ST. MARTINS JUNIOR KARATE CLUB,    

          LANCASTER

CLUB HISTORY

The karate club was first founded in 1983, by Sensei Jack Parker(3rd Dan) as a club related quite closely to St. Martins Karate Club.

Jack, ran the club for many years by himself and has devoted much of his own time and effort into developing the club, and is still strongly involved to this day, the success and experience he has gained is invaluable to the club.

More recently, Paul Turner(5th Dan) and Chris Haggan(3rd Dan), have largely been involved with the running of the club. Paul is the areas highest graded black belt in Wado Ryu Karate in the area. Both Paul and Chris trained for years under Jack, and feel they owe a great deal to his teaching and friendship.

Over the years the club has enjoyed much success in many ways. The club has had many people gain the black belt and also has a good history in competitions; local, opens and also the International Youth Games.

As mentioned Paul and Chris now play major parts in running the club. Two other club former club members are still heavily involved in martial arts. David Hedges helps run a professional martial arts clubs in Dublin (Wild Geese). Dave visits our club a few times a year and his own unique teaching style is popular with higher grades. Lee Bartholomew fights with the English national squad. Lee occasionally visits the club and helps with training.