Dear members and friends it is with deep regret that we have to inform you that Tom Baldwin Soke passed away in the early hours of this morning following a serious illness.

Tom was a co-founder and Chairman of the World and British Federation of Martial Arts.

He will be sorely missed by all his students, friends and family. We respectfully remember his enormous contribution to Martial Arts throughout the years, particularly through this organisation, which will also be sadly missed.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.

Messages of condolance can be relayed through Mick Benfell Hanshi by email: hanshi@ryukyu.org.uk