The discredited British Aikido Board & Jack Poole - UKShinwakai Aikido. The collusion to alter the history of UK Aikido-Judo- Karate-Kendo. This documented blog highlights a disgraceful episode in the history of British Budo..along with the shameless people associated with them....If you value our proud UK Budo lineage. protect the truth for future generations. Henry Ellis - Dip: Osensei M Ueshiba Dip:349 ~ K Abbe ~ M Nakazono ~ TK Chiba ~ Doshu M Ueshiba..
Henry Ellis tells of his experiences training and receiving technique from Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Masahilo Nakazono Sensei
Aikiweb - Masahilo Nakazono - "A Man of Peace & Pieces" The second article on Aikiweb has now been published in the series "It Had to be Felt" - Henry Ellis tells of his time training under the direction of Masahilo Nakazono Sensei from 1960.Visit Aikiweb Click here >- Aikiweb - Nakazono Sensei Article
Henry Ellis a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. "AikiWeb" has published an article to add to their popular article collection of "It Had to be Felt" `IHTBF`.
"No matter your pretence,you are what you are and nothing more".-
How prophetic these words would become as so many `aikidoka of no true substance elevate themselves to the high standards of a Budo legend such as Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. I find it laughable, yet also very sad, to see where aikido teachers who``grade themselves``and then have the gall to claim on their websites " Sensei Bogoff is one of the most senior Aikido teachers in the world"
The British Aikido Board - Governing Body for UK Aikido. This discredited organisation claims to protect the standards of UK Aikido. This organisation will, and does, accept without question any high grade incl several 7th and 8th dans, also titles such as Shihan - Hanshi and Soke are also common.One can even download their own dan grade of choice certification from the BAB website for a fee.
Below - For the full BAB Revelations of the Executive member:
Amazing Undeniable Proof!! Slough Dojo 1968 - From day one - Jack Poole's attendance records from Slough Aikido dojo recently found. Click -> Jack Poole records <- Click.
Click photo to Enlarge. During the 1950s a small group of Aikido students under the direction of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei travelled around the UK promoting the `new` martial art of Aikido. They would often teach for free; In time they would be called the British Aikido pioneers. They were proud of their history and lineage; until the British Aikido Board decided to create their very own pioneer of Budo in a Mr Jack Poole.
The BAB were fully aware the claims of Mr Poole were totally fraudulent; they would ignore the facts and insult the true pioneers, when, without warning they sneakily added Mr Poole at the end of a presentation line up of genuine Aikido pioneers. With the backing of the BAB a governing body for UK Aikido, Mr Poole would become the first UK student of Aikido - Karate - Kendo - BJC 3rd dan International Judoka, [several years before the BJC was created]. What made this occasion all the more bizarre was that Mr Poole was in the same line as his first teacher Sensei Ellis. Now read the apology from the ex-BAB executive below.
Henry Ellis Apology to Mick Poole Judoka:. To Mick Poole Judoka and family of the highly respected late P.J.(Jack) Poole 3rd dan Kodokan Judoka; a police officer with the Shanghai Police Force (1930s). We apologise for any misunderstanding that may arise from our exposure of the conduct of the Mr Jack Poole of Aikido/Budo infamy;and the British Aikido Board to which this website is dedicated. It has been suggested that our Mr Poole's claims to be a third dan in Judo were based on the real P.J.(Jack) Poole third dan Judoka ?.- Our Mr Poole has used many deceased Budoka's names to re-invent his image. (Mr J Poole Aikido is not related PJ (Jack) Poole - Kodokan Judo.) With respect - Henry Ellis
Mr Arnold Davies. President of The International Bushido Za Zen Society. Stated:
"I now state quite clearly that Jack Poole was excluded from the Bushido Za Zen International Society under a cloud of mistrust and deceit. My own opinion of Jack Poole and which is drawn from experience is ``I see him as a very egostisical man who will use and abuse the trust of genuine people in order to develop an identity for himself".
Apology to Mr Ellis from Ex-British Aikido Board Senior Executive. Received and accepted 6/9/09. No apology as yet from Ms Timms BAB Secretary
For the Attention of Henry Ellis Sensei.
