Sensei Dave Bishop

Dave started Karate in 1968 under Japanese instructor Hayakana and then he went on to train under Japanese Champion Maeda. These names along with Kabayashi were among many back in those days. Training was hard and strict. Sensei would travel up to London to train 3 or 4 times a week and spend that time training with the top Japanese instructors. In 1977, Sensei Bishop opened his first Martial Arts club in Johnson Way Frimley. It started as a small club but steadily grew under the watchful eye of Sensei’s Chief instructor Mick Robbins. Mick was a great influence on Sensei, which has helped him achieve the things he has achieved today. During this time, Sensei Bishop travelled along with his father, Bill Bishop, twice a week to train under Suzuki. However, circumstances changed and Sensei then started to train under Shiomitsu who was the most influential instructor at that time. After a few years, there was a split between Suzuki and Shiomitsu. Sensei Bishop decided to stay with Shiomitsu whilst Sensei’s father trained under Suzuki. There was no bad feeling about this, both felt they had done what was best for them. Sensei Bishop then trained hard under Shiomitsu until a disagreement. By this time Sensei Bishop was teaching and competing all over Europe. In 1980 Sensei went to Japan and trained. Whilst there, he competed in the World Championships. Sensei Bishop was lucky to train under the Very Honoured Ōtsuka, the founder of Wado-Ryu, and Sensei also trained with Ōtsuka 2nd, his son. Then along with friends from Italy and Germany, Sensei helped form the A.I.E.K (Association of International European Karate), a multi-style federation with no politics and each style learning from the other. Over the years, Sensei Bishop has trained and produced National and European Champions to the highest standard and the A.I.E.K has changed Sensei's outlook on Karate forever.