Sensei Jon Donohoe

Jon Donohoe started studying Shotokan Karate under Senseis Alf and Wei-in Hatton in Ipswich in 1985. He passed his first Kyu grade in 1985 and was awarded his Sho (1st) Dan grade at Crystal Palace on 12th May 1989 by Sensei K. Enoeda 8th Dan.

Jon took over the stewardship of ISKC in 1990 after Senseis Hatton left Ipswich to pursue their full time careers in Birmingham. Jon was awarded his Ni (2nd) Dan at Crystal Palace in May, 1992, again by the legendary Enoeda Sensei. He dedicated the next 14 years building ISKC to the strong and highly respected karate club it is today.

Ipswich Shotokan Karate Club has been helped over the past decade by several people in particular by Sensei Ohta, 6th Dan, chief instructor to Japan Karate Association England (JKAE), and Sensei Ismail, 5th Dan. Both leading instructors of the JKAE nationally visit our club regularly. Sensei Jon is supported by Assistant Instructors Alice Donohoe, Philip Harold, and Barry Crozier. Together with the invaluable club secretary Angela Donohoe who has been a constant support to Jon, as well as chauffeur and companion to many training courses in Britain and overseas.

In 2005 Jon was awarded his San (3rd) Dan by Ohta Sensei, at the new home for JKAE spring and autumn international training courses in Guildford, Surrey.