OUR INSTRUCTORS

Sensei Shaun Arrowsmith (2nd Dan)
Shotokan Karate

More information to come ...

Sensei David Barber (3rd Dan)

David began studying karate at the age often in Middlesborough under the instruction of Chief Instructor Said Shaher (5th Dan), Chief Instructor of the Kiyoo-No Karate Association. He was heavily influenced by his uncle, Mark Raistrick (now Taisho-Do Chief Instructor), who helped him progress and supported him through his karate training.

After reaching his 3rd kyu, David took time away from karate due to work commitments. After a few years in the wilderness he returned to karate, trying several local clubs. In 2000, David committed to the Easterside Karate Academy which was co-instructed by his uncle Mark Raistrick and Jaga Singh. In June 2003 he joined T.A.S.K. as one of its senior students.

In November 2003 he achieved his 1st Dan at a grading in Solihull, Birmingham by E.K.O. Chief Instructor Dave Sharkey (7th Dan) - at the same time as his uncle Mark Raistrick was awarded his 4th Dan. A special day for T.A.S.K.!

David currently trains three or four times a week, also training with Sokudo Karate under the guidance of Abdu Shaher (7th Dan) to improve his Competition Kumite. Recent achievements, apart from reaching his Sandan (Black Belt - 3rd level), include winning the Northern Traditional Open Karate Championships 2004 at Morley, Leeds.

David's goals are to compete at a higher level and to help further the growth of Taisho-Do Karate, as well as working towards his next black belt grade.

Sensei Pete Beeforth (2nd Dan)

More information to come ...

Sensei Ian Boyes (2nd Dan)

I began my karate training in Wado Ryu firstly as a supportive parent in 1999 at the Acklam Sports Centre, under the guidance and support of Sensei Julie Jones and Sensei Elaine Clinton.

I was hooked after my first lesson, and practiced whenever I could. At the time I thought it was a impossible task, but in 2004 I achieved my 1st Dan.

In the same year I attended Schichidan Barry Tatlow's coaching course in Coventry and was ratified as a coach.

I have concentrated on coaching since then, but in 2006, the same year as our club became a part of T.A.S.K., I passed my 2nd Dan grade under Sensei Mark Raistrick and Sensei Julie Jones.

Sensei Carl Bunn (2nd Dan)

I began my Karate training in 2000 at the age of 13. My influence and inspiration at this time like many others was the martial arts films of that time.

I trained hard and regularly enjoying my training and my interest became more for Traditional Karate and our style, Wado Ryu.

I now have been training over 7 years under the guidance of Sensei Julie Jones who helped me achieve my 2nd Dan in 2006.

In 2007 I was proud to be asked by my Sensei to become a Senior and Assistant Instructor at Acklam Antei.

Sensei Steve Burke (5th Dan)
Chief Instructor: T.S.K.A.

I first stated karate in 1974 at the age of six years at the South Bank Shukokai Karate Club. For those who remember, it often rained inside and was warmed by gas fires but this was one of the true homes of Shukokai Karate in the North East. My first instructor was the late Colin Edwards, a pioneer of true Shukokai karate.

Over the years the club changed hands, first to Jim Dulson then to two brothers from Sheffield - Abdu and Said Shaher (both purple belts at the time).

By the late 1970's the North East (Middlesbrough) had become one of the top groups teaching Shukokai. This lasted for well over twenty years with clubs such as Grove Hill, Brambles Farm, Linthorpe, Whitby, Berwick Hills and Wilton all playing a part in making my memories of North East Shukokai something positive to look back on.

As a youngster training through this period I can only say that on the competition front North East Shukokai was one of the best squads in the UK. As a kumite and kata competitor I was fortunate to be successful at National and Regional levels, winning many British titles as a cadet.

I trained along side local names such as Tony Trimble, David Robinson, Enrico Capaldi, Imran Khan, Karen Parkin and Mark Raistrick to name a few. On a national front I trained with Roy Stanhope, Stan Knighton, Terry Pottage, Sensei Tani and Sensei Kimura - all names that helped form Shukokai.

