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| The SDF was founded in June 2000, By DAVE TURTON then 7th Dan Black Belt. Dave had been a member of Geoff Thompson's and Peter Consterdine's B.C.A. The British Combat Association, as one of their most senior instructors. However, as fine an organisation as the BCA was and is, there were a few aspects that Dave had felt needed some changes, but not wishing to 'rock the boat' and with the support and encouragement of one or two other BCA instructors and some friends as well, Dave decided to launch the SDF on the 1st June 2000. The early days were encouraging but hardly making a big dent, starting with just a few clubs and around 100 members the Federation was certainly in its infancy. By the start of 2008 the SDF had grown to well over 3,500 members and around 30 clubs and over 200 registered instructors. The SDF is now well established as one of the foremost such organisations in the UK with a great reputation for sensible REALISTIC methods, top class tuition, and high standards. Dave Turton, 8th Dan, SDF Head Dave Turton was born in August 1948 in Rotherham South Yorkshire (actually then it was the West Riding of Yorkshire) but moved to HEYWOOD north of Manchester when just a small child. He returned to his roots in Rotherham in 1985. Dave started combat training with boxing and wrestling in 1961 whilst still at school. He didn't start the Martial Arts until 1964 with Judo / Ju-Jutsu. This, up to the time of writing of this profile in 2007, gives him 43 to 46 years involvement in the Arts dependant on your viewpoint. Dave was always attracted to the 'realistic self-defence' aspects of the martial arts, much more than the sporting sides. This made him seek out instructors who taught the 'real' way. In the early 1970's, Dave found what was then termed "The Goshinkwai of Wales" headed then by the late great John Warfield (4th Dan at the time) and his brother Gordon, who was 3rd Dan. Dave attained 1st Dan Black Belt in Goshinkwai Self Defence in February 1975. 2nd Dan in 1977, and 3rd Dan in 1980. and his 4th Dan in 1984 During the time he was with the 'old' Goshinkwai of Wales, he was also took gradings in a couple of other Ju-Jutsu & Kempo type arts at the request of the Head of the Goshinkwai who was, at that time, John Warfield. He did gain a couple of other 1st Dans and a 2nd Dan in Ju-Jutsu styles in the same period. When John Warfield first 'retired' from the combat arts, Dave joined the Great Britain All-Styles Self Defence Association (GBASSDA) and gained 4th and 5th Dans with them.This was during the 1980's. In 1985 John Warfield's Brother, Gordon, reformed Goshinkwai and invited Dave back; where he then took 4th Dan in Goshinkwai. Dave later left the Goshinkwai in 1990 to further his studies in 'pure' self defence and self protection, rather than the more 'personal combat martial art' style of the Goshinkwai, however Dave was and is a massive supporter of the Goshinkwai Yawara Ryu style. Dave eventually joined the the "British Combat Association" (BCA) headed by Geoff Thompson and Peter Consterdine, where Dave attained his 6th & 7th Dans. Dave left the BCA in 2000 to form the SDF (June 1st 2000) His 7th and 8th Dans both came as a result of a long standing old friend, now sadly passed away. This being the late great PHIL MILNER 10th Dan. It was at his instigation that the European Budo Federation / Association awarded Dave 7th Dan in 2000 followed by 8th Dan in 2005. Most recently Dave was also inducted into the Combat Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2003), and in 2007 was also awarded the 'Karl Tanswell Self Defence Instructor of the Year' Award. Over the years, Dave has been sought out by 100's of high ranking martial artists who wanted to learn more about the unique and highly effective street combat arts Dave taught. A list of all these top martial artists would fill many pages, but a few were 'names' like Geoff Thompson, Phil Glover, Jamie O'Keefe, Bob Sykes, and a host of national and international champions from all martial disciplines. Dave Turton is regarded as one of the very TOP men teaching realistic street self-protection and self-defence today. Dave's background, high grades, over 40 years experience and credentials ensure that the SDF is the NUMBER ONE organisation of its type in the UK. |
