A DEDICATED Gourock man is celebrating 40 years of helping thousands of local people get to grips with a Japanese martial art. 

David Gillies has been running Gourock Karate Club since 1984 after starting up the group with his friend Ian Pow. 

To mark the milestone, David hosted an event at Coppermine Community Centre and welcomed some of the students he's worked with over the last four decades. 

Almost 60 people were there on the night and thanked their coach for all his support over the years. 

David Gillies set up the club with his friend Ian Pow in 1984. (Image: Duncan Bryceland)
The well-known Gourock man said he was thrilled to see so many people there to mark the occasion. 

David, 64, said: "I don't think I realised how significant reaching 40 years was until the celebration on Saturday night. 

"So many of my students from years ago turned up and it was quite emotional.

"The club is a sum of all of its parts and I am just one part of it."

David and his friend Ian Pow started learning karate when they were 20 and got their black belts together. 

When Ian had to move away for work, David took on the running of the club himself and he has remained at the helm ever since. 

David admits that Bruce Lee films sparked his interest in the martial art.

He added: "People take up karate for so many different reasons, and they often change their view on it after they've started. 

"They realise karate has so much to offer. There are the physical benefits, fitness, strength, and health, and it helps build confidence. 

"It's about concentration, confidence, focus, determination, and the body mechanics of movement.

"All of these things come together to improve you as a person."

Past and present members of Gourock Karate Club (Image: David Gillies)
David has no doubt that 'karate is for everyone'. 

He added: "It helps people to become fit and flexible.

"People start off thinking they can't do things, and I'm able to show them how to change the way they move. 

"When they focus, they realise they can do these things."

At the 40th celebration in the Coppermine Community Centre, Grant Brown, 2nd Dan and several-time Scottish champion, arrived from California, and Neil Davie arrived from Ireland. 

Sensei Frank Brennan, former world champion, four times European grand champion, and ten times British grand champion, surprised David with a special card which holds an inscription from a Japanese calligrapher. 

Sensei Frank Brennan made a special presentation to mark the milestone. (Image: David Gillies)
David's classes ran at St Bartholomew's Church in Gourock for 35 years, and have been held at Coppermine Community Centre for the last five years. 

David the first step for anyone who is interested in getting involved in karate should come along and watch a class. 

David has helped a total of 73 students gain their black belt of the years. 

He is a 3rd Dan black belt, qualified instructor and referee, and was a coach for the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) for several years. 

David was KUGB Scottish champion three times, and several of his students have gone on to be selected for the national team. 

David is now teaching the grandchildren of some of his first students. (Image: David Gillies)
He says he's got to know so many Inverclyde families and is now teaching the grandchildren of some of his first students. 

David said: "We're still welcoming new students. 

"Hopefully the 40 years is just the first part of the journey. 

"The dedication of the students is amazing and I will never forget the contribution all of the parents have made over the years. 

"My job is to pass my knowledge onto future generations and hope that continues.

"Frank [Brennan] says karate is a life-enhancer. 

"You don't appreciate that until you've been through the process and experienced that for yourself."