In 1982 I joined the British Army and for the next ten years of my service opened clubs in Dortmund and Rheindahlen, Germany. Some will remember the international competitions in Germany with countries all over Europe attending. Carl Lindley, John Gilliland, Peter Allen, Andy Buckley and Bruce Wingfield are names which many will remember.

In 1992 I joined the police in London and have continued to support North East Shukokai. I formed the T.S.K.A. in 1994 with the Whitby Shukokai club being the main foundation club.

I still oversee the development of Shukokai in the North East, and the networking of clubs within TASK, of which we are proud to be a part.

Sensei Enrico Capaldi (6th Dan)
Chief Instructor: Sokudo Karate

I first began my Karate in 1969 under the instruction of Sempi Cliff Richmond, and then in 1971, I changed to the new style of Shukokai under the instruction of Sensei Colin Edwards. As I reached my 4th Kyu I moved to London for 18 months and kept training in a few different Shotokan clubs.

On returning back home I continued my training under Sensei Colin Edwards, and reached my Black Belt by 1979 under the instruction of Sensei Kumura.

I attended many a weekend course and full week courses at Mattock, Sheffield, and Birmingham under the instruction of Sensei Roy Stanhope, Stan Knighton, Eddie Danials and Terry Pottage. I also went on a one week course to Japan under the instruction of Sensei Kumura.

Then in 1980 I opened my own club under Sokudo Karate Association run by Sensei Abdul Shaher.

I taught and trained with Sensei Abdul Shaher and attended all organised S.K.A. weekend courses assisting with the teaching of Basics, Kata and Kumite.

By 1983 I became a S.K.U. qualified judge and then referee under the instruction of Sensei Brian Smith and refereed at the British and English open under Sensei Brian Smith.

I then became Chief Referee for S.K.A. and by 1985 I achieved my 3rd Dan and became a qualified grading officer.

I joined NIMA in 2002 and became Kata Coach for the organisation, continuing my training and moving up through the grades until on December 1st 2003, through the English Karate Governing Body, I was awarded my 6th Dan.

In November 2007 our club became a member of T.A.S.K. under Sensei Mark Raistrick. Recently I re-qualified as an Association Referee and was asked to become head Shukokai Instructor/Kata coach for the association.

At present I teach at my club 4 to 5 hours per week with a strong cadre of students. I also train 4 to 5 hours per week by myself.

I am proud to say that over the past 20+ years the club has won many trophies, as have I . For example ...

KUMITE

TYNE TEES CHAMPIONSHIP; 1974; 1ST
TYNE TEES CHAMPIONSHIP; 1975; 1ST
SHUKOKAI OPEN; 1976; 1ST
S.K.U. NATIONALS TEAM; 1982; 2ND
S.K.U. NATIONALS TEAM; 1983; 3RD
S.K.U. ENGLISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP/ MIDDLE WEIGHT; 1983; 1ST
KIYOO-NOO OPEN LEAGUE TEAM; 1984; 2ND
M.S.K. OPEN TEAM; 1985; 1ST

KATA

S.K.U. NATIONALS CHAMPIONSHIP; 1982; 1ST
F.S.K. OPEN; 1986; 1ST
M.S.K.OPEN; 1987; 2ND
MANCHESTER GRAND PRIX; 1988; 2ND
MANCHESTER GRAND PRIX; 1989; 1ST
MIDDLESBROUGH OPEN; 1990; 1ST
S.K.A. OPEN; 1990; 1ST
M.G.P.OPEN; 1991; 1ST
S.K.A. OPEN; 1993; 1ST
MIDDLESBROUGH OPEN; 1994; 1ST
MIDDLESBROUGH OPEN; 1995; 1ST

Sensei Stuart Charlton (1st Dan)

Sensei Charlton had no previous martial arts experience until he started training at the Scruton Karate club in January 2004 under the guidance of Sensei Hargan. After hearing about Scruton Karate Club he thought that it was a good way to interact with his own children, Annabel and Harry, and others, and has seen the positive mental and physical benefits of karate-do.

