Wes Thomas 6th DAN

I am currently Senior Instructor with the Rising Sun Karate Association. I have been training for over twenty years in the art of Shukokai karate and in all that time I have been instructed by Tommy Kwan 6th Dan the founder of Rising Sun Karate.

In 1981 I stated karate at the Longsight Community Center formerly known as Longsight Library.

1985 I passed my 1st Dan black belt – SHODAN grading.

1988 – I passed my 2nd Dan black belt – NIDAN grading and opened my club at the Leigh Street School Gymnasium, Hyde

1992 – I passed my 3rd Dan black belt – SANDAN grading.

1993 – I passed my Examiners certificate

1996 – Awarded my 4th Dan black belt – YONDAN and received my Level 2 NVQ in Karate Instructing

1997 – I was part of the group that went to Tenerife for the Rising Sun Overseas course.

1998 – I became the EKGB English Champion in the – 75kilos category.  Held at the Aston Villa Leisure Centre.  I later retired from competitive karate competitions in 1998.  From this I obtained my Senior Instructors Award, 5th Dan award, 20 years service award.

Major Competitive Achievements

1982- My first competition was the Greater Manchester Open, held at Bury Castle Leisure Centre.
1983- 2nd place at the Cumbria Open – Brown Belt
1987, 1988 & 1989 Rising Sun Inter-Club Black Belt Champion
1990 – 1st place Westfield Open Tournament, Sheffield
2nd place AMA Nationals, Sheffield and was selected to represent the Amateur Martial Art Squad in Greece.

1991 – Member of the A.M.A squad which competed in Berlin, Milan & Las Vegas.
2nd place -75 kilos Freestyle Sport Karate Tournament, Manchester

1992 – 1st place Black Belt -75 kilos Shindo-Kai Open Competition, Sheffield
1st place Shindo-Kai Open Competition, Team Event

1993 - 1st place Shindo-Kai Open Competition, Team Event

1995 – 2nd place Shindo-Kai Open Competition, Team Event

1998 – 1st place EKGB English Championships -75 kilos, Birmingham

It has been an honour for me to have been involved with R.S.K.A for all these years. I am now quite happy to pass on my teachings and experience to any of the members within Rising Sun.

I have had many experiences and emotions whilst being a karateka and I have no doubt whatsoever that it has made me a better person.

I would like give a quick mention to Sensei Gary Foxwell, one of the best fighters to come out of the North-West of England and Sensei Mike Fraser who I grew up with in Longsight, Manchester for all their encouragement over the years.