Leicester Martial Arts Club

Coming soon Leicester Karate Club 60th anniversary free exhibition

Just heard the sad news that Jim McNair who was a 2nd dan at Leicester Karate Club in the 70's and early 80's died last week. Our thoughts and sympathies to his family and friends. I remember him as a very tough black belt. It was always a test facing him in on the mats!

Myself with Pasquale Petrella in November 2024. Pasquale from Germany has been a regular instructor visiting the dojo since 1994.

March 1989 a course was held with Masao Kawasoe.
Picture with Richard Mayes and Steve Cattle to Kawasoe’s left.

Free open exhibition at the Secular Hall to view Leicester Karate Club's history through the years since 1966...Saturday 13th June 2026

SPECIAL EVENT TO MARK Leicester Karate Club
60th BIRTHDAY JUNE 2026
& THE DOJOS 80th BIRTHDAY OCT' 2026 DETAILS TO FOLLOW!

Sad to hear of the passing of Shiro Asano. He was a regular karate teacher in the late 60s and early 70s at our dojo. Hired in to help the students develop. Known for his tough training sessions and indomitable spirit. 🙇‍♂️

29.10.1939 – 19.01.2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our father, Hanshi Shiro Asano.

He dedicated his life to spreading the art and discipline of Karate; shaping skilled Karate-ka, instilling spirit, values, and confidence, and leading and building the family of SKIF-GB.

To so many of you, he was more than an instructor; he was a role model, a mentor, a guide, a friend, and someone who stood tall. He brought energy, a sense of humour, humility, and a big heart into every room he entered.

He was larger than life, brave, honest, and always the life and soul of the party; someone who lived fully, laughed loudly, and gave generously. His legacy lives on in the countless personal memories each of you will carry: lessons from the dojo that stayed with you long after training ended, trips away, and conversations shared over a beer and a social after “hard training”.

This is very recent and as such there are no arrangements yet. Our family kindly ask that you respect our privacy at this sad time.

Thank you for being part of his Karate family, which he loved with all his heart. His spirit lives on in every student he taught and every life he has touched over the last 86 years.

We will forever love and miss him. In his own words:

“One life, must enjoy, Oss!”

This years anniversary logo..

27th October 1951 in the Leicester Chronicle with Melton and Rutland Police taking on Judo with Harry Ewen (31) (pictured on the right) as the instructor on a special ten week course. Soon after, Judo and Jujitsu were incorporated in the Leicestershire Police force.