Dear Henry, I write this email to once and for all state that I am truly sorry for all of the distress caused to you by my email correspondence which contained information I now know to be complete lies and fabrications. The basis for the lies came from various members of the then BAB Exec team. These meeting were held in both Solihull and Slough at the home of the BAB Secretary, Shirley Timm’s. None of the information discussed at these meeting was minuted in any detail with regard to you. It became apparent very quickly they were trying to recover themselves from a huge mistake they had made with regard to awarding Jack Poole an award for time in Aikido when he clearly had not been in Aikido this long. People turned against you in these meetings and started to bad mouth your good name and character with utter rubbish and fabrication. Shirley Timm’s was the basis and the main instigator in these lies with Tony Davis also adding false anecdotes and recounting tales which now quite clearly never occurred. Sadly, I listened to these and believed them. I know now they are completely false. With Regard, Ex-BAB Communications Officer( name withheld for legal reasons )
##The Evil BAB lies referred to in this apology were the slanderous BAB rumour machine that Henry Ellis had been charged by the police with GBH ``grievous bodily harm`` which is second only to murder in the UK.The BAB thought that by slandering my name the membership would believe the crass claims of both the BAB and Jack Poole. Henry Ellis did not even have a motoring offence against his good name and character.##
For the full BAB Revelations of the Executive: Click here for BAB Exposed BAB Exposed
Mr Poole with the full endorsement of the British AIkido Board. Mr Poole initially claimed to have dan grades in Aikido - Kendo - Karate - Judo - Rather than apologise when exposed for these false claims, Mr Poole has now changed his website to read "Mr Poole has trained to dan grade standard in several martial arts".. Jack, you really should have been a politician!!. Toni Bliar would have been so proud to have you on his team.
If Mr Poole's claims had not been exposed ? These claims supported by the BAB would have changed the history of Aikido in the UK.Claims that would have made Mr Poole the first UK student of Aikido - Karate and Kendo; Mr Poole would have been the first BJC Judo 3rd Dan.Also the first BJC International Judoka (duh - this was several years before the BJC was created).
Discredited British Aikido Board.
The then BAB chairman Toni Davies and secretary Ms Shirley Timms, followed by the present BAB Chairman Mr Sumpter of the now discredited British Aikido Board. They condoned, whilst fully knowing the truth of Mr Poole's charade; they were prepared to go to great lengths to continue to support the fraudulent claims of Mr Poole; they continue to do so even to this day.The BAB resorted to slandering the good name of Henry Ellis in an attempt to prevent the exposure of the BAB and Mr Poole.
Mr Poole `created` a biography using and abusing the names of many deceased Budo Masters. 1 - Mr Poole claimed to have studied in France 1951/2 with the late Tadashi Abe Sensei..This claim is totally denied by Pierre Chasange Sensei the first student in France of Tadashi Abe Sensei.
2 - Mr Poole claimed to have been a third dan in Judo with the late Masutaro Otani Sensei. A third dan in 1952 would have been one of top Judoka in the UK. Bill Stopps Sensei the first student of Otani Sensei in 1947 stated "I have never heard of Jack Poole" This claim was also totally debunked by Robin Otani Sensei President of the British Judo Council.
3 - Mr Poole claimed to have competed in 1954 for the British Judo Council (BJC)in international Judo competitions in Europe. The BJC was not formed until 1958 and did not start international competition until 1968. Once again Jack's claims were debunked by Robin Otani Sensei.
4 - Mr Poole claimed to have received his 1st dan in Shotokan Karate in 1954.(duh) Shotokan Karate was introduced to the UK 11 years later in 1965 by the late Dr Vernon Bell and Enoeda Sensei.
5 - Mr Poole claimed to have studied Kendo in 1954 with the late Tommio Otani Sensei. In 1954 Tommio Otani was a thirteen year old school boy.
6 - Mr Arnold Davies president of the Bushido Za Zen Society; denied Jack's claims to have organised international seminars for the BZZS;stating:
"I now state quite clearly that Jack Poole was excluded from the Bushido Za Zen International Society under a cloud of mistrust and deceit. My own opinion of Jack Poole and which is drawn from experience is ``I see him as a very egostisical man who will use and abuse the trust of genuine people in order to develop an identity for himself".
