Matt Houlden - Club Instructors

2nd Dan BSK
Men's Captain 2011-12

Matt began karate at the age of 13 under the tutelage of Sensei Darren Payne, a former Welsh National Squad Member. He graded up to 6th kyu under the KUGB with Sensei Poynton before his club transferred over to the BSK where, under this new association, he eventually attained 2nd dan. His success in this time included winning the BSK national championships for his age and grade as well as competing in the JSKA World Championships. Soon after achieving his 2nd dan however, Matt began his year and a half break from karate to focus on athletics: he had already competed at national level competitions in the triple jump and was progressing onto the decathlon.

Matt began training in karate again upon starting at Cambridge University with CUKC . Under the expert tuition of Sensei Richard Poole, Matt soon returned to and exceeded his previous standard of karate. Never one to settle for the easy life, Matt continues with his athletics and is also a full blue in long and triple jump.