Sensei Ashley Deal started Ashihara Karate at the age of sixteen years old in South Africa under the instruction of Shihan Patrick Battista.
He obtained his 1st Dan black belt at the age of nineteen in October 1993. He competed in many tournaments such as South African Championships, Union tournaments as well as neighbouring country tournaments. In 1999 he had the opportunity to travel to Japan where he trained under Kancho Hidenori Ashihara to further his training and studies in ASHIHARA KARATE.
After returning to South Africa he received his 2nd Dan black belt in February 2000. He became one of the senior instructors in South Africa under Shihan Patrick Battista and opened a Dojo to share his knowledge with those who were interested. In October 2004 he and his family relocated to London in the United Kingdom where he was given the authority to open a NIKO dojo and represent ASHIHARA KARATE as a Branch Chief.
