Red Gate Karate: Roy Steele looks back on 50 years teaching martial arts

Roy Steele teaching in Kirkcaldy.Roy Steele teaching in Kirkcaldy.
Roy Steele teaching in Kirkcaldy. | Other 3rd Party
A Kirkcaldy institution is looking back as it comes close to half a century teaching martial arts to young and old alike.

Red Gate Karate, based at the YMCA in Valley Gardens, has been running since 1971, with Roy Steele teaching generations of students - probably more than he can remember.

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“I’ve literally seen thousands,” laughed Roy, “I’d be as well trying to count the grains of sand on Kirkcaldy beach.”

That comes with the territory of course, when a club has been running as long as Red Gate has.

Roy says that starting out in 1971, the club predominantly drew adults, mostly men, while these days the appeal brings men and women of all ages.

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Roy added: “There’s always been karate at the YMCA, after the football I think it’s the longest running activity there.

“We’ve also had a presence in Glenrothes for the last 48 years.”

Teaching for so long has been rewarding for Roy, and he’s seen a few changes over the last half-century.

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He said: “There’s a lot of satisfaction.

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“All our blackbelts have started as children. they’ve done all the junior grade, through the cadet group, and into senior classes, where they get their black belts.”

“When we started there was just karate and judo, now there’s mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Thai boxing, Ju Jitsu, you have everything, and not all at a high standard.

“The standard’s never dropped, the minimum standard is excellence.

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“The biggest change I’ve noticed is that there are seldom injuries these days, because of the equipment we use.

“You’re doing a very physically active participation sport, where you might expect injuries, but I can’t remember the last time we had one at the club. The equipment’s better, the tuition of course is better,”

What does Roy think the appeal of karate is to new students?

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“Some come along for the sporting aspect, but most people now come along to learn a form of self defence, because it is extremely effective.”

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Looking back over the last 49 years, what was the proudest moment for the club for Roy?

“Winning the Scottish and British championships in 1972,” he said.

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“From a sporting point of view it was quite an achievement.

“But forgetting about gold medals, just the very fact that we’ve managed to still be here after nearly 50 years.”

But despite having racked up all those years teaching, Roy has no intention of ending his association with the club, though he might take it easier on himself in future. 
“I want the club to continue,” he said.

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“I’ll be 71 in July, I’ve done it for 50 years and never stopped.

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“I’ll always teach, but should I physically step back, maybe one of the younger black belts could take over.”

For those who might want to be part of the longstanding karate tradition at the YMCA, Roy said: “Just turn up, watch the class and see if it’s for you, take it from there.”

• Red Gate Karate club meets on Sundays at the YMCA, kids class starts at 4.30pm, adult classes at 5.30pm.

There is also a club on Thursday at the Lomond Centre, Glenrothes, 6.30pm-8pm.