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KDS comes to Gibraltar
Karate-Do Shotokai Gibraltar was formed in 1974 by Bob Pugh who had previously lived & trained in UK with KDS under the guidance of Harada Sensei. Approached by a group of young men who wished to learn Karate, Bob began teaching informal lessons as his work schedule allowed. Word quickly spread and a handfull of eager students rapidly turned into an official club.
The Early Years
At first the club had no permanent location and the RAF gym at North Front was used for training. As this location was next to the beach many of the practice sessions began with the students running along the beach as part of the warm-up. This really got the legs working!
Later on, the practice sessions took place at the Dockyard Sports Association. At this time the club membership had grown to about 20. As the club grew in popularity, and members, it was decided to look for a permanent location.
The First Dojo
Baker's Passage was the clubs first permanent location. The premises was previously a garage and thus had to be extensively renovated by the members before it could be used. This location was used by the club from 1976 to 1988.
With the influx of more eager students wishing to sign up, the club premises proved too small and inadequate to cater for so many members. It was agreed amongst the senior members that the need for larger premises was vital for the growth of the club.
Bakers Passage Dojo
The Second (and present) Dojo
These premises were obtained in 1988 and due to the building being virtually derelict, the members had to extensively renovate the entire floor allocated to us. The building is constructed of stone and we believe that it was originally designed and used as an ammunition store and later as a bakery. It was officialy opened in 1990 by Gibraltar's Sports Minister in the presence of Sensei Harada and representatives from worldwide KDS clubs.
The club consists of several sections and areas. The dojo, two changing rooms with showers; one for males and the other for females, a small office, and the all important bar which is used to host several functions throughout the year.
 Inaguration of the current Dojo 1990
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HISTORY |
