Click the images below to view larger versions.

Plymouth Shotokan Karate Centre is one of the oldest karate clubs in the country. It originated as the Bushido Karate Club in September 1966. The two founder members, Paul Kiernan and Jack Wilson who worked at Clarks Shoe factory in Plymouth, came up with the idea during a pub discussion in Crownhill. They were later joined by Dave Herrity from the Dockyard.

Being a new and ‘mysterious’ fighting art from the Far East, the club proved to be very popular in Plymouth and the club was soon training at 3 separate venues. The Astor Institute main the main dojo, supported by the YWCA and the Citadel. Obtaining these venues was very difficult due to the suspicion that most people had with regards to martial arts training. However, after much persuasion and careful negotiation training took place 5 times a week at the 3 venues.

Many of Japans finest karate instructors from the Japan Karate Association had begun spreading their art throughout the world. Senseis Enoeda, Kanasawa, Kato, Tomita, Takahashi and Sumi all became frequent visitors to the club.

The club became changed its name to The Civil Service Karate Club, through Dave Herritys’ influence and training then began at new premises. This venue remained for several years until an unfortunate but amusing incident when Sensei Enoeda visited for training and grading. The usual hall was unavailable so the Civil Service agreed to allow the Main hall to be used. Upon arriving early, the seniors at the club thought the floor was too slippery for training and decided to use an abrasive to improve the surface, which proved excellent for training. Not so good, however, for the dinner and dance which was held by the civil service that same evening!! Needless to say, the clubs relationship with the Civil Service ended there. Dave Herritys’ job very nearly ended there also!

Civil Service Karate Club, 1970

The club moved to St. Simons Church Hall in St.Judes in 1974, and became the Plymouth Shotokan Karate Centre.

A junior club was formed and training for this was held in Plymstock. At its peak there were over 50 members and it ran until the early 1990’s.

During the clubs long history, many instructors from around the world have taught at Plymouth SKC. In 1967 the club received several visits from the now world renowned Sensei Kanasawa ( then 5th Dan ) who with assistance from Sensei Takahashi, put on an incredible demonstration which attracted over 400 spectators and gave karate in Plymouth a huge boost.

Sensei Kanasawa at Astor Hall, Plymouth 1967

In 1968, Sensei Sumi visited, hosting a 10 day course and officiating at an inter-club competition with Kanku Poole club. The legendary Sensei Enoeda became our instructor assisted by Sensei Takahashi after Sensei Sumi decided to return to Japan. Sensei Enoeda was later assisted by Sensei Kato.

In 1973 Sensei Tomita became assistant to Sensei Enoeda. Sensei Tomita taught and held gradings at the club regularly for the next ten years. He was a great influence to all at the club, teaching throughout the formative years and establishing the type and style of training still practised today.

Sensei Tomita with Les Clarke – Leaving gift for Sensei Tomitas return to Japan

After Sensei Tomita’s departure, Sensei Ohta, another graduate of the famous Takushoku University, who attended the famous JKA Instructors Classes, became Sensei Enoedas assistant between 1982 and 2003. Sensei Ohta has regularly taught and held gradings at the club from that time and continues to do so today.

Les Clarke, Colin Putt, Tomita, Dave Andrews, Sensei Enoeda, Shaun Blight, Dave Herrity. Circa 1975

In 1972 a young Iranian called Shahab Faliki was training with the club and when he was awarded his Shodan, it was decided to start a University karate club. Shahab instructed there for many years until he returned home. Various instructors have taken over since, and it is still running today, maintaining its links with Plymouth SKC. The Plymouth University club was probably the first of its kind in the country.

Sensei Enoeda demonstrates an application of shuto with Tomita.

Plymouth SKC has had many regional competition successes throughout the years. It was particularly successful in the late 60’s and 70’s. The club continues to enter national and regional competitions.

Sensei Les Clarke in action.

1977 South West Champions
Top – Denny Horrel, Tony Teague, John Williams, Gary Hulbert, Mike Green, Andy Trout, Graham Pearson
Bottom – Roy Kirtley, Les Clarke, Shaun Blight, Colin Putt, Dave Andrews

1977 Watley – Mann Challenge Cup
Back row L to R, Denny Horrell, Sandy Thompson
Front, Shaun Blight, Les Clarke, Roy Kirtly.

From 1970 Sensei Les Clarke ( 4th Dan JKA ) has been Chief Instructor at Plymouth SKC. Throughout this extensive period many people have trained at the club and gained their Shodans. In total Sensei Clarke has trained from beginner:

93 Shodans ( 1st Dan Black ), 20 Nidans ( 2nd Dan ) and 10 Sandans ( 3rd Dan ).

Sensei Clarke began training himself in 1966. He received his dan grades on the following dates:

• Shodan 1970
• Nidan 1975
• Sandan 1979
• Yondan 1983

Following Sensei Enoedas untimely death in 2003, the club joined the newly formed Japan Karate Association England ( JKAE ), with Sensei Ohta as the chief instructor, thereby retaining the clubs ties to the JKA.

Plymouth SKC is situated at Coombe Dean NRG sports centre in Plymstock and continues to teach traditional, authentic Japanese Shotokan karate, under the guidance of Senseis Les Clarke, as passed down from the original masters. Sensei Clarke is assisted by instructors Denny Horrell ( 3rd Dan JKA ), Simon Jennings ( 3rd Dan JKA ) and Steve Young ( 1st Dan JKA ).