Inducted into A.M.A.H.O.F. (Inc)
AMAHOF Exemplary Instructor
W.K.U.H.O.F for 2026
AMAHOF Exemplary Instructor
David Clayton began his martial arts journey in 1990 with Ninjutsu, but it was Jujitsu that became his true home. He commenced formal training in 1994 at the Walkerville Branch under Sensei Paul Arnold and Sensei Mark Sorgini. By 1997 he was training three nights a week across Walkerville, Golden Grove, and Beulah Park, achieving Shodan in 2001 and progressing to Yondan in 2012 under the Peter Morton Academy of Judo Jujitsu Karate.
From 2004 to 2011, David served as Chief Instructor of the Walkerville Branch, guiding students who have since become black belts and leaders within the Academy. A highlight of this period was leading a team to the 2009 National Seminar, where his students won the Perpetual Trophy for Basic Steps and shared the Leonie Corey Trophy for Best and Fairest.
David’s teaching style is grounded in Bushido, compassion, and personal growth. He has delivered women’s and youth self-defence programs and volunteered more than twenty years on the board of the Walkerville YMCA, contributing to leadership and fundraising initiatives that supported community programs.
Inspired by the Academy’s lineage, including Soke Morton and Soke Sugita, David pursued a parallel career in the healing arts. He now works full-time as a manual therapist and continues advanced studies in acupressure, fascinated by the intersection between martial application and therapeutic touch.
David holds a Yondan (4th Dan) in Jujitsu.
Returning to training alongside his son, David remains committed to nurturing the next generation of martial artists. He hopes to continue the Academy’s mission in Adelaide by establishing a new club dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive environment where children and young people — especially those who don’t thrive in mainstream sports — can belong, grow without judgement, and build confidence through martial arts.