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The Chalkstone Karate Club was founded in the early 1980's by Sid Coleman, and was known simply as Haverhill karate club. The training sessions were orginally held at Haverhill Town Hall. Among its students were Tyrone Archer and Steve Collyer.
Tyrone was awarded his 1st dan(shodan) black belt in 1984 and began assisting with teaching. Steve Colleyer gained his black belt in 1985.
In 1987 the club moved to the Haverhill's Chalkstone Community Centre from the Town Hall. The club's current instructor Steve Hart joined as a novice student in the latter part of this year.
In 1990 Sid handed over the club to Tyrone assisted by his mother, Hazel. It was at this point that the club was reformed with its current name. Steve Collyer became assistant instructor.
In 1992 Steve Hart became the first student of the club to win their Shodan black belt and began assisting in the teaching of the club's students.
Tyrone moved to Kent in 1997 leaving Steve Collyer as Head Instructor assited by Steve Hart. Hazel Archer continued to act as club secretary.
After Hazel sadly died in 1999, Steve Collyer took responsibility for the administration of the club.
When a persistant knee injury forced him into retirement, Steve Collyer handed over the running of the club to Steve Hart in July 2007. He still attends the club from time to time.
July 2008 saw the next shodan black belts with students Les Atkins and Mark Ashwood winning their belts in Bow, London. This success was followed by Steve Hart winning his 2nd dan(Nidan) black belt in November.
In July 2010 Pete Tedham and Tom Cross became the next club members to win their shodan black belts after grading exams at the Toyakwai headquarters in Witham. Gary Dadds followed their success in March 2011.
October 2011 saw Cameron Newson become the youngest ever member to achieve their shodan blackbelt at age 15. Steve Hart graded to sandan (3rd dan) The highest grade ever achieved by a member of the club.
In March 2012 three members of the club won their black belts, Assistant instructor Mark Ashwood graded to nidan (2nd dan) Jason Little and Hannah Dance both graded to first dan (shodan). Hannah has become the first female member of the club to pass the difficult black belt exam.
This brings the number of black belt members at the club on a regular basis to 7.