ABOUT US 

Established in 1994, Yushikai Karate Academy has over 25 years’ experience training students of all ages and abilities. Growing organically from a small independent club, we are now one of the largest and most successful traditional karate academies in the UK. 
 
Our full-time, purpose-built facility in Radford Crescent, Billericay, has been our base since 2008. We offer over 20 classes a week to over 200 child and adult members across Essex. 
 
Affiliated with one of the most respected karate organisations in the world – the Japan Karate Association (JKA) - we pride ourselves on offering an authentic, nurturing and exciting experience for all our students. 

OUR DOJO 

We have cultivated a calm, safe and professional environment for all our students. Our 3,500 sq. ft. purpose-built facility is fully matted and equipped for serious training and student development. 
 
We have ample kicking shields and targets, jump ropes, resistance bands and plenty of focus mitts and tools for students of all ages. 
 
Our separate male and female changing rooms are equipped with bathrooms and showers, which are maintained to the highest standards at all times by our professional staff. 

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR DAVE PAULUS - 6th Dan JKA 

Dave Paulus is a certified karate instructor with almost forty years of training and teaching experience. He holds a 6th Dan Black Belt with the Japan Karate Association (JKA), which he passed in Okinawa—the birthplace of modern karate. He also holds JKA International Qualifications: 
Instructor (B) 
Judge (B) 
Examiner (C) 
 
After winning a gold medal at the 2011 JKA England National Championship, Dave achieved a career goal in 2012 when he was selected for the JKA England Squad. He went on to represent England at the JKA European Championships. He credits much of his progress to the instructors he has trained under, particularly Ohta Sensei, Chief Instructor of JKA England. 
 
Dave was appointed assistant coach to the JKA England national team in September 2020 and deputy head of JKA England in January 2023. During his time as assistant coach, the senior men’s Kumite team won the JKA European Championship for the first time in history. Following this success, he was promoted to head coach in January 2025. That same month, he was also appointed as a member of the JKA England technical committee. 

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS 

 

HARRISON LANGRIDGE 

Karate is an absolutely massive part of my life, whether it be teaching, training, or competing. After competing at a national level in gymnastics, I started karate at the age of 11 and haven't looked back since! My journey at the dojo has been instrumental in my personal development, and I have the club to thank for that. 
 
In 2017, I was selected for the JKA England squad and have gone on to represent England at three European Championships, medalling five times. Additionally, I compete yearly at the JKA England national championships, where I was awarded the best senior male trophy last year. 
 
Keen to continue learning, I try to travel around the country and internationally to train with some of the world's best instructors. It's important to continue pushing yourself and always be a student of the martial art, regardless of how long you've been training. With everything I learn, I always do my utmost to transfer that knowledge to my students, ensuring we all progress together. 
 

TOM  WARNOCK 

I first started practicing karate when Yushikai introduced after-school lessons at my infant school. Thanks to Sensei Dave's coaching, I was able to progress rapidly and achieved my black belt at the age of 10. Since then, I have further advanced to my 2nd Dan and have proudly represented JKA England as a squad member for the past 5 years. 
 
I thoroughly enjoy competing for both Yushikai and the JKA England squad, and I have been fortunate enough to achieve success, earning several medals in recent competitions. 
 
Additionally, I have served as an assistant instructor at Yushikai for several years, which has not only enhanced my karate skills but also helped me develop important life skills such as confidence and leadership. 
 
As I move forward, I aspire to continue my karate journey at university and maintain my commitment to competing at a high level. 
 

SUSIE JAYASINGHE 

Bio coming soon! 
 

ROB  LIGGINS 

Rob is a karate enthusiast who only came to the sport as an adult after retiring from other activities. He earned his black belt at 48, overcoming challenges of balancing training with a full-time job, frequent travel and family life. Beyond karate, Rob still loves to be cycling or snowboarding, continuously striving to stay active and adventurous. 
 
Rob's journey embodies the spirit of traditional karate, where one must truly earn their belts through hard work and dedication. He values the highest standards of Japan Karate Association (JKA) and training in a top facility with a great club. 
 
As well as continuing to compete at JKA England National and Open Championships, Rob also joins national and international courses to train with some of the world’s best instructors. He enjoys sharing his experience with others, helping them to reach their goals whilst using this as another means to benefit his own knowledge and skills. 

JUNIOR ASSISTANTS 

 

DESTINY ORME 

I first started karate when I was eight years old in an after-school club, soon moving on to join Yushikai as a devoted student under Sensei Dave. After hard work, I earned my black belt after six years and recently was selected to become a member of the JKA England squad. Later on, I was given the opportunity to represent England in the Czech Republic. 
 
I'm extremely proud to represent Yushikai in competitions and have been very fortunate to win various different medals, including the award for the best junior girl in my last tournament. 
 
This past year, being an assistant instructor has helped me become more confident than I was before and has helped me develop skills that I will use for the rest of my life. 
 
As I move forward, I aspire to achieve my second dan and push myself to improve my skills further, striving to maintain a high standard in future competitions. 
 

JACK HIGBEE 

I started my karate journey at the age of 5 when I was in year 1. I started off doing 1 night a week after school being taught by some great Sensei’s. This was when I realised how much I enjoyed the martial art. 10 years later and I have just achieved my black belt, this has to be one of the best things I have every accomplished. 
 
Throughout the years I have been training at the club, I have achieved goals I would have never dreamed of, my best would include passing my black belt and placing 3rd in the 2023 nationals. 
 
Since I have started my journey of being an assistant instructor I have enjoyed developing and improving not only my karate but other key life skills such as confidence. 
 
Moving forward, I aspire to continue with my teaching and pushing myself to achieve my 2nd Dan and competing at higher levels. 
 

JAMIE COOPER 

I started learning karate in 2016 at the age of 8. One of the main reasons I started karate was because I wanted to learn a martial art. Since then, I have been taught by Sensei Dave and earned my black belt in December 2022 at the age of 13. 
 
I have participated in many competitions, such as Nationals and Opens, and have won a couple of medals, including one gold. 
 
I thoroughly enjoy training with Sensei Dave at Yushakai as it improves many skills in my daily life, such as self-defense, discipline, and focus. Recently, I have started helping Sensei Dave at the dojo, and I hope to continue doing so in my karate journey. 
 
In the future, I aspire to continue improving in karate, hopefully reaching the rank of 2nd Dan, and maybe one day joining the JKA squad. I aim to maintain a high standard of performance and dedicate myself to my karate practice. 
 

OLIVER SARGOOD 

Bio coming soon!