7th Dan Shihan Joe Claronino is Great Britain Chief instructor Country Representative, Branch Chief and Principal Examiner. I am also European Kyokushin Karate Organization Technical Committee Member.
 In South Africa, I started in the martial arts at the age of twelve, practicing Judo and Jujitsu. I took an interest in Karate in 1964 and joined the only officially recognized Kyokushin karate dojo in Britain. My first instructor was Sensei Bob Boulton soon after, he was joined by Steve Arneil Sensei.

I started competing in the all styles when I was 5th Kyu in 1965, until 1969 (when I was 2nd Dan). During this period I was honored to represent Britain and competed in the All-Styles European Tournament in Paris 1968 and against France at Crystal Palace in 1969. I also fought for the BKK in the Holland vs England.

I retried from karate competition due to injuries in 1970. In 1976 I became the B.K.K. knockdown karate coach until 1990, and was fortunate to have coached the best full-contact fighters, that I think the BKK has ever had.

In 1991 Sosai Mas. Oyama appointed me to reform the Great Britain Kyokushin Karate Organization. With the help of a few Senseis and Dojo Operators this was successfully accomplished. My past experience as a BKK Executive Committee member for the over twenty five years help made this possible.