It is a pleasure to recognize Sensei Charles Gidley, Chief Instructor of the British Shotokan Kyogi International and Affiliated member of the WTKO, as Instructor of The Month. Charles Gidley is a complex, and fascinating individual. He has a sharp whit, and he trains constantly demanding of himself as much as he does of his students.

I had the great privilege of meeting Charles Gidley in 2002 on a visit to the UK and on subsequent visits and I found him to be a delightful and gregarious man. On one of my visits to the UK I was invited to give a class at his dojo. The group trained with enthusiasm and vigor. He is a no nonsense instructor and likes to mix it up as often as is possible. The class wormed up with ten minutes sparring, and Sensei Gidley was in the thick of it. Sensei Gidley an old vet, and like myself are past our prime, although I doubt that he will ever admit to it, as was said of me and it applies to us both, our 50th birthday is but a distant memory.  Non the less he is a formidable karate man and has more than a few tricks up his sleeve.  I don't think there are many men half his age that train with his attitude and enthusiasm.  He definitely sets and example for his students.  

He is a delightful gentleman, and he has a lifetime of karate experience. A former member of the KUGB from its golden era, the 70's and 80's, he approaches karate with a no-nonsense take no prisoners attitude. His depth and breadth of knowledge and insight is born of many years of intense training at the highest level in the UK.  His teams have won numerous international championships and continue to travel and compete around the world. He brought his 7 person squad to the U.S. for the 2003 WTKO North American Championship, and they returned to the UK loaded down with 17 individual and team medals.  I am pleased to be associated with such a fine individual and karate man and to call him my friend.

John J. Mullin 
Exec. Chairman WTKO