Tilehurst Shotokan Karate Club
Our Coaches
Giuseppe D'Onofrio
Giuseppe D'Onofrio Sensei (Joe) was born in Bonefro, Italy in 1959. His karate journey began in 1980 at Reading Apollo Karate Club under the guidance of Chief Instructor Sensei Casey. He achieved his 1st Dan in 1982 at Crystal Palace, under Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Tomita.
After a break from regular training due to work and family commitments, Giuseppe resumed his karate practice in 2001 with the support of Sensei Wilson Ifill, Chief Instructor of Tilehurst SKC. He continued to progress, earning his 2nd Dan at Crystal Palace in 2002 under Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Ohta.
Through dedication and hard work, Giuseppe achieved his 3rd Dan in 2005 and 4th Dan in 2009, under Sensei Osaka and Sensei Ohta. His commitment to furthering his skills led him to Japan, where he studied and trained at the JKA Headquarters in 2013 and 2014, earning his 5th Dan and additional JKA qualifications.
Giuseppe returned to Japan in 2017 and 2018 to obtain further qualifications and, from 2014 to 2017, he served as the Assistant England Squad Coach under Sensei Ohta.
In 2022, Giuseppe achieved his 6th Dan and Level A Referee qualification in Brussels under Sensei Ueki.
Currently, Giuseppe holds the qualifications of 6th Dan JKA, A Level Referee, B Level Instructor, and C Level Examiner.
Edward Broomes
Edward Broomes (Eddie) embarked upon a karate career in the late 1970’s which was initiated by his father. He obtained a reputable status with the Reading Apollo Karate Club, which commanded the status of one of the best Karate Clubs in Southern England.
In 1988 Eddie was graded 1st Dan by Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda.
Despite a lengthy interruption in training, Eddie achieved 2nd Dan success in 2001 again awarded by Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda. Continued training and a relentless positive attitude assisted by Sensei Giuseppe D’onofrio bought a much deserved 3rd Dan in 2010, awarded by Sensei Masaaki Ueki – Sensei Minoru Kawawada and Sensei Yoshinobu Ohta. Eddie has subsequently gained qualifications as JKA Instructor and Referee.
Shortly after gaining 1st Dan Edward began a Kumite (Free Sparring) career with achievements including Quarter Final Status in the National KUGB Championships 1988. 2nd in the London Open Martial Arts Championships 1991. 3rd in the National JKA Championships 2010 and Quarter Final status in the National JKA Championships 2011. Eddie was a proud member of the JKA National Squad and represented JKA in 2011 during friendly internationals.
Eddie has currently achieved 5th Dan and also reaching C level Instructor, C level Referee and D level Examiner.
Wilson Ifill
Dr. Wilson Ifill is a 4th Dan Black Belt and the founder of the Tilehurst Karate club in 2000. He started training under Sensei Case in 1980. During the 80’s and 90’s he attained his 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan under the now deceased Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda.
He took the opportunity to train with Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Kawazoe when possible and won many team and individual southern area and national medals for competition kumite (free fighting).
Wilson was graded to 4th Dan in 2006 with the JKAE. JKAE instructing and refereeing certificates.
Outside of karate, Wilson also regularly swims, cycles and runs to augment his karate fitness.
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