Our Sensei
Founded in 1970, Aaisatsu Karate Club boasts a rich heritage and a strong tradition within the sport of karate. Over the decades, the club has cultivated an environment that encourages discipline, respect, and athletic excellence, making it a pillar of the local martial arts community.
Every Sensei at Aaisatsu Karate Club is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism. All instructors have completed safeguarding training, are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked, and hold national instructor qualifications affiliated with the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB).
Sensei
Gary Blundell
7th Dan
I started karate in 1974, joining Aaisatsu Karate club under Sensei Jim Smith.
I still remember walking into the Dojo for the first time, anxious and nervous, but eager to do something different.
Karate quickly became a defining part of my life.
Sensei Jim Smith was not just my instructor, but a mentor and a guiding force through my life.
I have been fortunate enough to have travelled to Japan on numerous occasions, thus deepening my appreciation and understanding of Karate tradition. I have also trained with many inspirational Karateka.
In 2024, I was honoured for 50 years membership with the Karate Union of Great Britain, and in 2025 I was awarded my 7th Dan from the KUGB technical committee.
On reflection, I am proud of my achievements and grateful for the lifelong sense of community and purpose Karate has given me.
Sensei
Bill MacKenzie
6th Dan
Bill’s karate adventure began in 1975 when his brother Chas invited him to a lively demonstration in Chester by the Aaisatsu Karate Club, featuring the talented guest instructor Sensei Tomita. Captivated by the excitement and skill on display, Bill joined the club and spent the next 27 years learning from Sensei Jim Smith.
Throughout his journey as a KUGB member, Bill was lucky to train with some of the best instructors in the world, especially Senseis Enoeda.
After retiring from competition in 2002, Bill has enjoyed staying involved as a Referee and Chief Instructor at the Aaisatsu Karate Club. He’s passionate about passing on his love of karate, hoping to inspire a new generation of students just as he was inspired on his own journey.
​Sensei
Thomas McGoldrick
3rd Dan
Tom began karate in 1970 with the Wado Style in Wigan, where Sensei Billy Higgins inspired him to pursue the martial art seriously.
In 1972, while at Salford University, Tom switched to Shotokan under Sensei Terry O’Neil. Balancing karate and football was hard, he joined Sensei Higgins’ Shotokan club, Sei Do Kan, competing as part of the kumite team and training under Sensei Enoeda.
In 1981, Tom moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, training with Sensei Stan Schmidt and practicing Jujitsu.
Back in the UK in 1987, Tom resumed training and competing with Sei Do Kan. In 1997, he joined Aaisatsu Karate Club in Chester, quickly becoming an instructor and committee member under Sensei Jim Smith.
Over 55 years after first tying his belt, Tom continues to train and inspires new members, helping them grow in karate and as individuals.
Sensei
Tom Nugent
3rd Dan
I began training in Shotokan at Aaisatsu in 2001. What started as a fun way keep fit and learn something new has become a lifelong pursuit.
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I love the continual self-improvement that comes from training — every movement and technique holds more depth and meaning that reveals itself over time. There are always improvements, refinements, and new ways of looking at something to unlock progress. Karate develops a strong attitude of self-development, focus, and persistance - both in and out of the dojo.
