Although many believe its style originated in India, karate was born in Okinawa as a form of self defence. It came at a time when weapons were banned by invading Japanese forces – hence the meaning of the word: ‘empty hand’.
Karate was introduced to the United Kingdom in 1956 by Vernon Bell and was spread throughout by various masters, rapidly becoming one of the most popular martial arts in the land.
Due to a surge of martial arts movies released in the 1970s and 1980s, an influx of people took up the sport – including many from Hampshire.
In 1982, 65-year-old laundrette worker Doris Allen from Fareham became a new adopter of the sport.
Doris dropped in on the twice-weekly classes out of curiosity but ended up joining when she saw the fun they were having.
That same year a group of black belts from Shotokai karate club showed off their skills in a demonstration at Hill College.
People of all ages took part in the group exercises with them.
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