About Us
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Sugiura Rensei Juku is based in Hamamatsu, Japan. We are the first UK Branch of the karate school. Here in the UK we are a family-run dojo, led by Alex and Steph Wickens, dedicated to the practice and teaching of traditional Wado-Kai Karate.
​We directly report to the Japanese Karate Federation through Daisuke Sugiura Sensei in Japan.
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At Sugiura Rensei Karate, our mission is to inspire healthy, confident individuals and to share the spirit of karate with our community. We believe karate training goes beyond physical skills — it is about developing the whole person. Through karate, we aim to teach respect, loyalty, compassion, and the patience and resilience needed to face life’s challenges with confidence.
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Safety and wellbeing are at the heart of what we do. As a Safeguarding in Martial Arts–approved dojo, we provide a safe, supportive environment for all students. Both Alex and Steph come from a policing background, making safeguarding second nature to them.
In addition, we run a first aid company and are experienced in both teaching and applying first aid — so you are always in good hands with us. We are also enhanced DBS checked for your peace of mind.​
Sugiura Rensei
The late Kengo Sensei opened his family dojo in 1973 in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
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Dedicating his life to Wado-kai karate, Kengo sensei was also the former chairman of the All Japan Karate Federation and the Wado-kai.
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Kengo's son Daisuke sensei is now the chairman of Sugiura Rensei Jyuku and is currently the head of the Shizuoka Prefecture Headquarters of Wadokai karate. Daisuke sensei is also the former Japanese national team coach.
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Daisuke sensei currently resides in Hamamatsu where Alex sensei returns frequently to train with him.
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Kengo Sugiura Sensei
Sugiura Rensei Jyuku now has branches in Sri Lanka, Russia, China, and now here in the UK with us!
​​Every March Sugiura Rensei Headquarters hold a Sugiura Rensei Jyuku International Championship. This has been going for 36 years. As our club grows we will be taking our best to compete in Japan!