Ken Wylson has studied many different styles including Muay Thai, Aikido, Tang Soo Do (same roots as Tae Kwon Do), Atemi Jujitsu, Judo, Shotokan, Wado Ryu and Krav Maga, starting training as a child in various different Kung Fu, Karate and Judo clubs around the Wythenshawe area he took a break from Martial Arts Training whilst he was playing Rugby and attending the Air Training Corps at Crossacres. He spent 2 years in the Royal Air force then spent his next few years moving around the country working in the hotel industry,

 

After settling down he had a daughter Stephanie, who is a trainee assistant instructor with the club, as Stephanie got to an age where she could learn Martial Arts both Ken and Stephanie joined Master Sken's Gym and trained in Muay Thai for 2 years. Ken only graded once during this time, as he was more focused on enjoying his martial arts training at this time. From there he spent 2 ½ years with Master Parkinson training in Tang Soo Do, this is a traditional Korean style based on Shotokan but with influxes of Korean/Chinese Hyungs (Kata). This is where he met up with his old friend and Assistant Instructor of Koku Tora Ryu Karate Do, Alan Burrows (1st Dan Koku Tora Ryu Karate Do and 2nd Dan Tang Soo Do Karate). From there Ken was still looking during this time for a style that included the regime of Karate but with the stamina and training of Muay Thai - he found this through Ashihara Karate (Training with Sensei Barry Rutter, Tameside Martial Arts Centre). Ashihara depicted exactly what Ken was looking for at that time and he continued to train and eventually gained his 1st Dan Blackbelt in 2007.

 

During his time with Sensei Barry, Sensei Ken spent many years 'cross-training' in Aikido, Jujitsu and Krav Maga. Sensei Ken also trains in Wado Ryu Karate, at the Seidokan Dojo in Bramhall under Sensei Rob Sills at which point he is still a Kyu grade

 

After much hard work and engagement with multiple sensai the new style was formed leading to the creation of Koku Tora Ryu Karate Do. “Koku Tora Ryu” actually means “Dark Tiger School of the Empty Hand Way”

 

Koku Tora Ryu Karate Do was formed and Sensei Ken hasn’t looked back. Where Sensei Ken goes next is entirely open, Koku Tora Ryu Karate Do is always developing and evolving. Sensei Ken is looking at becoming a fulltime instructor ‘retiring’ from his jobs and running a full time Dojo with several Satellite clubs up and down the country.