Instructors

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Melanie Power, 3^rd Dan

Melanie started training in Shotokan Karate in 1993 with the Shotokan Karate Association in Potters Bar, achieving Shodan and becoming an instructor in 2001 and achieving Nidan in 2004 under chief instructor Greg Durant. After Shodan she began also training at Martin Reynold's Shoshin Karate club (Hatfield, Potters Bar and Barnet), in addition to cross training in Jeet Kune Do and Kali/Escrima between 2002 and 2004. In 2004 she took up Muay Thai whilst studying Physiotherapy at Coventry University, training with Lakhvinder "Lucky" Madahar of Phraya Pichai (chief instructor Bob Spour) until graduating in 2007. After returning to Hertfordshire and the Shoshin karate club, she achieved Sandan in 2016 with Seishin Kyokkai, and was honoured to take over the club when Martin Reynolds moved abroad.

As a practicing Chartered Physiotherapist since 2007, Melanie's main areas of expertise as an instructor include injury prevention (especially in long term training), precise movement analysis and how to generate the maximum force possible, whatever the student's size or strength, whilst minimizing the potential of injury to themself whilst doing so. She also has an interest in the analysis of kyusho jutsu ("pressure point" fighting) techniques found in kata bunkai (applications) in anatomical and medical terms in order to analyse the risks involved, with a view to teaching these only in a responsible manner - she strongly opposes the opinion of certain kyusho exponents that "It doesn't matter why it works, only that it does"!

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Gill Mulholland, 1^st Dan

Hi, I'm Gill a retired teacher, mum and gran, now working part-time at a kennels and cattery. Walking is one of my main pastimes and I love gardening and anything related to animals, wildlife and nature.

I was already in my fifties when I discovered karate and was hooked from the minute I stepped into the dojo. That was 7 and a half years ago and I've trained regularly two or three times a week since then.

Karate isn't easy and that's part of the attraction for me as I relish a challenge. The mental stimulation means that it is a fantastic stress relief - there's no time to think about anything else when training. Regular karate training is also physically challenging and has definitely improved my all-round fitness levels, but perhaps the biggest benefit for me has been an increase in confidence and the development of a more positive attitude in general.

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Duncan Lowery, 1^st Dan

I joined the Mirai Dojo in 2015, returning to karate after a break of over 20 years, having previously trained to 1st Kyu in Wado Ryu. I had been looking for a club that had a traditional focus, an esteemed teaching legacy and high standards. When I found Mirai I immediately saw they had all three. In addition, the club is welcoming, highly inclusive of all types and abilities and has access to excellent expertise. Instruction at the club is very thorough but also tailored to your needs as you progress through your karate journey. We are not an "only one way" type of club and take inspiration and learning from other styles and disciplines.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the club is the wide range of ages, backgrounds and abilities. It's not all about big strong chaps smashing the pads (or each other). It's a lot more nuanced, focussing on technique and movement in order to enable anyone to be effective. It's been a pleasure to witness the progression of students in the time I've been involved from seeing them taking those first hesitant steps through the door to the wide smiles as they pass each milestone. I'd recommend the club to anyone and hopefully, like me, you'll find that karate not only provides physical health but also mental resilience and lessons that you can take into other parts of your life

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Gary Maguire, 1^st Dan

Karate allows me to work at my own pace while challenging me at the same time. I found a natural desire to want to push myself further.

Having trained Karate in London and obtaining my first-degree black belt I was concerned I would not find a club in North Yorkshire that lived up to that of my London Club. Fortunately, on my doorstep I found Mirai Dojo and was made to feel very welcome. The style and teaching makes you want to know more and push yourself to the best you can be.

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Phil Pryor, 3^rd Dan - Assistant Instructor

Phil started training in Wanstead in 1983 and then at various KUGB clubs in Chesterfield, Sheffield and Leeds. He gained 1st Dan in 1986 while training with Eric Mather in Sheffield. He then moved to Knaresborough and trained with Sensei Anne Hastings. After a lengthy gap Phil returned to training at the Mirai Dojo with Sensei Anne and gained 2nd Dan in 2007. He gained 3rd Dan in 2015 after Sensei Andrew became Chief Instructor.