Mr Davies has summed up Mr Jack Poole perfectly. HE
Whilst Mr Poole thought the dead could not speak, he forgot to check that his `first teacher` Henry Ellis from the time he was a total beginner in 1968 - was still alive.
1968 - Henry Ellis with uke Geoff Goodwin at the Slough Dojo. Mr Poole can be seen clearly arrowed as a beginner. Don't be surprised if Mr Poole uses this photo to claim he was a member of the Red Arrows Air Display Team.
Read the full Jack Poole Bio Exposed Click here. Jack Exposed
A Letter from the Doshu M Ueshiba. Whilst the BAB resorted to lies and defamation of the good name of Henry Ellis for his determined fight for the protection of British Aikido history. In contrast the Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba sent Henry Ellis a personal letter of gratitude. Doshu letter: Click here Doshu Letter
Amazing Undeniable Proof!! Slough Dojo 1968 - Jack Poole's attendance records from Slough Aikido dojo recently found. Click -> Jack Poole records <- Click.
Roger Gilmatin is the young man sitting far left on photo.
Received 27th August 2010. Attention: Sensei Henry Ellis Sensei –
My name is Gilmartin, I was one of your students at Slough and Bracknell Sports Centre dojos. I was Mr. Goodwin’s assistant, while John Berloth was yours. I have just become aware of the bewildering tale of Jack Poole. Your account of the facts tally’s precisely with my memory of that period. I can only conclude that poor Jack has suffered a mental breakdown of some nature and lives in a delusion. Congratulations on your success, my years as a student of yours count among the best of my life.
Roger Gilmartin 3rd Kyu. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
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Jack Poole and the British Aikido Board were prepared to lie for this statue. They were prepared to change the true history and lineage of British Aikido. They were also prepared; and did slander the `good` name of Henry Ellis hoping to achieve their aims.....Despite the `ex` BAB communications executive making a public admission and apology of the involvement of the governing bodies disgraceful conduct, the BAB have never apologised.
Silence is Approval.
All it takes for the BAB & Jack Poole & their cohorts to succeed; is for good Aikidoka, both men and women to do nothing...
The year 2000.National Seminar. The BAB presented four pioneers of UK Aikido with a bronze statue. Henry Ellis was shocked to see one of his own ex-students named Jack Poole creeping quietly to the end of the presentation line up.You could not make this story up; but the discredited British Aikido Board did.
The BAB chairman and secretary aided by supporters of Jack Poole went to great lengths to re-create Mr Poole as a`Pioneer of British Aikido`.This was done with total disregard and disrespect for the memory of Kenshiro Abbe and the true history and Lineage of Aikido in the UK from its inception in 1955.
The then BAB Vice Chairman Ralph Reynolds Sensei told Henry Ellis that Mr Poole and his associated members had threatened to boycott the national seminar; and possibly resign from the BAB if Mr Poole was not included in the presentation as a pioneer. This explains the sudden inclusion of Mr Poole as a new pioneer.
Toni Davies. 2000 - The inept BAB Chairman who lied to all attending association members by closing the general meeting early; saying that another group were waiting to use the meeting room. Toni Davies lied as Henry Ellis stood up to speak,he lied to prevent Henry Ellis raising questions on Mr Poole's charade. Henry Ellis checked with the facility manager who confirmed the BAB were the only group booking the hall that day. Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman were founder members of the BAB.They resigned the ESTA in disgust at what the BAB had become.
2000 - Mr Vincent Sumpter. The new BAB chairman after the dumping of the inept previous chairman Toni Davies. It was hoped Mr Sumpter would be a much needed breath of fresh air for what is the halitosis of the then BAB.Sadly, not so,he has proved to be a clone of Toni Davies.
Mr Sumpter rather than resolving the controversy; continued his predecessors full support of Mr Poole. The BAB were instructed by Sport England the head of UK governing bodies to apologise to Henry Ellis for their conduct.The apology did not deter the senior BAB executives who then began a campaign to slander the good name of Henry Ellis in its continued support for Mr Jack Poole. See below the apology from the Ex-BAB Executive below.
