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Meet Alex Wickens Sensei

I’ve been practicing Wado-kai Karate for over 30 years, beginning my journey at the age of 9. What started as a childhood interest quickly grew into a lifelong passion and commitment to both the traditional and competitive aspects of Karate.

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I earned my 1st Dan black belt at the age of 16 under the guidance of a former Irish boxing champion who had transitioned into Karate coaching. My love for Kumite (sparring) led me to compete for England in national and international competitions around the world. Throughout my career, I’ve always maintained a strong connection to traditional Karate, continuing to study, teach, and train in the foundational values and techniques of the art.

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Moving to Japan to train... 

In 2004 at age 18, I flew to Japan with the sole intention to train hard. Whilst there I caught the eye of Kengo Sugiura Sensei, the then, chairman of Wado-Kai Karate. He took me into his home where they welcomed me into their family. I trained hard, daily, and had the opportunity to fully immerse in the cultural and technical foundations of traditional Wado-Kai Karate.​​

To this day I have maintained a strong connection with the Sugiura family, returning every few years to train with Daisuke Sugiura Sensei and other Wado-Kai masters. 

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Starting Sugiura Rensei Karate UK...

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I obtained my 5th Dan in Japan 2024. During this trip I expressed my life long wish to Daisuke sensei to commence my own karate club. This led to the Sugiura family offering me the opportunity to create a UK branch of the Sugiura Rensei Karate school. An incredible honor that I will pay respect to in every class and all teachings that I pass on to you. 

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Outside Karate

I have spent 20+years as a police officer on the frontline including the armed response unit and marine unit. During my time as an officer I saw first hand the importance of first aid training, starting our first aid business Frontline First Aid. I also saw the importance of  the Violence Against Women and Girls movement and as such have started the 'She Strikes' classes for women. 

Competition
Achivements

Traditional Karate Achievements

Instructor & Examiner Credentials

  • 🥈 Silver Medalist – National Championships (1999)

  • 🥇 Gold Medalist – Youth National Champion (2000)

  • 🇬🇧 Selected for the England Kumite Squad – 2022

  • 🇨🇭 European Championships – Switzerland

  • 🇯🇵 World Championships – Japan (2005)

  • 🥈 Silver Medalist – European Championships

  • 🏅 Quarterfinalist – World Championships

  • 🥇 Gold Medalist – SENI London International Open

  • 🥈 Silver Medalist – World Championships, Sweden (Veterans Category, 2025)

  • 🥇🥈🥉 Multiple podium finishes at competitions throughout the UK

  • 1st Dan Black Belt – 2000

  • 2nd Dan Black Belt – 2001

  • 3rd Dan Black Belt – 2008

  • 4th Dan Black Belt – 2010

    • Graded in Japan following the World Championships

  • 5th Dan Black Belt – 2024

    • Passed a rigorous grading in Aichi Prefecture, Japan (1 of only 3 successful candidates out of 25)

  • 🥋 3rd Class Instructor License (obtained in Japan) – 2010

  • 🥋 3rd Class Instructor & Examiner License, JKF Wado-Kai - 2025

  • Level 3 Education & Training Qualification

  • Level 4 Assessors Qualification

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