About the Club

Stevenage Karate Club was founded in 1979 by Scott and Dean Saunders, both Shodan at the time. The club flourished under their instruction, attracting a regular attendance of 40 members at training sessions in the early 1980’s. Grading sessions were organised every 3 months at Hatfield Polytechnic, initially under Tomita Sensei and later, from 1983, under Ohta Sensei.

Both club instructors graded Nidan around that time and continued to teach at the club until Jeff Fletcher, member of National Team Kumite Champions, joined the club. Jeff held the grade of Sandan at that time and took over as Senior Club Instructor. His vast competition experience brought a new dimension to the club. It was under his instruction that Derek Oakley graded Nidan in 1985. It was also during this period that Scott and Dean, the original club founders, left the club, and when Jeff moved abroad in 1990 Derek was his natural successor as Senior Club Instructor.

The club continued to thrive and enjoyed a good and strong reputation. It was this outstanding reputation that, at the end of 1991, convinced Tom Peebles, then Shodan, to join the club.

Over the years Toms’ involvement in the club has grown and in the Summer 2003 Tom became Senior Club Instructor for Stevenage Karate Club.

Stevenage Karate Club counts around 50 active members, including 16 JKA black belts.