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Sensei Richard Kheder's Karate journey started in 1983 when he was studying for his Higher Education in Chelmsford, and joined Chelmsford Karate Club under Sensei Charles Naylor and Sensei Dot Naylor.

 

From his first lesson, which was on a cold winter Sunday morning, he was made welcome and at ease at the club. He was very impressed with the high standard of teaching, training and discipline of each karateka on that first day. This first Karate experience made him feel that he wanted to succeed in Karate and be part of a successful Karate club, and above all a Karate family.

Richard had the privilege of training under Sensei Charlie Naylor (7th Dan) who always supported and encouraged him and everyone who trained under him.  

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Through hard work, the support of Sensei Charles Naylor and balancing family life and work Richard gained his First Dan Black Belt in 1991 at Crystal Place under Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda. Since then he has continued his training with Chelmsford Karate Club passing his Fourth Dan in October 2018 under the KUGB's Senior Grading Examiners.

"It was a very sad day when Sensei Charlie passed away. 

However, his teaching, his principles, and the high standard still remains, and it is still evident today by the number of successful competitions champions that the Club has produced and the high number of Squad selected to represent England and Great Britain in European and World competitions".
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Photo: Sensei Charlie and Richard with the original Shoto The Tiger

Sensei Richard qualified as KUGB referee in 1997. He did this as it gives him great satisfaction as well as a sense of support and involvement with our club and the KUGB at competition times.

 

In addition, Richard gained his KUGB Instructor Qualification under Sensei Jane Naylor-Jones and Richard Naylor-Jones, and is always ready to assist with teaching at club level.

Richard has been training with Chelmsford Karate Club for over thirty-three years, and during the National championships competition in May 2013 he was presented with a Long Standing Member’s Certificate at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

 

Over the years he has attended a number of training courses under different Masters of the KUGB and in 2023 qualified to become a KUGB Assessor.

Photo: Richard training at the Spring Karate Course in Torbay, Devon

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"It is important to attend these courses as they develop correct techniques, improves fitness and strengthens mental health."

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Photo: The Mayor of Chelmsford presents Richard Kheder with his Award

2018 was a busy year for Sensei Richard Kheder. 

 

In October he passed his 4th Dan grading in Bath under three of the most Senior Instructors in the KUGB, Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan), Sensei Bob Poynton (8th Dan) and Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) - a fantastic achievement.

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In December, Sensei Richard was highly commended as an Unsung Hero at the Active Essex Awards, honouring him for his continued support to the members of Chelmsford Karate Club and the KUGB.

In February 2016, the Mayor of Chelmsford and the Conservative MP Simon Burns visited Chelmsford Karate Club in support of Mental Health and to listen about the benefit of Karate on good health.

 

During their visit to our club, the Mayor presented Sensei Richard Kheder with an award from our Club in recognition for outstanding contribution and long service to Chelmsford Karate Club.

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Sensei Richard said that "Training is continuing to further improve my technique and perform the art at the highest standard".

 

In 2017 Richard was appointed one of the KUGB's Mental Health Ambassadors.

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Photo: Sensei Richard with his 4th Dan certificate from the KUGB

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