Tributes to respected martial arts expert Les

HELPED OVER 100 STUDENTS ATTAIN BLACK BELTS

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

A PLYMOUTH martial arts expert who trained city champions has died at the age of 79. Les Clarke, who was renowned throughout the sport and ran several successful karate schools in Britain's Ocean City, has been described in a family tribute as "once a warrior, always a warrior".

During his long karate career Les helped more than 100 students attain black belts and extra dan grades and teams he coached won major titles.

His daughter Gina said: "He was respected and, may I say, loved by many of his fellow karatekas. Numerous people said if it wasn't for his teachings, they would not have gone on to be so successful in their jobs and achievements. He was a true karate instructor mentor."

Les died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Plymouth on July 30. He was the husband of Bernice, dad to Gina and Zoe and grandfather to Elize and Harlan.