Ms Shirley Timms BAB Secretary.. Ms Timms was the loyal and long serving secretary to the BAB. She was also a long time student at the Hut Dojo; the birth place of UK Aikido history from 1955. Ms Timms was not at the Hut Dojo in 1955; but she would have been familiar with the history and the facts. Ms Timms as the BAB secretary refused to see photos - statements and videos of Mr Poole's charade,she continued to promote Mr Poole to the BAB's unsuspecting members as a pioneer of British Aikido. The true pioneers were listed as such on the BAB event brochure and poster,there was no mention of Mr Poole until he crept on to the end of the presentation line up to collect his tarnished statue.. See the event programme below and win a prize.
Gary Masters - KenShinKai Read the ` KenShinKai Aikido ` letter of support for the fraud of Jack Poole from Gary Masters. KenShinKai Aikido support for the fraud of Jack Poole The BAB have since apologised - The KenShinKai still supports Mr Poole's fraudulent claims...Right - Mr Poole clutches his coveted statue.
Mr Jack Poole initially claimed to have dan grades in Aikido - Kendo - Karate - Judo - These claims have now changed on his website to "" Mr Poole has trained to dan grade standard in several martial arts "" Jack, you should have been a politician..
Mr Keith Holland. The `Controversy` did have its lighter moments with the following comment from Mr Keith Holland being my favourite; "Henry Ellis is envious that his former student Mr Poole has achieved much greater things than Mr Ellis" As proved all Mr Poole's claims are imaginary other than his 7th dan which was kindly given by his `own` students, and perhaps would explain Mr Holland and others desperately protecting their grades. Les White told Henry Ellis of a seminar where Mr Poole stood in front of a collective group from beginners to high grades and asked "Errrgh what do you all think if I promote myself to 7th dan ?". Les said the dumb silence was regarded as a `yes` as Mr Poole became 7th dan.So, who did Mr Poole then grade to 6th dan ?? No prizes for guessing.
Henry Ellis - Diploma's signed by Osensei Morihei Ueshiba No 349 - Kenshiro Abbe - Masahilo Nakazono - TK Chiba - The Doshu M Ueshiba. Henry Ellis a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - he is a pioneer of British Aikido from the 1950s - he was one of the first of five Aikido dan grades in the UK. Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman introduced Aikido to the UK Further Education System in 1963.
Jack Poole 1968 When possible Henry Ellis would include beginners such as Mr Poole in demonstrations to encourage new members. The British Aikido Board refused to view this video or the many photos from 1968 of Mr Poole as a beginner.The BAB presented Mr Poole with a Samurai statue to support his claim of Aikido from 1951-2.. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
The 2000 BAB Brochure - Where is Mr Poole ?
Click to enlarge and win a Prize: 1st prize - Holiday at Butlins Bognor in February - 2nd prize - Video of a BAB Course - 3rd prize -(Booby prize) a dan grade of your choice from the BAB website.
This is the event leaflet. Listing the instructors to be honoured at the event. If you can find Mr Poole's name on the programme ? you can win a valued prize. I was informed by the BAB `Vice Chairman` that senior Shinwakai and `associated` organisations had threatened to boycott the event if Mr Poole was not included,also possibly leaving the BAB. So, the cowardly BAB sneaked Mr Poole minus his magic lamp on to the end of the line at the last moment for the presentation.... _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________
The Poster that created a "Man of Budo"
Click to enlarge: The poster on the left was `approved` and circulated by Ms Timms the secretary of the British Aikido Board in the year 2000. One can see that in the year 2000 Mr Poole claims 47 years of Aikido. A claim to have started Aikido in 1953 as a student in France of Tadashi Abe Sensei...Making Mr Poole the first UK Aikidoka. Mr Poole was actually a beginner in the Ellis Dojo at Slough in 1968. See the email below from another student Roger Gilmartin from 1968, he is in the photos with Mr Poole, email received on the 27th - August - 2010... Pierre Chasang Sensei the first student of Tadashi Abe adamantly denies Mr Poole's claim. The BAB were fully aware of Mr Poole's true history, refusing to see 1968 photos and film. The BAB ( Bad @ Budo ) considered Mr Poole's membership with much higher regard than the proud history and lineage left in our care by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei the founding father of British Aikido. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________
Email from Roger Gilmartin.
Roger Gilmatin is the young man sitting far left on photo.