His endeavours have led him through the kyu grades and enabled him to gain his Shodan Dan grade in July 2008.

Sensei Elaine Clinton (3rd Dan)
Chief Instructor - Luton Antei

More information to come ...

Sensei Stephen Colvin (3rd Dan)
Sunderland Karate Academy

- 3rd Dan Shotokan Karate awarded by Taisho-Do
- MASTARR Instructor Diploma.
- MASTARR Coaching Diploma.
- MASTARR Health and Safety Diploma.
- MASTARR Child Protection Diploma.

Stephen Colvin started practicing Karate-Do in early 1993 under Sensei Norman Kay (N.A.K.M.A.S.) and achieved the rank of 4th Kyu. He moved from that club to train under Sensei Derek Robson (I.F.M.A) in July 1995. Under his guidance and help Stephen Colvin achieved the rank 1st Dan in December 1997.

After a leave of absence due to exam and further education commitments he returned to Karate in July 2004 under Sensei Derek Laing the Chief Instructor of Sunderland Karate Academy.

On August 12th 2005 Sensei Stephen Colvin was officially recognised as a MASTARR qualified coach and instructor. On November 12th 2005, Sensei Stephen Colvin passed the grade of 2nd Dan under Sensei Steve Leak, Sensei Derek Laing, and Sensei John Welsh.

With the help of Sensei Derek Laing and the Sunderland Karate Academy, Sensei Colvin opened his first club in June 2006 - the Southwick Karate Kai. Apart from teaching, Sensei Colvin managed to continue his own personal development in karate and was awarded his Sandan (Black Belt 3rd Level) in December 2008.

Sensei Malcolm Crowther (1st Dan)
Hartlepool Shotokan Karate Club

More information to come ...

Sensei Poppy Dawson (2nd Dan)
Instructor: Stockton on Tees, Splash Leisure Centre

Information to come ...

Sensei Gavin Donnison
Hartlepool Shotokan

Information to come ...

Sensei Ciaran Flood (3rd Dan)
Acklam Acorn Centre

Sensei Ciaran Flood is graded to 3rd Dan in Shotokan Karate and is a BKF/EKF National Referee.

Ciaran is also a TASK Association Referee and an EKF coaching assessor.

Sensei Brian Graham (3rd Dan)
Chief Instructor: Greenside Midoriyoko

I took up Karate in 1982 with Clive Jackson at Consett.

I attained 1st Dan in 1989 and 2nd Dan in1993, both times graded by Sensei Jeff Westgarth at Blyth. I opened a Karate club in Greenside in 1989 and have been running it there ever since.

In January of 2008 I was awarded my 3rd Dan due to my years of hard work, dedication and commitment to Karate.

I developed an interest in refereeing which led me to meet T.A.S.K. Chief Referee Harold Stephenson, who has been invaluable in helping me to pass the necessary tests to achieve Association Judge, and then Association Referee. I then took exams with Sensei Terry Pottage And Sensei Doug James who run UKKRO to gain English Judge Class B, and then English Judge Class A.

On my affiliation to Taisho-Do (T.A.S.K.) I was appointed Assistant Chief Referee to Harold Stephenson, and am continuing to hone my refereeing skills to eventually gain full English Referee Class A status.

Sensei Jim Hargan (2nd Dan)

Sensei Hargan commenced his karate career at the Middlesbrough Budokan in 1973 studying Wado Ryu with Sensei Normal Wall and Sensei Cliff Richmond. Due to a knee injury when he was a 5th Kyu he had to stop training.

After a long break he resumed training in 1998 with Acklam Antei Karate club under Sensei Elaine Mason and Sensei Julie Jones.

His persistence was rewarded in 2003 when he was awarded his 1st Dan under the scrutiny of Sensei Mason, Sensei Jones and Sensie Harold Stephenson (5th Dan).

In 1994, he opened the Scruton Antei Karate club, and in between teaching his students managed to progress his own karate career resulting in his 2nd Dan in December 2006.

Sensei Kevin Hewitt
Guisborough Sokudo

Information to come ...

