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History

Burton Manor Karate Kan

Over 60 years of Karate in Stafford

Hirokazu Kanazawa (Kancho - meaning 10^th Dan) was one of the worlds most respected traditional Karate Masters having studied under Master Gichin Funakoshi (founder of modern day Karate).

Kancho Kanazawa, won many championship titles in his time, including the infamous All Japan Karate Championship, both in Kata and Kumite disciplines. He won a Kumite Final with a broken wrist, which had been broken earlier in the tournament.

Sense David Dewhurst (8^th Dan) was taught by Kancho Kanazawa.

Roll of Honour

You can view our Roll of Honour (list of Black belts attained) here.

Formation of BMKK

1963

Burton Manor Karate Kan (BMKK), an offshoot of Stafford Judo Club, was formed by Les Hart; 3^rd Dan Karate, 3^rd Dan Judo, 3^rd Dan Aikido, 2^nd Dan Atemi Jutso and David Dewhurst 2^nd Kyu Karate in early September 1963.

Les Hart was the National Coach of Great Britain for BUDO. He was led by their founder Reg Bleakman; 10^th Dan Atemi Jutsu, 6^th Dan Judo, 7^th Dan Aikido, and 5^th Dan Karate. The Dojo, which was situated in the now Badminton Hall, was used by the Karate Kan on Wednesday Evenings and Thursday Evenings for 2 hours.

1965

In early 1965, Les Hart left the club, and David Dewhurst; now 1^st Dan, took over the instruction and running of the Kan. In the same year the British All Styles Karate Association was adopted to take over from BUDO. BRC Sports and Social Club, wanted the Dojo back permanently for the BRC Badminton club and built a Dojo next to the entrance of the main building of the then BRC Sports and Social Club.

1967

Read about Denis Howell's visit to the Burton Manor Sports Association in this news clip.

Over the next few years BMKK went from strength to strength, and numbers on the Tatami soon reached 30 to 40 each evening until the nineties when numbers started to drop but a few dedicated enthusiasts continued to train.

1999

The same enthusiasts, combined with the Judo club members, relocated from the then worn-out Dojo to its new current location just 20 meters away. Having given it a substantial upgrade, it is currently still being used.

Once the relocation of the Dojo was completed in November 1999, membership rose considerably, and the Black Belt Team continue to train new Karateka today.