Newcastle upon Tyne Employees

- Gichin Funakoshi Affiliated with the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) since September 2007, Newcastle University Shotokan Karate Club (NUSKC) saw the arrival of Sensei John Thompson, 4th Dan who converted the club to traditional Shotokan karate. Under the excellent standard of teaching provided by Sensei Thompson, NUSKC saw a wave of members progressing through KUGB gradings and participate in several competitions including BUSA 2007, BUCS 2009 and BUCS 2010. Two medals were brought back in BUCS 2009 - Silver and Bronze in Women's Individual Kumite. NUSKC is also very privileged to have three assistant instructors - Wendy Goodbarn (3rd Dan), and previous students of the club, Jonny Knox (2nd Dan) and Andrew Saltissi (1st Dan). The dedication from all our instructors means that the classes are physically and mentally stimulating, building up students to a good standard so that training is safe, interesting and improves fitness as well as skill. All aspects of karate are covered including Kihon, Kata and Kumite as well as demonstrations of the application of karate. The NUSKC Squad was set up in 2009 by our captain, two years running, Marianne Donnelly who has established regular sessions in order to constantly improve the integrity of the Squad. With continuous great training, team spirit and a strong social atmosphere, NUSKC is always going from strength to strength. We are a serious KUGB club yet never fails to be fun-loving and student-orientated. Feel free to come to a free session to see what it's all about. KUGB The KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) is a non-profit making democratic organisation established in 1966 and consists of over 400 clubs and 11,000 members, all of which practice Shotokan Karate. It is the largest single style association in Great Britain and has clubs in many Sports Centres, Universities and Schools. Members of the KUGB see many benefits, such as free courses for brown and black belts, besides being eligible to enter the KUGB National Championships and other prestigious competitions.