Remembering the Late Vernon C.F. Bell Hanshi 10th Dan.

Many of our current members will not have been training with us at this time however, just before his death I hosted a visit from Vernon C.F.Bell 10th Dan Hanshi founder of the original British Karate Federation in 1956. more info at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoseikan_Karate

I first became involved with Vernon back in 1968 at the age of just 8yrs old,

when my father took me along to one of Vernon's Karate / Judo Classes in Upminster, Essex.

He became very close friends with my father and I and a few years later when the British Karate Federation disbanded, we remained close friends up until his passing.

Without Vernon's Bells guidance and his letters of formal introductions to my later teachers in Japan,

doors would have not opened for me to study their.

In my mind he is the most influential martial arts teacher ever to have been involved in the British Karate Movement, his connections created many opportunities for martial artists in this country and Europe from the world of Judo, Jujitsu and Karate.

Following one of my last visits to train in Japan, I had organised a visit on the 12th May 2002 by Vernon Bell to my head dojo in Woodham Ferrers, Essex to meet some of my students, here is the letter he sent in appreciation.

Signed by the Great Vernon C. F. Bell Father of British Karate Movement

Despite Vernon ongoing battle with cancer, he remained as motivated as ever to be involved in the continued development of the Yoseikan Karate Associations re-birth and remained very keen to be involved.

In 2001 he wrote this official letter along with other registered documents to me, passing on his original true Yoseikan heritage, listing its path from Master Minoru Mochizuki, to Henri Plee and then on too Chris Clarry.

Official Handwritten letter by Vernon Bell to pass on his Yoseikan Heritage.

Signed by Our President Vernon C. F. Bell 10th Dan

Vernon C. F. Bell Hanshi 10th Dan sadly passed away on the 27th Feb 2004 ( 1922 - 2004 )

A True Pioneer of British Karate and a dear friend and mentor, whom will be sadly missed by us all from the Martial Arts community from the early years.

His name and legacy will live on for as long as there is a Yoseikan Karate Association in existence,

may his memory forever live on.

Chris Clarry Shihan 8th Dan

Head of the Yoseikan Karate Association U.K

Vernon Bell speaking to some of the young students of the Yoseikan Karate Association U.K

Vernon C. F. Bell stands in unity with some of the students of Yoseikan Karate Association U.K Head Dojo.

Presentation by Vernon C.F. Bell to Chris Clarry (2001)