Sensei Alex Hayes
Sensei Alex first became interested in the martial arts in 1961 when he began Judo with the ATC's 2230 squadron, however he left the UK to move to South Africa with his family in 1963.
Karate:
In South Africa he first came into contact with karate, training under a japan trained instructor at the local YMCA (however the name of this instructor has been lost in the mists of time!). Training was hard, starting with a 5 mile run, weight training and then the usual karate training 3 times a week.
Sensei Alex's brother and father were very involved with amateur boxing and it was natural for him to give this a go, however, using hands only seemed a waste of the other weapons we were born with! however this did give him a background for kickboxing.
Some practical experience was gained working in Durban nightclubs where he realised that the simpler the defence or attack, the better.
Sensei Alex started karate again in 1986 together with his family, wife Lorraine, Grant and Tracey (with baby Tony trying to copy the moves). training began under sensei Koenrad Herbst, and when he left, under sensei Richard Chiazzari who still runs the Zanshin dojo in Greytown.
By now in his late 30's Alex realised that competition was not for him but he enjoyed helping to coach the younger members and watching them progress to the best of their ability.
After leaving Greytown to work in Benoni, Alex considered himself fortunate to train with Sensei Norman Robinson (7th dan), Sensei Clive Strucknell and Sensei Marco Venuchi.
Sensei Alex has attended several WUKO referees courses and refereed many tournaments.
Since arriving back in the UK Alex has been training under Senseis Jim Lewis and Robert Sidoli (JKA UK) whenever possible.
Jujitsu:
After leaving Greytown to work in Benoni, Alex met Sensei Melanie who, as well as training in Shotokan Karate, was a jujitsu instructor (4th dan). Jujitsu seemed to offer techniques which complemented his karate knowledge and he began training under sensei Melanie. Training included the use of traditional weapons.
On arriving back in the UK Alex trained with Soke Brian Dosset of Spirit Combat International and now holds an instructors license with SCI.
Kickboxing:
Alex obtained his license to teach kickboxing from the BKBU utilising skills and knowledge obtained from boxing and karate.
Started in South Africa teaching karate (Shotokan) and encouraging cross training, Sensei Alex has built up the UK version into a strong association of clubs.