Received 27th August 2010. Attention: Sensei Henry Ellis Sensei –
My name is Roger Gilmartin, I was one of your students at Slough and Bracknell Sports Centre dojos. I was Mr. Goodwin’s assistant, while John Berloth was yours. I have just become aware of the bewildering tale of Jack Poole. Your account of the facts tally’s precisely with my memory of that period. I can only conclude that poor Jack has suffered a mental breakdown of some nature and lives in a delusion. Congratulations on your success, my years as a student of yours count among the best of my life.
Roger Gilmartin 3rd Kyu. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
British Aikido Board Secretary Ms Shirley Timms.
Henry Ellis dared to question the appalling conduct of the BAB. Ms S Timms the BAB secretary stated "Henry Ellis is in BIG BIG trouble now!!; we the BAB are employing a barrister to sue Ellis for Libel". I am still waiting. A lawyer would advise Ms Timms that you cannot sue people for speaking the truth, when you are the one that is lying..H Ellis I assume that Big Big trouble is serious stuff.In reality; I should sue Ms Timms and the BAB for the serious defamation of my good character as detailed in the ex BAB executives apology.Read the ex BAB executives apology below.)
Henry Ellis produced hard facts: Against Mr Poole's bizarre claims; with many photos/video/letters/statements/ documents/ all from eminent Martial Artists.Including TK Chiba Shihan ~ Robin Otani Sensei President of the BJC.Arnold Davies President of the International Bushido Za Zen Society.Pierre Chasange Sensei.
Did Mr Poole fight back with evidence to support his charade? . The Only Cowardly Defence on Offer was Blackmail; please see the threatening email below to Henry Ellis.
Did Mr Poole counter with factual evidence ?? NO !! not once..Mr Poole's supporters had no defence to offer,so, to protect their grades these supporters began a campaign of blackmail & hate mail ~ They even created `Hate Websites` and hate email addresses in the name of Henry Ellis.( copies available )..No proof, just desperate childish revenge...Their childish antics came to nothing as Sport England compelled the BAB to give Henry Ellis a public apology for their conduct.
Hotmail.com Email from the Poole supporters, Set up in my name and unsigned as always.
To: Sent: Monday; October 13, 2003 1: 02 pm Subject: You Have Gone Too Far >If you do not discontinue your disgusting, misguided and ignorant obession with >Jack Poole this site will be your worst nightmare. > www.angelfire.com/ego2/henryellis ( hate website ) >The world will be told every little detail about you, all those things you've tried to hide! > You have been warned.
During the ``controversy`` I received an email from a London Metropolitan detective who was also involved in Aikido, he stated that Mr Poole had said to him ""How dare you question a man of Budo? a man who has studied directly with OSensei !""... I was asked if I could confirm this statement ?... I responded "" Mr Poole started Aikido as a complete beginner in 1968 with me, OSensei died in 1969, so the answer is `NO`!!!!.
Sorry ~ There are no Prizes for finding Mr Poole in the Photo.
L to R ~ Sensei's Foster ~Reynolds ~ Smith ~Ellis ~ Eastman ~ ``Mr Poole``. Imagine how I felt when I am being presented with an award as a pioneer of British Aikido, the shock at seeing one of my own students unknowingly creep up to collect the same award...You could not make it up; the BAB did !!....
BullShiDo - The Jack Poole Archives Click here > BullShiDo Jack Poole Archives ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Item: 29
The People who helped to promote the " Jack Poole Myth "
< Mr G Masters:..Despite Mr Poole being proved beyond all doubt to be a fraud he still has some ardent supporters such as Gary Masters Sensei of the `` KenShinKai`` who wrote this heart rendering impassioned rather touching letter of support for Mr Poole on the NACD forum. With handerchief in hand Click here for letter>
KenShinKai Letter < Mr K Holland: Another heartfelt message on the NACD was left by Mr Keith Holland who stated " Henry Ellis is envious that Mr Poole has gone on to achieve far more than Mr Ellis himself " ( words to that effect - message on file )
I humbly accept that Mr Poole is now senior to me with his self graded 7th dan Aikido. I recall Mr Les White telling of what he referred to as a very embarrassing situation at a seminar; where Mr Poole asked all attendees from beginners to dan grades " Errgh, what do you all think if I promote myself to 7th dan ??? " Yes!! of course I am envious :-) .....just as I am envious of Mr Hollands grades and all those people given high grades by Mr Poole.......
