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
Dave Paulus is a certified karate instructor with over thirty years of dedicated training and teaching experience. Highly skilled and passionate about karate, Dave holds a 5th Dan Black Belt with the Japan Karate Association, as well as 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 after being selected for the JKA England Squad. He went on to represent England at the JKA European Championships. Dave credits much of his success to the instructors that he has trained under, particularly Ohta Sensei – Chief Instructor to JKA England.
Sensei Dave was appointed 'Assistant Coach' to the JKA England National Team in September 2020 and Deputy Head of JKA England in January 2023.
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.
SAM DEKKER
As a second Dan (Nidan), I have dedicated myself to this martial art since the age of 4. It is fair to say that I have developed a passion for the sport. This passion has been further expanded upon with the help of Yushikai Academy and the mentorship of my sensei. I have been able to compete in national and international competitions, representing the England JKA karate squad for the past 3 years.
I received my black belt (shodan) in 2016, which boosted my motivation to progress further and increase my knowledge of the martial art. I have also represented the club for many years, securing numerous medals for us.
The JKA community is a highly respected international organisation, and I feel honoured to be a part of it. I have learned that with hard work and dedication, everybody is able to achieve their dreams, whether that be competing in their first international competition or achieving their black belt. I hope to continue furthering my knowledge and inspiring others to progress through the next steps of their karate journey.
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
LEO XIONG
I started learning karate at the age of six after being recommended by a friend. Since then, I have thrived under Sensei Dave’s coaching and earned my black belt at the age of 10. Additionally, I have been a member of the JKA England squad for the past two years. Although I have not yet represented JKA England internationally, I hope to do so in the future.
I greatly enjoy training at Yushikai and take pride in representing the club at competitions and courses. In recent years, I have achieved success and won medals at national competitions.
As I continue my karate journey, my aspiration is to keep improving and hopefully reach the rank of 2nd Dan in the near future, while also maintaining a high standard of performance.
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.