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St. Martins Junior Karate Club was founded
in 1985, by Sensei Jack Parker (RIP).
Jack had been training at St. Martin’s Karate Club
(at the former St. Martin’s College) in Lancaster.
The club was aimed at students and adults.
Jack opened up the junior club in 1985 to focus
on teaching children. Jack continued to work alongside
the senior club, and forged strong links with local
karate clubs, as well as other martial arts.

Club Instructors, with club founders memorial belt
Sensei Paul and Sensei Chris, with Sensei Jack Parker’s Black Belt
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Sensei Paul Turner was among the first people to train
at the club, with Sensei Chris Haggan starting a couple
of years later. Over time Sensei Jack (having
reached 4th Dan) gradually took steps away
from the club, and allowed Sensei’s Paul and
Chris, to take a more active role in running
the club. Jack was still heavily involved with the
club until late in his life. Unfortunately Jack passed
away in 2015 after suffering a terminal illness.
His belt is proudly on display in our dojo, and we
award the very special Jack Parker Memorial Trophy,
but this is only awarded for very special reasons.