to work it is they learn the coordination and the discipline and the ethical side of the sport, and I have parents coming back to me saying that their kids are a different person a year later.

“You get some kids that will come and they won’t speak and they are shy, but then they train with me for a couple of years, and it gives them confidence and they're chatting to other people and meeting new friends, so it's really good.”

To celebrate Barry's 30-year milestone, the academy is offering four free lessons for anyone who would like to have a go, in which they will also be given a free karate suit.

Speaking about his future, Barry added: “I want to continue training as I aim to travel around the world teaching.

“I will be training alongside world chief instructors until eventually they can’t do it anymore, then I will eventually take over and teach around the world.”

To sign up for classes, you can do so by visiting williamskarate.co.uk or by calling 07866496697.