Club reaches 20 years and is still a Tower of strength (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Club reaches 20 years and is still a Tower of strength

8:02pm Tuesday 13th November 2007 in

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DARWEN's oldest established karate club has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Tower Shukokai first opened its doors way back in 1987 and to mark the occasion and special presentation was made to its two first students - who are still members today!.

The club, formerly known as Jiyu Kigen Ryu, was originally based in the Tower Room in Darwen Leisure Centre. It has since moved to Darwen Vale School.

The inaugural session was preceded by a demonstration of karate skills by members of Jiyu Kigen Ryu led by founder member and fifth dan Andy Allwood.

After the demonstration the audience was invited to sign up for lessons and first in the queue for membership was Caroline Heatlie-Jackson, followed by husband Nick.

The pair still train at the club, as do their daughters Natasha and Katie.

The club has gone from strength to strength over the years with many members taking regional and national competition titles. Andy is assisted at the club by his wife, Lorraine and Martyn Skipper, who joined in 2000.

To commemorate the anniversary, inaugural members Nick and Caroline made a presentation of wine to Andy and Lorraine after a training session.

Tower Shukokai now meets on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at Darwen Vale, and Edgworth Primary schools. The club is affiliated to the Amateur Martial Association and English Karate Federation. For more information phone Andy on 01204 596199, email andyallwood@aol.com, or visit www.towershukokai.co.uk