Torbay Spring Karate Course: A Celebration of the KUGB Family, Community, and Connection
The 38th annual Torbay Spring Karate Course, held at the Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton, Devon, proved to be a spectacular event, bringing together karateka of all ages and abilities. This course, which was first established 40 years ago (- 2 years due to Covid), continues to be a highlight in the KUGB calendar, offering the perfect combination of intensive training and relaxation in the stunning coastal setting of Devon.
With classes catering to all grades and levels, participants were able to tailor their experience, whether focusing on grading preparation, instructor qualification exams, or enjoying time with family. The course featured a variety of activities, from intense training sessions with expert instructors to more relaxed social events.
As well as training each day, participants had a number of extra curricular activities to get involved with – the first being Monday night’s Social Evening. The Quiz Night hosted by Sensei Billy Higgins, was a packed-out success! It was an enjoyable evening that brought together KUGB members, old and new, together with their families. The quiz was challenging and fun, and we were thrilled to see so many people attending.
During the week there is the opportunity for our members to qualify as KUGB Instructors under a KUGB Assessor.
Congratulations to the following people who successfully passed their KUGB Instructor’s qualification under Trevor Jarrett, Adam Purkiss and Dylan Gibson:
Shane Smith
Sarah McCambridge
Lee Root
Louis Stevens
Matthew Brass-Hall
Also congratulations to Simon Hastings who qualified under Assessor Jane Naylor-Jones later in the week.
On Wednesday, Dr. Tim Baker, FRCGP BMBS, delivered an engaging and interactive First Aid lecture on concussion awareness and management. The course was highly informative, giving attendees valuable insights into how to recognize and manage concussions—essential knowledge for anyone involved in teaching or coaching.
One of the key highlights of the week was the Kata Competition, which took place on Thursday afternoon. The competition featured three categories: Kyu Grades, Brown Belts, and Black Belts. We are thrilled to announce the following results:
Kyu Grade Individual Kata:
Lily Rose Hedges-Quinn – Senshuken
Jack Hastings – Sakura
Toby Lucas-Levitt – Chelmsford
Matthew Sellick – Chelmsford
Brown Belt Individual Kata:
Thomas Dyer – Clyst Vale
Sofie Hedges-Quinn – Senshuken
Skylar Walker-Root – Stock
Sid Harry – Clyst Vale
Dan Grade Individual Kata:
Charlie King – Regashi
Megan Naylor-Jones – Chelmsford
Anna Purcell – Chelmsford
Ruan Welsman – Exeter
Congratulations to everyone who took part.
Dan Gradings
The week concluded with a Dan Grading. Congratulations to the following students who passed Shodan:
Also, congratulations to the following students who passed Nidan:
Fundraising
During the week, Shaun and Holly Knight from Portsmouth Knight Karate, sold raffle tickets to help raise much needed funds for Child Bereavement UK, the KUGB’s raffle for this year. Thank you to everyone who participated – we greatly appreciate your support for such a worthy cause. Over £350 was raised.
This Girl Can
We were also proud to celebrate the achievement of Holly Bruce, who became the first female instructor to teach at the Train with the Champions Courses. Holly’s participation was an inspiring moment, and she continues to be a source of motivation. We took the opportunity to take a photo of all of the women attending on the course for #thisgirlcan.
Instructors
Our instructors, all former KUGB National and International Champions, passed on their vast knowledge and experience to the students. Here’s what some of them had to say about the course:
Sensei Billy Higgins : “What an amazing week it has been at the KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) annual Torbay Train with the Champions. All the students that took part were an absolute pleasure to teach and made it a joy to be part of. The eagerness, the willingness and the determination to learn and improve were evident from the start and continued throughout the whole week. Watching the KUGB go from strength to strength is amazing. The future is very positive and promising, and it’s a great pleasure to be part of it. Well done to everyone who was part of this event. See you all at the next event.”
Sensei Jim Brennan: “The commitment and attitude from everyone was fantastic. It was a pleasure to teach them and be part of a great course.”
Sensei Frank Brennan: “As an instructor, I am constantly inspired by the dedication of our students. This year’s Torbay course was no exception. The number of students of all grades and ages who showed great strength, tenacity, and martial spirit was truly outstanding.”
Sensei Garry Harford: “I really enjoyed teaching and training with so many KUGB members. The schedule lends itself to building a strong karate community with shared values and friendships. It’s inspiring to talk to members who have been attending this event for 40 years. I’m already looking forward to next year. It’s great to see the KUGB continue to develop diversity and reflect its members. A big thank you to Donna and the rest of the team who organized a brilliant event.”
Sensei Holly Bruce : Having the privilege of teaching at the KUGB’s Spring Karate Course was an unforgettable experience. The energy and dedication from all the participants, regardless of grade, was truly inspiring. It was fantastic to see everyone so eager to learn and improve, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the week. A big thank you to the other instructors for their support and to the KUGB for hosting such a successful event. It was an honour to be part of such an inspiring week.”
Looking Forward to Next Year
The course is a fantastic opportunity for karateka to come together, improve their skills, and strengthen the bond of the karate community. We’re excited to continue this tradition next year, and we look forward to welcoming even more participants for the 39th course in 2026.
Please see Course Photos on our
