An Informal History of Shotokan Karate in Bermuda

by Oscar C. Lightbourne

Research has discovered that Bermuda Shotokan Karate began its humble beginnings in and around 1970, in Somerset Bermuda under the direction of then brown belt Peter Larder.

With karate now becoming popular and growing in leaps and bounds we had large membership with huge diversity. Through the assistance of some Scottish members we were able to bring the Demsey brothers from Scotland for our very first promotion which was a huge success.

Al Wharton, who was living in Boston at the time and studying Uechi Ryu and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, was asked by his brother Paget Wharton if he could look around and see if there was a notable Shotokan instructor in Boston.

And so Master Kazumi Tabata was discovered by Al Wharton who informed his brother Paget that there was this young dynamic Karate instructor teaching in Boston. A meeting was set and Paget asked Master Tabata to come to Bermuda which he did without hesitation. Through the direction and guidance of Master Tabata the Bermuda Club witnessed what it takes to become a Black Belt with Peter Larder becoming the very first Shodan under Master Tabata. It was bad enough hearing the stories of special training before you could even take the Black Belt test.

Through continuous visits as often as three times a year, Bermuda produced the next set of instructors. As Sensei Larder relocated for business reasons, Vernon Simons, Mackinnon Pearman, Mark Tailford took over with Paget Wharton being appointed as Head Instructor.

As other karate clubs began to spring up and competitions held, Bermuda Shotokan established themselves as a strong club, in both Kata and Sparring. We were known for our fighting spirit and that we never stepped back from any attack that came. This fighting spirit was poured into us by Master Tabata’s sparring techniques and his philosophy.

As we grew, we found it fitting to honor Master Tabata by renaming the school to Tabata-Ha Shotokan Karate Club revealing the crest and logo during one of his visits.

With the club being in existence for over 50 years we continue to practice with the same spirit that has made our club, Tabata-Ha Shotokan Bermuda, strong and well respected.