A unique direct line of training from the original Master to the current Sensei.

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Shotokan karate has been taught in Barrow at the Scout Hut for over 20 years, but the history of this form of karate dates back over a century and the current instructors, Sensei Danny Spence and Sensei Chloe Spence, are the latest in the line of instructors going directly back to the founder (Sensei means teacher).

Master Gichin Funakoshi (born in 1868 in Okinawa, Japan, and known as the ‘father of modern-day karate’) developed Shotokan karate to provide a structured approach to martial arts – karate itself dates back way beyond the 1800s.  Master Taiji Kase (born in 1929) trained under Master Funakoshi and was one or several masters who were instrumental in bringing karate to Europe and the rest of the world. Master Pete Statham, who founded the LLS Karate Dojo in Barrow, in 2001, trained and graded under Master Kase and many more of the “original” Shotokan masters.  

Many people in Barrow will remember Master Pete who was the instructor who took me to my Black Belt 1st Dan, as well as many others including Danny and Chloe (both now 2nd Dans).  I have continued training with Sensei Danny and Sensei Chloe who took over LLS Karate over five years ago once Sensei Pete retired.  With our current instructors and past masters, we’re lucky to

have direct links to some amazing Karateka locally, across the UK, and around the world, including Sensei Henry Bellinger (former LLS student and 4th Dan) who now lives, works, and trains in Tokyo. It’s exciting to know that the techniques and values we learn today were passed down from Master Funakoshi through a direct and accomplished lineage (and I feel very privileged).  

Shotokan karate, as laid out by Funakoshi, stresses spiritual considerations and mental agility over brute strength.

 In his book, The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate, Master Funakoshi said “the ultimate aim of karate lies not in

victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”. Sensei Danny continues to promote these core values along with a strong family feel, discipline and respect (of course), as well as adding in practical application and self defence to add some modern approaches to the traditional values and techniques.

For more information, contact Sensei Danny at: www.llskarate.co.uk