After 60 years, 6th Dan Karate instructor Derek Veitch is still learning. DID you know that one of the world’s leading instructors in Shukokai Karate lives in Jersey? Someone who is among the top 30 highest ranked active practitioners of the art, with only seven people ranked above him across the globe. Well, that’s what we have in Derek Veitch, the chief instructor of the Jersey Shito-Ryu Shukokai Karate Club located in Fort Regent, who holds the honourable ranking of 6th Dan. He has over 60 years of training with some of the most renowned masters across the globe, so we decided to pop down for a greater insight. “Karate builds confidence. Once you have that it’s amazing,” said Veitch. “You don’t seem to get any problems with people approaching you or being violent, as that confidence almost naturally oozes from you. To be good at karate, it’s about showing you’re not frightened but try to be humble about it. We’re not trying to start anything, we teach the ability to defend yourself if the situation arises.” Veitch’s journey began in Sheffield back in 1965, when the style was still relatively new. “I was always interested in martial arts from an early age but there wasn’t anything around,” he added. “Then, one day back in ‘65, I saw an advert in the local paper promoting a new karate club, so I wandered along and I’ve been hooked ever since. “I remember the first time I saw a black belt, his name being Danny Connor. I’d never seen any-thing like that in my life, a totally different level. “It was the confidence – it radiated out of him. Also the way he performed, the way he had total control. It really was a wow moment.” During his time in Sheffield, the team saw great success, renowned as one of the best teams in the country winning many competitions, including the European Championships in 1973. Moving to Jersey, it was a different competition scene but he remained successful.He even took teams over to tournaments including the European Championships and the World Cup, where an Islander took home bronze in the female under 60kg category and the seven-man team went all the way to the semi-finals in 2005. As the years went on, he’s been witness to big changes in the style. Veitch added: “In the old days when I was competing, it was bare knuckles and you literally had to drop the person. You’d have a nurse to the side stitching people up and they’d be straight back fighting again. “Now it’s very different. Since it’s induction into the Olympics it’s almost like fencing, you just have to touch your opponent to get a score so it’s totally different in that regard.” Shukokai was founded by Chojro Tani at some point during the 1950s, extensively studying body mechanics to develop the most efficient moves, making the style one of the harder hitting forms of karate and incredibly practical in real-life situations. When asked about the differences between Shukokai and other styles, he said: “To me, it’s the speed of reaction in a situation. We develop fighters to be very fit and fast, that’s the main thing. With speed you can deal with anything. “We don’t have a line-up like other clubs, that’s basically for children. Everyone’s together, teaching each other.” Despite the powerful techniques of Shukokai, Veitch stressed the importance of controlling oneself while performing moves: “It’s vital for people to understand what they’re doing. “The last thing you want is someone gets hit, falls on the floor and bangs their head, next thing you know you’re in prison. We influence the artist with throwing techniques so, if somebody comes, you can restrain them and gently put them down without causing more harm.” What became even more fascinating was the importance of how you respond beyond combat, to try cool tensions. “It’s massive for me. Generally, you can control a situation with your mouth. Having that ability to calm people down without having to resort to physicality is a very good skill that more young people should be taught. “Through working on doors during the eighties, one of the best doormen was very small and very thin, but he could calm anyone down, no matter their size. It’s a very important skill to have.” Studying the martial art has greater benefits for general life as well, improving key attributes, Veitch emphasised: “The ability to handle yourself and not be frightened goes a long way to improving your confidence. “It’s key to be humble as we don’t want anyone starting trouble. It also teaches the ability to communicate, as everyone’s teaching each other.” During his tenure, he has visited and competed in Japan – the home of the sport – multiple times and understood the difference in culture: “The people are very humble, very knowledgeable and so friendly. “One time I was wandering up this high street and there were a lot of youths who were playing loud music and dancing. They saw me coming up, moved to the side and bowed, letting me through. It just shows it’s a totally different culture.” Due to the complexities of the style and the theories behind it, it’s said that it takes a lifetime of study to understand the art, with the 6th Dan instructor being a prime example as he’s still going, continuing to coach Shukokai. “I’m still learning even after all these years. The more I do, the more I learn about my body and how it works, allowing me to pass all this on to my students and others. I still enjoy doing it, it’s fun and it really does keep me going.” When asked what people out there should do if they want to take classes or begin coaching, his answer was very simple. “You need knowledge, it’s all about experience for me and it’s only obtained through training. The more you get, it slowly comes together and you can then learn to pass it on, with other coaches generally being more than happy to help.” Veitch remains hugely passionate to share his knowledge with students, holding weekly sessions up at Fort Regent on Wednesday evenings. Everyone’s welcome, and those interested can call 07700 733975 or send a message on Facebook to the Jersey Shito-Ryu Shukokai Karate club page to find out more and learn from one of the world’s finest.