Basil Leeshue 5th DAN JKS

In the early days around 1972 Leeshue Sensei trained with a small group in the south of Nottingham, twice a week. As the club grew this became 3 or 4 times. Training with Steve Cattle, Harvey Barker, Takamizawa Sensei of the Wado Ryu and Asano Sensei of the SKI. Leeshue Sensei found he had a natural flare for the art and progressed well through the kyu grades. The training was hard and in the old traditions of "no pain no gain" and there was a lot of pain he remembers.

At the same time he was also following his hopes for the commonwealth games and was piped for selection during the AAA championships in Scotland. He was a strong contender at 400 meters youths and high jump. He had to make a decision of karate or athletics. Well I think we all know which way he decided to concentrate his efforts. He thinks today he most definitely made the right choice. Leeshue Sensei said "In 1998 I met a young lad in Nottingham who had been looking for me to let me know he had broken my high jump record which I held since 1974".

After achieving his 1st Dan in 1978 he entered more competitions and gained many accolades over the next few years. He eventually made the grade for the England Squad and fought internationally numerous times. He won the English championships and attained the accolade of Kata and Kumite champion of the S.K.G.B for two consecutive years.

Basil was one of the pioneers of the ' NOVA CENTURION ' the very first council sponsored karate team headed by Aidan Trimble and Kenny Johnson, we traveled the country making our mark and putting karate on the map within the Midlands Scotland and London area's. After Kenny Johnson left to pursue his own interest he took up Wado Ryu and attained 1st Dan. He found that preferred Shotokan and continued his studies with Sensei Asano.

He now hold seminars on close quarter karate and Oyo with Simon Oliver Sensei which he enjoy with a passion. He is still increasing his knowledge by studying with numerous senior instructors, such as Kagawa Sensei, Yamazaki Sensei and Terry O'Neill Sensei. He is now venturing into Europe as demand for his knowledge increases.

The Shinko Dojo and Long Eaton Martial Arts Centre are the brain chilled of Basil Leeshue.

The centre was opened 3years ago to offer a variety of martial arts to the long Eaton area. The idea was to offer a school of excellence for the youngster within the surrounding area!

Driven by his passion to pass on his knowledge and to bring young and old together in a safe and friendly environment, Sensei Leeshue has brought together some of the local families and teenagers to form part of the local club.
After extensive renovation by the club members giving up their weekends and some very late nights, the centre offers a great and safe place to train. As most of the members range from 6year old to 18years, it is seen to be more of an extended family and all enjoy having fun times and learning a martial art.