Nici Lintern-Gittens (main instructor) started training in Kempo Karate in Cornwall under the instruction of Felix Bishop (4th Dan) gaining a 1st Dan black belt in 1993.

In 1997 a move to Cardiff meant a change to karate style due to the lack of kempo clubs. In order to continue training Nici joined Cardiff University Wado Kai Karate Club under the instruction of Brian McDowell (5th Dan) and Sean Davies (4th Dan).

Regular training enabled Nici to transfer into Wado Karate after 4 years, gaining a 2nd Dan in 2007, 3rd Dan in 2012 and 4th Dan in 2018.

 

Nici has competed at local and national level competitions and has won many medals in both Kata and Kumite.

After retiring from competing, Nici became a qualified Referee under guidance from Chico Mbakwe (World Referee and 7th Dan in Shotokan karate)

 

As well as instructing in Cardiff, Nici keeps up their own karate by training with other Welsh Higashi clubs and numerous courses held throughout the year by HKKW Chief Instructor Jon Dunn (6th Dan).

Favourite kata - Higashi Ni 
Favourite technique - Gyakuzuki

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Alison Lintern-Gittens (known as Ali) started doing Shotokan karate at the age of 14, leaving after 3 years at 4th kyu due to a house move. Over the years, Ali has done different kinds of martial arts on and off, ranging from kick boxing, to Thai boxing, but started with Cardiff Higashi in 2014. Rising through the grades she started to pass on her current knowledge to the lower grades, helping them perfect their basics and kata's.

Ali gained her 1st dan black belt in 2023, after covid 19 put a long delay on her taking the grading. She is now an assistant instructor in the club. Ali likes to slow things down, getting stances, basics and kata perfected. Ali believes that technique is really important when doing karate, as without this, your martial arts will look poor, especially when it is grading time.

Ali suffers a lot with back pain, but believes anyone can do martial arts.

Finding the right club and instructor can massively help, to adapt things so that you can still enjoy taking part.

Gaining her 1st dan has proved this, which is a huge achievement for her.

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Favourite kata - Higashi Sho

Favourite technique - Side kick

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