About Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE

One of the early students of British Karate in the mid-1960’s was a young East Londoner named David ‘Ticky’ Donovan. Under visiting Japanese masters, Ticky trained in the Shotokan, Kyokushinkai and Wado ryu styles. Into the 1970’s Ticky won many competitions and became British Karate champion on three occasions in 1973, 1974 and 1975. In 1973 Ticky formed his own school of Ishinryu (translates literally as ‘all of one heart’). Originally based in and around East London and Essex where this style still thrives, Ishinryu has spread far from these roots and is now also taught in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Following his successful fighting career Ticky went on to coach the England karate squad to international victories, winning the World championships five times in 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1990. In 1991 Ticky was awarded the OBE for his services to English Karate.

Ticky Donovan is currently a 10th Dan and continues to play an active role in English karate as well as heading the style he originated – Ishinryu.