Sensei Nigel Houston (5th Dan)
Guisborough Sokudo

I first began my training in 1980 under the instruction of Sempi Enrico Capaldi in the style of Shukokai Karate. This was under the Sokudo Karate Association run by Abdul Shaher.

I trained with Sensei Enrico Capaldi and obtained my Judge’s qualification on a course run by Shukokia Chief Referee Sensei Roy Stanhope in March 1985. I then obtained my Assistant Instructors Qualification for Sokudo Karate Association at a course run by Sensei Enrico Capaldi in July 1985.

In September 1985 I obtained my Black Belt at a weekend course run by Sensei Abdul Shaher and Sensei Said Shaher.

In August 1987 I obtained my Judges Qualification for Sokudo Karate Association on a course that was run by Sensei Enrico Capaldi. I then obtained my Referee’s Qualification for Sokudo Karate Association in April 1991, on another course that was run by Sensei Enrico Capaldi.

In May 1991 I gained my 2nd Dan Black Belt at a weekend course that was run by Sensei Abdul Shaher. In this year I also passed my Senior Instructor’s Qualification on a course that was run by Sensei Enrico Capaldi.

In August 1994 I obtained my 3rd Dan Black Belt at a weekend course run by Hanshi Abdul Shaher. In this year I also became a Grading Officer under the training of Sensei Enrico Capaldi.

In December 1998 Nimo pro Phoenix Karate by Sensei Enrico Capaldi awarded me my 4th Dan Black Belt.

At present I am a 5th Dan Black Belt, which was awarded to me in December 2006. I train twice a week with Hanshi Enrico Capaldi. I also help him to instruct at his club, and I try to train at home in my spare time when I can.

Sensei Julie Jones (3rd Dan)
Chief Instructor - Acklam Antei

I started Karate at the age of 13 at our present dojo (Acklam Sports Centre), training in Wado Ryu under the guidance of my first instructor the late Sensei Gurd Singh. After his passing I was training under Sensei John Hall who helped me achieve my 1st Dan in 1990, and my 2nd Dan in 1993.

To help further my training during this time, Acklam affiliated to Kiyoo-No Karate Association headed by their Chief Instructor Said Shaher (5th Dan) where I also trained in Shukokai Karate. Later I trained under Sensei Steve Burke (5th Dan) and the T.S.K.A., and achieved my 1st Dan in 1997.

In 1993 I began teaching ladies self defence classes, and also began training with Sensei Harold Stephenson (N.I.M.A.) in Shotokan karate who helped me pass my Instructors and Refereeing qualifications.

My main style and love is Wado Ryu, and I knew one day I would end up teaching, but I wanted to learn other styles and disciplines. I tried Thai boxing (Sensei Dave Burns), stick fighting, grappling etc. as well as experiencing different methods of teaching before doing so.

I left the Acklam club for a year and competed at a high level, and was very successful in competition karate.

During my time away Sensei John Hall left the club and my training partner and close friend Elaine Clinton (3rd Dan) (formerly Mason) took over the club and renamed it Acklam Antei. Upon my return in 1997 we joined forces and have made a great teaching team!!

In 2005 Elaine moved from the area and formed Luton Antei Karate club (we all miss her!!).

I am now assisted by our Senior Instructors, Sensei Ian Boyes (2nd Dan) and Sensei Carl Bunn (2nd Dan).

In 2006 Acklam Antei and it's sister clubs at Luton and Scruton joined forces with T.A.S.K. and their Chief Instructor Mark Raistrick - who we have known, trained with, competed with and against for many years.

There is a great level of support and friendship between the Instructors within T.A.S.K., and it has been a pleasure and a really good move for our clubs.

Shortly after joining T.A.S.K. I passed by 3rd Dan examination under Sensei Mark Raistrick (Taishodo), Sensei Karen Parkin (T.S.K.A.) and Sensei Jaga Singh (A.M.A.).

