This week in history (5 July – 11 July)

5 July

On 5 July 1957 the first photographs of karateka training in Britain, appeared in the Romford Recorder. The photographs were part of an article, ‘Forbidden Sport Taught Here – Japanese Fights Often Ended in Death”‘ which was a follow-up to an article written on 21 June.

The two photographs were taken at 12 Maybush Road, Hornchurch, and showed Vernon Bell countering attacks from Trevor Guilfoyle, a white belt at the time.

6 July

On 6 July 1952, the Father of European Karate, Henri Plee, was graded to 2nd Dan In Judo under Mikinosuke Kawaishi.

7 July

On 7 July 1995 Shukokai master, Shigeru Kimura, died following a massive heart attack. He was only 54 years at the time. He was a lifelong student of Shukokai founder Chojiro Tani. A two-time All-Japan champion, he was dedicated to the promotion of Shukokai Karate around the world.

8 July

On 8 July 1927, Okinawan Karate master, Kentsu Yabu, give a Shorinji-Ryu demonstration at the Nuuanu YMCA in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was assisted in the demonstration by Ankichi Arakaki. The demonstration was a young Richard Kim’s first introduction to Karate

9 July

On 9 July 1943, Andy Sherry, Chief Instructor of the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB), was born.

Sherry is one of the highest-ranked Shotokan practitioners in the United Kingdom, having been one of the first people awarded a JKA 1st Dan in Britain in 1966 by Keinosuke Enoeda. Now a 9th Dan and one of the most senior Shotokan karateka in Britain, he has been instrumental in the growth of Shotokan in the country.