Paul Nelis 5th Dan

Red Rose Ju-Jitsu.

Sporting History

My Martial arts career started on the 5th April 1963 at the age of 6, training in Judo at the village hall in Heysham, this was the club were I        failed my first grading at the age of 7, because my belt was tied incorrectly, imagine that happening now I trained there for a few years until the hall was damaged by fire and the club was disbanded. In 1970 I started Karate in the hall at our ladies high school, which I did until 1973. It was around this time I got interested in weight training and started training at John Storton’s club in Heysham, which was in the room below where the Red Rose Karate used to train. I enjoyed this as well and did well in competitions.

In 1977 I did Kung fu at a dojo in the basement of a boarding house in Morecambe. this went on until the instructor got arrested and we think eventually deported.

It was around this time that I also did a lot of clay pigeon and target rifle shooting both of which I represented my County and Country. I went on to become a qualified firearms instructor and used to coach adults and juniors at county level. In the early 80’s I started doing karate again, I tried various styles including the black tiger. I also did Batto Jutsu, which is a sword fighting style made famous by Toshishiro Obata. Eventually I Joined the NASSKC which is a Wado-ryu organisation and trained at the club in Morecambe.I trained there until I got my 1st Kyu. I did not do my 1st dan for various reasons for 11 years, one being meeting Sensei Andy Manwaring and joining the Bushido Kempo Ju-Jitsu Club, from then I have done many things.

1991 - Qualified as a referee with NASSKC

1998 - Qualified as a national referee with the JJIF

1999 - Qualified as a continental referee with the JJIF

I am also the secretary for the IABC

Over the years I have been lucky enough to go on trips to 8 countries, including Russia 4 times and the Philippines doing demonstrations             and instruction.

My Main interests at the moment are continuing my training in Kempo Ju-Jitsu.

Other than Martial arts my other interest is ophidology (Study of Snakes) I have been keeping and breeding various species since the 1970’s  . This has also led me to trips abroad for field trips and study. At the moment I am involved in a breeding program with some rare pythons           from New Guinea.

It has been a long hard journey, but I have enjoyed it and I have made many friends along the way.