Sensei Derek Laing (4th Dan)
Chief Instructor - Sunderland Karate Academy

- 4th Dan Shotokan Karate.
- 1st Dan Brithai Karate Kai.
- 1st Dan Modern Combat Karate.
- BNMAA Honorary member.
- MASTARR Instructor Diploma.
- MASTARR Coaching Diploma.
- MASTARR Tutor/Assessors/Verifiers Diploma.
- MASTARR Health and Safety Diploma.
- MASTARR Child Protection Diploma.
- BNMAA General Refereeing Diploma.
- BNMAA Technical Executive.
- BNMAA Grading Officer.
- BBI Executive Member.

Derek Laing started Karate in May 1993 under Sensei Damian Kirby (A.M.A.). He trained up to 3rd Kyu but moved away from the area in October 1994. He then trained under Sensei Norman Kay (N.A.K.M.A.S.) and was promoted to 1st Dan in December 1996.

He started his first karate club in July 1998 at the local martial arts gym. He called this club the Kushanku-Ryu Karate School. When the martial arts gym closed down the following year he moved the club to Lambton St. Fellowship Centre and renamed the club Lambton St. Karate Kai.

In April 2000 Derek passed his 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate by the grading panel of the Independent Federation of Martial Arts headed by Sensei George Coates. Lambton St. Karate Kai joined Karate International/ TradKA-UK in June 2003 and with the help of Sensei Steve Leak and Sensei Jim Reece formed the Sunderland Karate Academy.

In January 2004 Derek opened his second club, the Redhouse Karate Kai.

Sensei Derek Laing passed his 3rd Dan in March 2004 by the grading panel of Karate International headed by Sensei Peter Clarke and Sensei Steve Leak. In July 2006 S.K.A. Instructor Sensei Steve Colvin opened his first club with the help of Sensei Derek Laing. The Southwick Karate Kai become the third Sunderland Karate Academy School in the area. The following month Sunderland Karate Academy became a direct member of the British National Martial Arts Association and Black Belt International.

Town End Karate Kai opened in July 2007 to become the fourth school to fall under the S.K.A. banner - a great example of the growth and success of the Academy.

In response to years of dedication to the S.K.A., Shotokan Karate, and martial arts generally Derek was awarded his 4th Dan in 2008.

Sensei Amanda Larkin (3rd Dan)
Hartlepool Shotokan Karate Club

More information to come ...

Sensei Dorothy Leach (2nd Dan)
Town End Karate Kai

- 2nd Dan Shotokan Karate.
- MASTARR Instructor Diploma.
- MASTARR Coaching Diploma.
- MASTARR Health and Safety Diploma.
- MASTARR Child Protection Diploma.

Dorothy Leach started Karate in January 1998 under Sensei Damian Kirby (AMA). She had been involved with Gudo Nishijima Karate Club for a number of years following the careers of her two daughters before finally agreeing to train for herself. Dorothy reached the grade of 1st Dan three and a half years later, and has now gone on to reach her 2nd Dan.

In January 2002 she joined Toh-Kon Karate Club under Sensei Peter McGaririty (AMA), during this time she assisted the club team in many competitions around the country with great success.

After a leave of absence Dorothy returned to Karate in 2006 joining Redhouse Karate Kai (S.K.A.). After a year Sensei Derek Laing asked if she would consider studying to become a qualified Instructor, she agreed and in September 2007 Dorothy passed all the modules needed to become an Instructor. Dorothy Leach now teaches at Town End Karate Kai.

Sensei Peter Littlewood (3rd Dan)
Child Protection Officer

I began my karate journey at the age of six (shortly after watching my first Bruce Lee film!) under the tutorship of the late Sensei Gurd Singh and Sensei John Hall at Acklam Sports centre.

From there I moved to the Higashi Karate Kai, still studying Wado Ryu at the Zanshin Karate club until I was 12 years old.

I then drifted in and out of several martial arts over the course of the next few years, trying different disciplines until finally returning to my first love - KARATE!

I trained under Sensei Enrico Capaldi (6th Dan) and Sensei Abdu Shaher (7th Dan) in Shukokai with the Sokudo Karate Association. I competed in local and national competitions for about five years, achieving 1st place in the North East Open at Sunderland in November 1999.

