ABOUT US

"A friendly club atmosphere
where visitors are always welcome"

Cleckheaton Karate club was first established in 1972. In the early years, the club was run by Jack Hodgekiss and Kenny Commons. Within three years David Cowburn 3rd Dan (see early photo) took over the running of the club and guided its development for four years until study pressures saw him have to step aside. We used to be in the KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain and later joined the ESA (English Shotokan Academy) in 1998.

Younger brother Mike Cowburn then took over the reins as a brown belt 1st Kyu and through dogged determination he has developed the club to achieve the recognition that it holds today. With a strong membership of both juniors and seniors, Mike now holds 5th Dan and is one of the Senior Instructors of the English Shotokan Academy. As the Chief Instructor of Cleckheaton Karate Club, and with the help and backing of Club Manager Gordon Cooper and the support of members and parents, Mike has established an impressive club that has won awards and trophies on a regional, national and world level; and has built strong links with some of the worlds greatest karate instructors.

We are based at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre (Cleckheaton), closely located to Junction 26 of the M62 motorway. The sports centre was constructed in the late 1970’s attracting many new sports to the area.
The club trains twice a week: Mondays & Wednesdays 7.00pm – 8.30pm. We have a depth of experience in both junior and senior Dan grades with a strong membership. We train with a friendly club atmosphere and visitors are always welcome.

Member of WKSA
EKGB qualified coach
Former KUGB Regional Officer
1975 Started karate
1981 gained 1st Dan
1983 gained 2nd Dan
1986 gained 3rd Dan
1993 gained 4th Dan
1999 gained 5th Dan

FUTURE HOPES AND AMBITIONS
To continue to develop my understanding of Shotokan Karate through the teachings of
Sensei Kase. To pass on my knowledge
to the next generation

Bottom Left: Mike is shown seated with
Sensei Taji Kase at an international
course in Luxembourg 1994
TRIBUTE TO SENSEI KASE