David Brierley 3rd Dan – Instructor

David has been training in Shito Ryu Karate since 2012 and has held the rank of 3rd Dan since 7th November 2021. 

I started training as a member of Shito-Kai England under the instruction of Sensei Brian Jarvis. I fell in love with all sides of Karate – but I was particularly interested in Kata, both competitively and for the Bunkai (Self defence applications). Starting University and moving to Manchester in 2014, I began to focus more on Kata competition. Getting more involved in the University club I served as chairman for two years: leading the club from 16th to 6th place at the University nationals, and being awarded Full Sport Colours, and winning Most Improved Club in 2019. I had the opportunity to compete at the Shito-Kai World Championships in 2016, in Team Kata, and the same year I was awarded my shodan black belt by Sensei Kunio Murayama, 8th Dan WSKF.

Karate has been an enormous part of my life and I constantly try to learn as much as I can, including spending some time studying Judo, Aikido, and Kobudo. After University, I have chosen to remain in Manchester to pursue a career in Project Management in the Arts and Culture sector. I knew I wanted to focus on seeing how far I could take my Karate: and I knew I had to push myself by putting myself in a positive and competitive environment. Because of this, I decided to join Sale Dojo and become a member of the Yanagi Kai kata squad. I am now working towards improving my performance at competition, while giving back to the club which has welcomed me so generously.