Ishigaki was started in January 1994. A group of guys who had been training in a regular club decided that they wanted to train in an environment where sexuality would be no issue. After a bit of political negotiation, Ishigaki was established. Since then Ishigaki has flourished and they have had around 20 people grade to black belt and beyond. They have several black belt instructors headed by Simon Powell (fifth dan, club sensei and membership secretary), Sandy Mackay (fourth dan and club treasurer) they form the committee that organizes the club and its events.
