Chris Greenbank began his karate journey in 1998 at Kendal Chojinkai, training under Head Instructor Sensei Steve Chaplow (6th Dan). From his very first lesson, he connected with the strong community spirit of the Kendal dojo and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the discipline and structure of karate. When Sensei Chaplow retired in 2014, Chris continued training under Sensei Matthew Miller (4th Dan), strengthening his technique and broadening his understanding of the Chojinkai system.

Chris achieved his 1st Dan black belt in 2011. He had been due to take his 2nd Dan in 2014, but just one week before the grading he suffered a major mountain biking accident that snapped his ankle and leg. After significant surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation, he was told that he might never regain full mobility. True to karate spirit, Chris refused to give in. He still attended the dojo to assist with classes whenever possible, even while on crutches, and gradually regained movement through persistence and determination.

He was once again ready for his 2nd Dan grading in March 2020, only for the COVID 19 lockdown to begin in the same week. When training and grading eventually resumed, he achieved his 2nd Dan in 2021 with the dedicated support of the senior grading panel and Chief Instructor Doug James 9th Dan. Chris continued to train with renewed focus, achieving his 3rd Dan in 2024 and further strengthening his commitment to Chojinkai Karate.

During his rehabilitation years, Chris became heavily involved in sport karate officiating. He attended local and national competitions and earned his English Karate Federation ‘A’ Referee qualification. Although he is now less active in this role, he continues to manage and run the association’s club competitions and regularly assists Chief Instructor Doug James in delivering major open events. This experience has given him a strong technical foundation and a deeper understanding of karate from an officiating perspective.

Chris briefly stepped away from karate in his late teens but returned after completing university and moving back to the area. He describes coming back as one of the most positive decisions he has made, both physically and personally. This experience shaped how he supports students. He understands that karate is not always the right fit at every moment of life, yet the lessons it teaches often stay with people, influencing how they approach challenges in the future.

When Sensei Miller stepped down in 2018, the Kendal club transitioned to being run by a dedicated committee of black belts, with Chris playing an active role. Together, they ensure the club continues to grow, modernise and stay rooted in the strong traditions built over many decades. Chris remains committed to developing as both an instructor and a practitioner, regularly training with senior Chojinkai instructors and other invited experts to broaden his skills.

Karate has become a family tradition for Chris. Both of his children train in the club. His son began at four years old, and his daughter, eager to join in, became the youngest starter the club has ever welcomed at just three. They both continue to enjoy their training, even if they sometimes enjoy it a little less when their dad is the one giving the instructions.

Outside the dojo, Chris works full time for a global trade safety association as a project manager specialising in data, IT systems, process improvement and data protection. He draws on this professional experience to support the administrative and operational running of the club, ensuring it remains organised, efficient and forward looking.

With more than 25 years in Chojinkai Karate, Chris’s journey is defined by perseverance, commitment and a genuine love of helping others progress. As an instructor, he aims to provide the same supportive environment that inspired him as a young student and to help every person who steps into the dojo discover what karate can do for them.