Sensei Wicks began studying karate from the age of 13 and attained his 1st Dan (black belt) aged 17. At the age of 50, Sensei Wicks was personally awarded by Master Suzuki - 8th Dan Hanshi, his own 8th Dan and became the youngest official Wado-Ryu 8th Dan black belt in the World.

Sensei Wicks has for many years, received private tuition from the late Master Tatsuo Suzuki – 8th Dan Hanshi, ensuring that the authentic style of Wado-Ryu is maintained. It was Master Suzuki who originally introduced Wado-Ryu into the UK in 1965. Sensei Wicks has accompanied Master Suzuki on international exhibitions and teaching courses over many years. Master Suzuki, appointed Sensei Wicks WIKF World Chief Instructor in 2009, recognising his expertise and dedication to teaching authentic Wado-Ryu karate in the traditional style.

As well as being personally taught by Master Suzuki, Sensei Wicks has had the honour of training with many Japanese masters, including the notable honour of being taught by Master Hironori Ohtsuka the First. He applies the ethos of authentic Wado-Ryu karate he has leant over his years of training to the way he teaches himself, passing on the knowledge and skills as first taught by Master Ohtsuka.

Sensei Wicks teaches throughout the World. He teaches extensively in Europe, regularly in North America, and has taught in South America, Japan and Australia (Perth, Kumite in 1990). Sensei Wicks has even taught and given demonstrations in China with Master Suzuki. Sensei Wicks’ aim is to ensure that all clubs and students, worldwide, who want to learn traditional Wado-Ryu are all taught the same authentic techniques as were first taught by Master Ohtsuka the First and subsequently by Master Suzuki and now Sensei Jon Wicks. Sensei Wicks is the Principal Instructor for the International Leaders courses and on many Regional courses. He also grades students to all levels, from beginners to the highest Dan grade students.

Sensei Wicks has a very strong kumite pedigree, having competed in national and international championships over a number of years, winning all the major Wado-Ryu titles including; World Championships, European Championships – Individuals 4 times and team 8 times, Wado Cup and multiple National championships. He has also had the honour of being England Team Captain to the victorious teams in both World Championships and European Championships – 8 times winners.

Sensei Wicks is the head of the Su-Ha-Ri Wado-Ryu Karate School which was founded in the early 1970’s by the late Sensei Mick Robins, who himself was a loyal student of Master Suzuki. He has developed and grown the school to over 20 clubs throughout the South of England, and has in excess of 100 black belt students, all taught personally by him in the authentic style. The School follows in Sensei’s footsteps with regards to Kumite, having produced many World, European and National champions at all age groups, and continues to do so today.