Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Benson Boone

Sorry I'm Here For Someone Else

Listen Live Podcasts

Ilkley Karate Club celebrates 38 years teaching

Friday, 28 August 2026 08:45

Mark with some of the Ilkley Karate Club team.

Ilkley Karate Club is celebrating its 38th anniversary this September.

The club is marking almost four decades of martial arts training at the same venue in the town.

The club will celebrate the milestone on 6th September, having remained at the same location throughout its 38-year history.

While karate is at the heart of the club, organisers say it has developed into much more than a place to learn martial arts, with a strong social side bringing members together.

Training has also remained affordable, with sessions still costing less than £6, despite rising costs in recent years.

The club was founded by instructor Mark Outterside, who has lived in Ilkley all his life and was born in the town at St Winifred’s Hospital.

Through karate, Mark and his students have travelled across the world, including to Japan, the birthplace of the martial art.

Mark originally established the club as a way of giving something back to the local community and has continued to support young people in Ilkley and the surrounding area.

He volunteers his time with several local schools and other active youth groups, delivering martial arts sessions for children.

The work has received positive feedback from the groups involved, while Mark was also recognised for his contribution to the community when he received a recognition of service from Ilkley Rotary Club several years ago.

After 38 years, Ilkley Karate Club continues to offer local people the chance to get involved in martial arts while providing an affordable activity and a strong community and social network.

More from Local news

Ilkley salon owner celebrates remission after first phase of chemotherapy

An Ilkley hairdresser has shared an emotional update with customers and friends after revealing he is in remission following the first phase of chemotherapy.
Forde Restaurant allowed to keep atrium following community support

The Ilkley restaurant has announced it can keep its popular atrium seating area after a huge show of support from customers and the local community.
Festival crowds expected to make Leeds station busier than ever

Rail passengers travelling through Leeds are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys over the bank holiday weekend.
Dog bus vandalised in attempted overnight theft

A distinctive yellow bus used to transport dogs across Ilkley and surrounding areas has been vandalised during an apparent attempted theft.
Railway station's beer festival to start next weekend

A weekend of steam trains, real ales and live music is coming to the Yorkshire Dales as the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway gets set to host its Branch Line Weekend & Beer Festival.
Ilkley Breakfast Rave returns after raising almost £2,000 for charity

The early-morning Breakfast Rave is set to return to Ilkley next month following the success of the town’s first event.
Paws at the Hub Dog Show coming to Ilkley this Saturday

Dog lovers and their four-legged friends are being invited to the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley this Saturday.
Ilkley MP condemns release of convicted rapist

Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has criticised the Government following the release of a convicted rapist who abused grooming gang survivor Fiona Goddard.
Lishman’s Butchers team member shortlisted for Women in Meat Award

Lishman’s Butchers in Ilkley is encouraging customers to support Emma Lishman, who has been shortlisted in the Craft Butchery category at this year’s Women in Meat Awards.
Bini Brew Co launches new pizza kitchen

Bini Brew Co will launch its new permanent pizza kitchen, Bini Dough Co, at its Little Lane Taproom on Friday.
Ilkley PCSO helps charity bike ride reach £10,000 fundraising goal

An Ilkley police community support officer has helped a 170-mile charity bike ride reach its £10,000 fundraising target.
New road at Kex Gill opens to traffic

The new A59 route at Kex Gill has opened to traffic following the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council.
Developer ordered to remove unauthorised Silsden woodland works

Unauthorised works to a Silsden woodland area need to be removed, and 100 trees planted in their place – a planning inspector has decided.
Over 4,000 new homes to be built in West Yorkshire following £441m grant

Over 4,000 new homes will be built across West Yorkshire thanks to a £441 MILLION grant from Government.
America's Got Talent films at Bolton Abbey with Spice Girls stars

Bolton Abbey has revealed it welcomed the cast and crew of America's Got Talent to the estate for filming earlier this summer.
New A59 Kex Gill road set to open this week

The new A59 Kex Gill road is set to open to traffic this week as work on the major realignment scheme reaches its latest milestone.
New children's play area opens at Otley Garden Centre

A new indoor and outdoor children's play area has opened at Otley Garden Centre.
Recycle Day: Ilkley residents urged to donate unwanted items

Ilkley residents are being encouraged to give unwanted items a new lease of life when the town's annual Recycle Day returns next month.
Council considers tougher action on anti-social e-bike use

Bradford Council is considering new measures to tackle dangerous and anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters across the district.
Concern over fly-tipping near Airedale Hospital

A pile of waste dumped just yards from a hospital helipad has "potentially put lives at risk" – a Councillor has claimed.