I gained my Shodan in 2001 under Enrico Capaldi (6th Dan), Nigel Houston (5th Dan) and Dale Darby (2nd Dan). I was awarded Nidan in May 2003 by the same panel. After the birth of my son I took 21/2 years away from karate until finally building up the motivation (and courage!) to "get back on the horse!"

I have been training at the Thornaby Harewood T.A.S.K. under Sensei Raistrick (5th Dan), and recently completed the BNMAA/MASTARR Instructors and Coaching course.

I have recently been appointed as a Senior Instructor within T.A.S.K. and co-instruct at the Harewood and Billingham Forum dojo. In August 2007 I was appointed Child Protection Officer for Taisho-Do Karate and in December 2008 I was awarded my 3rd Dan.

In the future I hope to achieve my further Dan grades, and maybe compete again in competition!!!

Sensei David Long (1st Dan)

Sensei Long began studying karate with the Ripon and Thirsk Martial Arts Club in 1982 with Sensei Keith Penn. The main focus of the club was Wado Ryu karate, although elements of Jujitsu, Judo and Bujutsu were regularly integrated into training sessions.

Like Sensei Hargan, he too attained 5th kyu status when work committments in 1985 unfortunately forced a very long break in his martial arts practice.

Sensei Hargan opened the Scruton Antei Karate Club in 2004, and Sensei Long joined late that year with his daughter Abi, working his way through the kyu grades until July 2008 when he was awarded Shodan.

Sensei Tracy Orchard (3rd Dan)

Information to come ...

Sensei Rachel Palmer (1st Dan)
Middlesbrough Acklam Antei

Information to come ...

Sensei Karen Parkin (4th Dan)

More information to come ...

Sensei Liam Parkin (2nd Dan)

More information to come ...

Sensei Mark Parkin (3rd Dan)

More information to come ...

Sensei Mark Raistrick (5th Dan)
Taisho-Do Chairman and National Administrator
Chief Instructor - Teesside Academy Shukokai Karate (T.A.S.K)

* 5th Dan Shukokai Karate.
* MASTARR Instructor Diploma.
* MASTARR Coaching Diploma.
* MASTARR Health and Safety Diploma.
* MASTARR Child Protection Diploma.
* EKO National Coaching Award.
* First Aid Certificate.
* Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked.
* BNMAA Technical Executive.
* Black Belt International Executive Instructor.
* Black Belt International Dedication To Martial Arts Award.

Sensei Raistrick began Karate training in Shukokai Karate in 1980 at the age of 7. Initially under the guidance of Sensei Abdu Shaher (7th Dan, EKGB vice president, former world champion and head regional coach) and Sensei Said Shaher (5th dan). The club was a member of the Shukokai Karate Union (SKU) until Sokudo Karate and Kiyoo-No Karate were formed.

Sensei Raistrick gained his Shodan (1st Dan) in 1991, and chose to further his karate training with the Kiyoo-No Karate Association with Sensei Said Shaher (5th Dan), Steve Burke (5th Dan) and Andy Buckley (3rd Dan). He gained his 2nd Dan in 1993 and became a Senior Instructor/Referee, and gained his 3rd Dan in 1996.

Sensei Raistrick left Kiyoo-No Karate 1998 and trained (and co-instructed) locally at Easterside Karate Academy with colleague Jaga Singh (3rd Dan). He set up the Teesside Academy Shukokai Karate (T.A.S.K.) in Thornaby - Teesside, and was awarded his 4th Dan in November 2003 by Sensei Dave Sharkey (7th Dan) E.K.O. Chairman and Chief Instructor, and went on to become an E.K.O. National Coach in March 2004.

Recently Sensei Raistrick was instrumental in the formation of Taisho-Do Karate, which is now a member of the English Karate Federation and the B.N.M.A.A.

For his obvious dedication to Karate in general and Taisho-Do specifically he was awarded his 5th Dan at the BNMAA Black Belt International training weekend by Sensei Paul Griffin (8th Dan) on December 1st 2008. This grade is registered with the BNMAA, Taisho-Do Karate and the English Karate Federation.

