Club Instructors

Instructors

Gilliland Sensei began training in judo in March 1966 during which time a small karate class was run on a Saturday afternoon following judo classes in the morning. Sensei enjoyed judo, particularly the little practised side of Judo known as atemi, which augmented throws with strikes, lock and kicks, at the time Judo was considered a martial art, not as today, where judo is a sport.

In competition he enjoyed many successes including British Army Champion, Southern England Champion, heavyweight British Judo Champion, British and European Semi-Contact Karate Champion, British Army on the Rhine (BAOR) heavyweight Boxing champion and numerous club and area successes. Sensei taught Judo and Karate both throughout his Army career and also within other clubs where he produced many national and international champions, his previous success as a competitor helped greatly in his ability as a coach to help his students find success in their efforts in competition

Originally karate practise was basic, much of the lesson was fitness orientated with the last 15 - 20 minutes on actual techniques, which were very basic, simple punches, blocks and kicks with much repetition, when the students survived the sickener lesson (ritual beating by the senior grades to weed out those who were not serious about training) which saw many drop out, the practise of karate increased in terms of time, though the techniques were simply repeated more and more, thus becoming proficient at a few basic moves which were very effective. Indeed for many years, Sensei believed that the Pinan/Heian kata were all that existed, thereby following the example, better to be good at a few, than not so great at many. It was not unusual within karate of the 1960's to be instructed by a variety of Japanese instructors from different styles, since no one really understood (or probably cared) about karate having styles.

Sensei practised Goshin Do, a form of Ju Jitsu which he became very adept, the form was again basic, and centred on techniques which were very effective, as a self defence system forged by trial and combat, the emphasis was in dealing with attackers in a few seconds, as it was more likely to be attacked by more than one, putting the theory into practice frequently whilst working the doors of pubs and clubs, it was not unusual for Sensei to be seen trying kicking techniques when buying new pairs of trousers, something which the shop assistants eventually got used to.

Joining the Army in 1974, Sensei has travelled and practised many martial arts throughout the world, indeed much of Gakushuin today still retains links with the armed forces, and most of Gakushuin's instructors are or were servicemen.

Currently in 2011, many of the Army squad are Gakushuin members representing the Army, the Combined Services and Gakushuin at competitions and events throughout UK and abroad

  Sandra Houghton Sensei - Sandra was one of the first members of Ropley karate club, and has trained regularly rarely missing a lesson, a keen competitor particularly in Kumite, she is an outstanding instructor, frequently helping Gilliland Sensei with many aspects of not only teaching but also running the club and completing much of the day today administration. Sandra gained her Black Belt in 2010, since then she has gone from strength to strength in developing her personal style and techniques. Sandra underwent a hip operation in 2011 which has required her to alter some of her techniques, whilst many would have given up karate, the challenge of finding ways of accommodating her training needs whilst ensuring no untoward effect within her hip joint is providing new impetus for training rekindling again and again her love of karate and the challenge of improving and personalising her movement to be effective and good.

   Jenny Hopwood Sempai -  Jenny is our newest black belt, achieving a 100% pass at the 2011 Dan grade course impressing the Gakushuin panel of senior grades, she is a keen competitor happy to enter any competition, and has enjoyed both WKF style competition and the more traditional Shotokan events of Shobu Ippon. Jenny is at home equally training or helping to impart her knowledge and expertise Jenny trains at both Ropley and Bordon clubs every week. Jenny is a naturally enthusiastic member of our club, competing in 2011 in Germany saw Jenny gaining Gold in Kumite and Silver in Kata, she regularly assists in the tuition at both Ropley and Bordon.