Today we celebrate not just a birthday, but the incredible life and legacy of our beloved Kancho (館長) Head of school, who turns 70. David is a true martial arts legend.

David began teaching Goju Ryu Karate back in 1979, inspired (believe it or not!) by those old, badly dubbed kung fu films from the 70s. What started as childhood inspiration turned into a lifetime of dedication, discipline, and humility.

David founded the club Kyudokan which means “To Search for the Way” and over the decades, he has taught more than 15,000 students in and around the Southampton area, helping to shape not only martial artists but better people — instilling respect, perseverance, and self-belief in everyone who stepped onto the dojo floor.

David also trained in the very birthplace of karate in Japan ???????? with Goju Ryu masters, deepening his connection to the roots of Goju Ryu and bringing that wisdom back home to share with all of us.

In 2010, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but true to his warrior spirit, he never let it stop him. He keeps training, teaching, and inspiring — proving that the strength of the human spirit goes far beyond physical limits.

David – “Our Kancho”, thank you for everything you’ve given our community over the years. Your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy lives on in every student, past and present. 

David is more than just a teacher, he’s been a mentor, a guide, and a lifelong inspiration to generations of karateka. Always humble, always focused, and always pushing us to be better — on and off the dojo floor.

Happy 70th, Sensei. We are honoured to walk the path you’ve shown us. ????❤️

To our teacher, mentor, and inspiration – thank you for your unwavering dedication and the countless lives you’ve shaped through Kyudokan.

押忍 Osu! ????????