Sensei Harold Stephenson (5th Dan)
Taisho-Do Chief Referee / E.K.F. Referee

"My background is very extensive and is condensed as follows:-

"I have been involved in martial arts (budo) since the age of five, (47+ years). During this time I have attained the grades of 2nd Dan in Judo, 2nd Dan in Aikido, 1st Dan in Wado Ryu Karate and 5th Dan in Shotokan Karate.

"I have also gained:-

- BKF Kumite Referee status and Tatami Chief,

- English Karate Kumite Referee and Tatami Chief,

- Phoenix Karate NVQ assessor, Chief Referee and Senior NVQ Instructors' Assessor,

- EKGB Senior instructor and Assessor,

- Sports Council Assessor For Karate.

"I spent four years studying to gain a degree in Sports Physics and Pyschology as a home study course with Durham University.

"In 1999 I was voted as Coach Of The Year runner up for the Annual North East awards, and I have also received an award for humanitarianism for my work with disabled and disadvantaged children, and extensive charity work and fundraising for the Breast Cancer and Children In Need charities.

"During the last eight years I have had to retire from active Karate due to the damaging effects of Multiple Sclerosis, and have also suffered severe damage to my spinal chord requiring my 5th, 6th and 7th vertebrae requiring bone grafts from my hips. All this said, I still gain massive satisfaction from being involved in coaching as a guest and instructing prospective referees and judges.

"During a six month period I lost my father (and mentor), my best friend and fellow instructor Sensei Glen Williams was paralysed in a tragic accident, and my neck/spine was damaged in three places to facilitate grafts. This took some getting over but my friends and colleagues in Karate helped me through this time.

"I can honestly say that my time spent in martial arts (budo) and the many thousands of pounds spent in pursuit of being "the best I can be" has been time and money well spent.

"I hope this gives you some background as to my life and the enjoyment I have during my time as a Budoka."

Reece Thomas
Guisborough Sokudo

Information to come ...

Sensei Andrew Tindale (3rd Dan)
Hartlepool Shotokan Karate Club

More information to come ...

Sensei Vicky Tuffs (2nd Dan)

Vicky Tuffs entered the martial arts world in 1988 training in Shukokai at Teesside, gaining her black belt 1st Dan in 1994 and her 2nd Dan in 1996.

1996 was a good year for Vicky, who by now had gained quite a reputation on the competition circuit. Not only was she selected to represent Great Britain in a variety of international competitions but she was honoured to be selected as an Ambassador for Young People's Sports in Teesside.

Vicky is a member of Tyne and Wear Ishinryu, but also trains regularly with her friends in T.A.S.K.

Vicky has in excess of 30 titles to her credit, including...

• British Champion
• English Champion
• 3 x Silver Medallist at the Swedish World Cup
• Silver Medallist at the Denmark Open
• 14 x North East Open Karate Champion
• Silver Medallist in the World Kickboxing Championships

Sensei John Walker (3rd Dan)
Hartlepool Shotokan Karate Club

More information to come ...

Sensei John Welsh (3rd Dan)
Sunderland Karate Academy

- Honorary 3rd Dan Shotokan Karate awarded by the BNMAA.
- Bukonkai Karate International Qualifications in Coaching and Instructing.
- Sunderland Karate Academy Kata Coach.

Sensei John Welsh began his training in 1970 at the Sunderland Martial Arts Academy. He attained his 1st Dan in 1978 and became an instructor at the club. In 1990 the club left the K.U.G.B. and joined Bukonkai Karate International. After setting his own karate career aside, for a number of years to concentrate on his students, he was asked by the association to attempt his 2nd Dan grading in 1994. After some persuasion he did and passed with flying colours.

He finally retired from Karate in 2000.

A year later he asked if he could train at a club that had just opened in his area - the Lambton St. Karate Kai. After a couple of months with the club he was asked by the instructor if he would consider teaching again and he agreed.

Sensei John Welsh has been involved with Karate for over 35 years and has become a valuable member of the Sunderland Karate Academy.