With his 3rd Dan certificate
2nd from left
With his 3rd Dan certificate
Sensei Russell Baker
5th Dan Wado-Ryu
Sensei Russell Baker started training in Wado-Ryu Karate in July 1984 under Sensei Sean Osborne at Telford Squash club.
After about 6 months the Club was taken over by Josh Johnson (JJ Karate club) and a young Mike Salesman became the club instructor.
Mike was one of the young British lions that dominated sport karate in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The club often trained along side kumite greats like Geoff Thompson MBE and Mervyn Etienne.
Russell was awarded his 1st Dan by Sensei Vic Charles MBE in February 1988. Later that year Russell went off to study in Sheffield and whilst there trained in Shotokan and continued to train at the Telford Dojo during the holidays.
On graduating in 1992 Russell took over as club instructor of the Telford Dojo.
Russell gained a 2nd Dan black belt in Martial arts from the United Styles Association in 2006.
Later the same year the Telford club moved over to the UKKW and started its affiliation with Sensei Johnson and the Shrewsbury Dojo.
Under this traditional association the club flourished and Russell was awarded his 2nd Dan in 2010 by Sensei Dave Allsop.
Russell was gained his 3rd Dan in 2013 and his 4th Dan in 2017 from Sensei Sakagami.
The Telford club has a wealth of experience supported by excellent club instructors; Chris Rogers (4th Dan) and Matthew Butler (2nd Dan) having over 45 years experience between them.
Russell is married with two young boys and now lives on the outskirts of Hadnall.
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