Who are Our Instructors

Chief Instructor

Shihan John Errington (7th dan JTKI)

John founded Ormskirk Shotokan Karate Club in 1989 after a successful tournament career in the 1970s and 1980s. He is the senior dan grade of the Japan Karate Association World Federation (England).

He was appointed Chief Referee of the United Kingdom Traditional Karate Federation and went on to serve as a World and European Championship referee, officiating at World Championships in Montreal, São Paulo, and Tokyo, as well as numerous European events.

He has trained continuously since 1966, both in the UK and abroad, his mentors being Asano, Enoeda, Kase, Nishiyama and Kawasoe. In turn, he has taught and mentored many students, from beginner to as high as 6th dan.

Assistant Chief Instructor

Sensei Steve Kirrelly (6th Dan JKA)

With over 50 years of experience, Sensei Kirrelly, like Sensei Errington, has travelled the world, training with many legendary Karate instructors, as well as competing in and judging multiple national and international championships.

Sensei Kirrelly is also a fully qualified instructor and judge for the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and is one of the few JKA Karate-Ka in the UK to hold the rank of 6th Dan.

Club Instructor & Adult Safeguarding Officer

Sensei Mark Warren (6th Dan JKA)

Sensei Warren is our Adult Safeguarding Officer and one of our club's most senior instructors.

Sensei Warren has attended and competed in multiple courses and competitions over the years, in addition to running his own dojo. He, like Sensei Kirrelly, is one of the few people in the UK to hold the grading of JKA 6th Dan.

Club Instructor

Sensei Andy Durney (5th Dan JKA)

A member of Ormskirk Shotokan Karate Club since the club's early years, based out of Cross Hall School, Ormskirk, Sensei Durney has attended and competed in numerous national and international karate courses. He currently holds the JKA Rank of 5th Dan.

Club Instructor

Sensei John Bowyer (4th Dan JKA)

Formerly a student at the legendary Red Triangle in Liverpool before joining the Ormskirk Shotokan Karate Club, Sensei Bowyer has been with the club for many years. Holding the JKA rank of 4th Dan, he has attended multiple national and international courses during his time with the club.