Meet the team…
Rhyl & Prestatyn Shotokan Karate Club is run by a committee made up of the instructors, as well as a Secretary, Treasurer and Welfare & Safety Officer.
Matthew Curtis
WELFARE & SAFETY OFFICER
Matthew Curtis (Sensei Francis' father) is a 1st kyu. He was a student at Prestatyn High School before reading Law at Oxford University, ultimately training to become a barrister. He specialised in criminal law, prosecuteing and defending serious cases, including rape and serious sexual offences. During this time, Matthew was also a foundation governor and Chair of Governors at a local High School. In that role he completed mandatory safeguarding training.
In 2020, Matthew moved to Nine Chambers in Manchester and in 2022 he took a sabbatical (started shotokan karate!) and joined the faculty at BPP Law School where he trains the next generation of barristers. He is now employed as Head of Law at BPP University, Manchester. As an enthusiastic member of the Rhyl & Prestatyn Shotokan Karate Club, he is keen to bring his expertise to the role of welfare and safety officer, to ensure everyone can relax knowing they are training in a safe and nurturing environment
Katy Evans
SECRETARY
Katy sat on the sidelines watching her children learning karate for several years before realising she was missing out on a lot of fun! Now as she trains alongside her kids and makes her way through the colour belt grades, she has also stepped into the role of club secretary.
In addition to her valuable contributions in the club meetings, Katy also organised our very successful 50th anniversary dinner in 2024.
John Booth
TREASURER
John Booth has a dual role at Rhyl & Prestatyn, being both an instructor and the club treasurer. An accountant by profession, John is well placed to take care of the club finances.
In addition, he is the regional treasurer for the Karate Union of Great Britain.