JSKA (GB) Technical Director: Charles Gidley 7th Dan
 

The Japan Shotokan Karate Association (Great Britain) has senior resident British instructors who report directly to Keigo Abe sensei in Japan. The most senior of these is the JSKA-GB’s Technical Director Charles Gidley, 7th Dan. Sensei Gidley initially began his training in karate in 1963 in Wado-ryu although he had been boxing since the age of 7. He became an active member of the Karate Union of Great Britain and stayed with them for 22 years, having joined as a founding member in 1966. He left to form his own association in 1988, the British Shotokan Kyogi International. During his period with the KUGB and since leaving, he has produced many national and international champions and is respected worldwide as an innovative teacher, especially in his understanding and interpretation of kata bunkai. 

He is regularly sought after as both an instructor of instructors and a referee and is seen by many as one of the UK’s most knowledgeable and skilled karate-ka with in-depth knowledge of karate oyo and bunkai. He is graded to 7th Dan with the JSKA ,registered with the Honbu in Tokyo, Japan and holds JSKA 'A' class Instructor, Examiner (up to and including 5th Dan) and Referee/Judge certification. Abe sensei has only ever graded three individuals to 7th Dan, two are senior members of the JSKA-GB and the other is Dieter Flindt sensei from Germany. He is a fellow of the International Shotokan-ryu Karate-do Shihankai who awarded him the shogo (title) kyoshi for his efforts and input in the style of Shotokan karate.