Henry Ellis 6th dan: International BiranKai - AikKai Hombu..Grades signed by ~ Osensei M Ueshiba cert No 349 ~ Kenshiro Abbe ~ Masahilo Nakazono ~ TK Chiba Shihan ~ The Doshu Moriterue Ueshiba.
This photo clearly shows Mr Poole as a beginner at the ESTA Slough Dojo in 1968. In the this photo is a 16 year old student named Roger Gilmartin who just last week sent Henry Ellis the email copied above. Click for the 1968 Jack Poole Gallery
The British Aikido Controversy ~ Who was to Blame ???
Of course Mr Jack Poole is to blame. Yet,one must consider the British Aikido Board to shoulder 90% of the blame. Mr Poole could not have achieved his initial intention to `con` his own students and the British Aikido community without the ```knowing ```and full corrupt support of the BAB. < Left:The man that brought the BAB into disrepute... Toni Davies in the year 2000 was the Chairman of the British Aikido Board. It was Mr Davies who placed the whole credibility of the BAB at stake by offering his full support to Mr Poole. He even resorted at a general meeting to something the membership had never witnessed before, he abruptly ended a meeting to prevent Mr Ellis speaking about Mr Poole and the collusion of the BAB executive. Mr Davies then lied to the `heads of organisations` that another group were waiting to use the room. A check with the manager confirmed the hall was used that day only by the BAB.. < Left: Mr Vincent Sumpter the present chairman of the BAB. It was hoped that a new chairman would bring some respect back to the discredited BAB by resolving the situation referred to as the " British Aikido Controversy " unfortunately, Mr Sumpter proved to be worse than Toni Davies, Mr Sumpter became totally supportive of Mr Poole. Mr Sumpter would later embarrassedly face the officials of Sports UK and be ``ordered`` to give Henry Ellis a full apology.
Right: Ms Shirley Timms the secretary to the BAB from its inception. I respected her hard work over many years on behalf of the BAB and its membership. Yet, after so many years of faithful service she decided to give her full and undivided support to Mr Jack Poole. Ms Timms informed the secretary of the ESTA ~ [Quote]: `That man` ( Henry Ellis ) is in BIG BIG trouble, we will take libel action against him. `That man` will never again take part in another BAB national seminar " [unquote]:...~
One can only assume that `BIG BIG` trouble is a lot of trouble? ..The truth is that Henry Ellis forced the BAB to a meeting with Sports UK where the BAB were ordered to give Mr Ellis an apology.Click here> British Aikido Board Apology
The threat that Mr Ellis would never again take part in a BAB national seminar could only be regarded as a blessing, the event is always poorly attended with teachers who are ``approved `` are mainly `friends` of Ms Timms.
A disturbing confession of an ex BAB executive as he apologizes for his part in the BAB executive slander of Henry Ellis at meetings in Ms Timms home...Click to read.. Click here
Pierre Chasang Sensei the first student from 1952 of Tadashi Abe Sensei in France ~ Europe. The BS: Mr Poole claimed to have trained with Abe Sensei in France in 1952. The Facts: Chasang Sensei states there were no English students with Abe Sensei during the 1950s.
< Tomio Otani Sensei...The BS ~ Mr Poole claimed to have studied Kendo with Tomio in the early 1950s..The Facts:~ This was when Tomio was actually a 13 yr old schoolboy.
The BS: Jack Poole joined a judo club as an 8 year old. And by the time he had served with the British Army of the Rhine from 1951, had been graded 2nd dan Judo by Sensei Matsutaro Otani 7th dan and had represented the British Judo Council in competition at International level.
The Facts: This was 17 yrs before the BJC was formed. It was 27 yrs before the BJC entered International Competition. BJC President Robin Otani Sensei stated " I have all my fathers old records now on computer files, there is no mention of a Jack Poole anywhere, I have never heard of him. The BS: Mr Poole claimed to have a dan grade in Shotokan Karate 16 years before it was introduced to the UK. The Facts: Vernon Bell Sensei introduced Karate to the UK in the 1950s. In 1966 he brought over Enoda Sensei of Shotokan Karate, this was the first introduction of Shotokan.
Henry Ellis tells of his experiences training and receiving technique from Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Masahilo Nakazono Sensei
Click here > 
