The KUGB National Championships returned to the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham this weekend, drawing karateka from across the United Kingdom to compete at the highest level of Shotokan Karate. The Championships showcased the discipline, spirit, and technical excellence that have defined the Karate Union of Great Britain for almost six decades.
With competitors from dojos nationwide, the Championships featured a full day of elite-level kata and kumite across all ages and grades. The event not only celebrated the depth of talent across the UK but also underscored the KUGB’s unwavering commitment to traditional Shotokan values.
KUGB Chairman, Sensei John Bruce (6th Dan) thanked everyone for their commitment to the KUGB and to the art of Shotokan Karate-do, adding “Your dedication is what makes this organisation truly exceptional.” He went on to express his thanks to the KUGB Technical and Executive Committees for their invaluable contribution and added “I want to express my gratitude to our referees, judges, timekeepers and recorders, whose work ensures the success of our competitions, and the volunteers, whose tireless efforts keep the KUGB moving forward.”
Technical Lead, Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan), one of the most decorated competitors in KUGB history, said “The National Championships are always a highlight – not just for the level of competition, but for the spirit of unity it brings across our organisation. Today was a powerful reminder of what happens when hard work, tradition, and community come together.”
The finals began with the National Anthem which was followed by the introduction of the KUGB Technical Committee: Sensei Terry O’Neill, Sensei Billy Higgins, Sensei Jim Brennan, Sensei Frank Brennan, and Sensei Garry Harford – senior instructors whose leadership continues to guide the technical standards of the organisation.
As part of a long-standing tradition, the KUGB also recognised members who have been part of the organisation for 20 years or more. This year, 36 members received Long Standing Member Certificates, with many attending in person to be presented with their awards. Sensei John Bruce met each recipient individually, acknowledging their years of consistent training, support, and contribution to the KUGB.
Twenty Years
Trevor Shaw – Tibshelf Yamaji Karate Club
Robert Anderton – Tibshelf Yamaji Karate Club
Nigel Fernyhough – Sowerby Bridge Shotokan
Shaun Knight – Portsmouth Knight Karate Club
Robert Jarrett – Cullompton
Rebecca Morrison – Kirkby
Vishal Dewitt – Kaizen Birmingham
Philip Allison – Bristol Shotokan
Michael Cave – Liverpool Red Triangle SKC
Gary O’Donnell – Liverpool Red Triangle SKC
Steve Taylor – Shotokan Karate Academy
Thirty Years
Daniel Walpole – Brixham
Scott Watson – Sowerby Bridge Shotokan Karate Club
Peter Trice – Myerscough
Peter Jeffrey – Liverpool Red Triangle SKC
James Mckee – Liverpool Red Triangle SKC
Stephen Smith – Liverpool Red Triangle SKC
Roy Chapman – Liverpool Red Triangle SKC
Forty years
Graham Jennings – Powys Red dragon
Steven Johnston – North Staffs
Jill F Kelly – Ashington SKC
Stephen Doyle – Rossendale Shotokan Karate Club
Peter Girling – Basingstoke
Kevin Gaman – Bristol Shotokan
Richard Stanway – Bristol Shotokan
Johnny Chung
Richard Sinnott – Dartmouth
Martin Olver – Sendai Kushiro
Carol Olver – Sendai Kushiro
Stephen Olver – Sendai Kushiro
Fifty years
Paul M O’Brien – Haslemere SKC
Lynn Padgett – Barnsley SKC
Robert Welsh – Tamworth SKC
George Morrison – Kirkby
Ernest Payne – Newcastle Sendai
Peter Atkins – Dartmouth
A highlight of this year’s event was the formal presentation of 7th Dan grades to three of our most senior grades in recognition of their outstanding and long-standing contributions to the Karate Union of Great Britain.
These promotions, awarded by Sensei Frank Brennan, 8th Dan, reflect their deep and often unseen service to the organisation over many years. Their dedication, leadership, and mentorship have played a vital role in strengthening the KUGB community and upholding the core values of traditional Shotokan Karate.
These Dan grades represent decades of commitment to the art – not just in personal practice, but in shaping the development of others and helping guide the next generation of karateka.
The KUGB congratulates Sensei Gary Blundell, Sensei Philip Gandy and Sensei Ian McLaren on this well-deserved honour.
Standout performances came from both seasoned Dan grades and promising kyu grade competitors, many of whom were experiencing their first taste of national-level competition. Medals were awarded to all those in the finals, from adult to child, team to individual events, highlighting the inclusive, developmental ethos of the KUGB.
The 2025 KUGB National Championships featured two standout demonstrations that captivated the audience and underscored the depth of talent within the organisation.
In a deeply inspiring performance, siblings Dylan and Gemma Gibson of Kokoro Shotokan Karate Club showcased their kata and kumite skills. Dylan, a 4th Dan black belt and KUGB Mental Health and Disability Officer, lost his sight in late 2022 due to Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). Despite this life-altering diagnosis, he continues to train and teach with unwavering commitment. Assisted by his sister Gemma, a 3rd Dan instructor, the duo delivered a demonstration that exemplified adaptability, perseverance, and the unifying spirit of karate.
Also featured was a well-executed bunkai demonstration of the advanced kata Nijushiho, delivered by members of Sendai Kushiro Karate Club, providing a clear and structured interpretation of the kata’s practical applications.
The event also paid tribute to the legacy of Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, Sensei Derek Langham, Sensei Charles Naylor, and Sensei Bob Poynton and celebrated the next generation of karateka poised to carry that legacy forward.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the officials, volunteers, medical team, supporters, our long-standing sponsor Kamae International, and the dedicated staff at David Ross Sports Village.
And most importantly, to every competitor who stepped onto the mat – thank you. Your skill, spirit, and unwavering dedication to Karate were truly inspiring. Your example will inspire the next generation to follow in your footsteps.
Clubs will now prepare for the next key events in the KUGB calendar, with attention turning to Dan Gradings and the Shotokan Cup in coming weeks and the World and European Championships later in the year.
More photos from the day, courtesy of ALB Photography, can be found on our facebook page. Thank you to Anthea for the use of these photos.
Here are the full results.
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