Karate black-tie dinner dance

Many of those involved in that first club went on to teach the martial art at clubs all over the North West of Ireland and beyond.

Students of those early Karate pioneers still teach clubs in Derry, Donegal, Tyrone and Belfast.

A group of karate practitioners, many of whom trained with George McBride in the early 70’s, has formed an association to celebrate this sporting milestone.

This 40th anniversary fits perfectly into the Derry/Londonderry City of Culture 2013 and will celebrate a small part of Japanese culture which has been maintained in the City since 1973.

The North West Karate Association has already set up a Facebook page to share photographs and memories of those early days and we would welcome contributions from anyone who has a photograph or a story to share. We especially want to hear from anyone involved in those early days of the sport go to the North West Karate Association page on Facebook.

If you have any problems finding the page or just want to get in touch, e-mail us at [email protected].

The culmination of the celebrations in 2013 will be a gala black-tie dinner dance to be held at the Waterfoot Hotel on Saturday, October 19.

Tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To book tickets e-mail us or call Billy Carlin (0771) 785 4884.

For full details visit to the North West Karate Association page on Facebook or e-mail us at [email protected].