Sensei Randy Williams 6th Dan

1956-2012

Leeds Shotokan Karate Club is very sad to announce the death of Sensei Randolph Williams, 6th Dan.

Randy started training at LSKC in 1975 under Sensei Bob Rhodes, and after two decades of achievements as a national and international competitor took over the club in 2000.

With the support of the KUGB, he has led the club from strength to strength and produced many fine Karatekas, including National squad members and National and Regional champions.

He passed ROKU-Dan (6th Dan) in 2006 and became a grading examiner shortly after and was set to continue developing in his role as a KUGB senior instructor. Randy was truly inspiring, engendering strength, self-belief and discipline in all who trained with him. His strength of character and mind is etched on the hearts of young and older club members alike, and the club will endeavour to take forth all that he has taught over the years to a high standard of Karatekas, compliant in all aspects of Karate-do.

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Randy started training at LSKC under Sensei Bob Rhodes in 1975. Passing Shodan (Black Belt 1st Dan) in April 1982, he was selected for the K.U.G.B National Squad in 1983 and represented the British Team at the World Championships held in Egypt that year. He passed Nidan (2nd Dan) in August 1984 after competing with LSKC at the KUGB National Championships, Crystal Palace, where he gained 1st place in Team Kumite. 

Guided by Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Sherry, he kept his place on the National Team for 8 years alongside the likes of Frank Brennan, Ronnie Christopher, Gary Harford, Ian Roberts, and Jane Naylor. During this time, he travelled all over the world for competitions. After a succession of 1st and 2nd place Team Kumite medals, most notably at the E.S.K.A Championships in Sunderland in 1986 and 1987, he passed Sandan (3rd Dan) in May 1988.

The next decade saw a string of further achievements.  This included 1st place Kumite awards in E.K.B. and K.U.G.B championships, both individually and as a National team member; winning the Shotokan Cup Individual Kumite in 1991, 92 and 93; passing Yondan (4th Dan) in October 1993 after gaining 1st place Individual Kumite in the Northern Region Championships and becoming K.U.G.B. Individual National Kumite Champion in 1996.  He retired from individual competitions at this point, but continued to play a role in team competitions, and passed GO-Dan (5th Dan) in October 1998. 

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Having competed for 20 years, he decided it was time to pass on some of the knowledge and experience gained from senior instructors and through training.  Taking over from Sensei Rhodes, Randy started running Leeds Shotokan Karate Club in August 2000.  He has developed the club over the last twelve years during which time he passed ROKU-Dan (6th Dan) in October 2006 and became a Grading Examiner in June 2007.