Academy of Shotokan Karate results from the Shobu Ippon International Shotokan Championships held at the Guildford Spectrum, Surrey - Saturday 10th May 2008

Novice - 7th Kyu Junior Kumite : 1st Neil Matijuk (Pagham)

Novice - 7th Kyu Junior Kata - 3rd Neil Matijuk (Pagham)

6th - 4th Kyu Ladies Kumite - 1st Hayley Cramer (Dartford SKC)

6th - 4th Kyu Ladies Kata - 3rd Hayley Cramer (Dartford SKC)

Senior Male Dan Grade Kumite - 3rd Marc Whittle (Kihaku Dojo)

Male Senior Team Kumite - 3rd (Kihaku Dojo)

Blyth Course & Regional ASK Dan Grading - May 2008

There were celebrations galore at Blyth after the Sensei Hazard course and regional grading in May. Congratulations go to Joan Aynsley and Stephen Hussey, who both successfully passed 2nd Dan after seven years hard work, dedication and commitment.

A post course surprise party had been arranged in honour of Sensei Westgarth, who celebrated his 60th birthday over the weekend. Sensei Westgarth commented that no-one could be more surprised than him that he had reached this grand age! Joan and Stephen’s fantastic achievement added to the party atmosphere, as did Juli Pops being awarded 5th Dan on the course by Sensei Hazard.

All four would like to thank students and friends of Blyth and Morpeth Karate Clubs for their efforts, support and best wishes, as well as the scrumptious buffet. Thank you also to Sensei Hazard for a fabulous course.

Open All Styles Masterclass & ASK Dan Grading

The Academy of Shotokan Karate is pleased to announce an open all styles masterclass with Sensei Dave Hazard at the Guildford Spectrum Complex in Surrey. The special 2-day course will take place over the weekend of 18th & 19th October 2008 and will also incoporate an ASK Dan grading.  Please speak to your club instructors for further details or reserve your place directly by contacting Simon Staples on 07762 630 594. Please note, course places are limited.

3rd International Shotokan Training Camp - France

Any academy members left with energy after Sensei Donovans Summer Camp are welcome to join ASK instructor Paul Herbert and guest Sensei - Adam Cockfield (4th Dan SSKI) for a 4-day training course at the beautiful Herqueville Manor in Rouen, France. For a full information pack please email Paul@dartfordskc.co.uk or call 07834 239 714.

EKF National Championships - April 2008 

Academy of Shotokan Karate results from the 2008 English Karate Federation national championships  Ponds Forge, Sheffield - 5th & 6th April 2008

Male Kumite 18 - 20 years (-80kg) : 2nd David Westgarth

Male Kumite 18 years + (-80kg) : 3rd David Westgarth

Female Kumite 18 years + (-53kg) : 2nd Gemma Marwood

Female Kumite 18 years + (Open Weight) : 2nd Gemma Marwood

Female Veterans Kata : Joint 3rd Lynn Thompson / Joan Aynsley

Stephen Hussey and Dale Straker both narrowly missed out on third place medals 

Martial Arts Illustrated - March 2008 

Academy of Shotokan Karate chief instructor Dave Hazard, is featured on the cover of the March 2008 edition of Martial Arts Illustrated magazine. Read an exclusive interview with Hazard Sensei conducted by Chris Parker, the 'ghost writer' of the excellent Born Fighter which was released last year.

For more information on Martial Arts Illustrated visit - Here

23rd Tyne & Wear Open Competition - February 2008

Morpeth Sports Awards - January 2008

31^st North East Open - Sunday 18^th November 2007

The Academy Of Shotokan Karate picked up 26 trophies at the recent 31^st North East Open Karate championships. The ASK would like to express its congratulations and thanks to both the competitors and parents for their support, we couldn’t do it without them.

Childrens Sanbon Kumite                            Men & Women Junior Grade Kata   

1^st  Jenny Westgarth                                              1^st  Tania Rawlings

3^rd Eilidh Macleod                                                  Ladies Kata

3^rd Greg Robinson                                                   1^st Kerri Hepple

Youths Kumite                                            2^nd Joan Aynsley

1^st David Westgarth                                               3^rd Tania Rawlings

2^nd Jeffrey Westgarth                                           Ladies Kumite Under 60 K

3^rd Dale Straker                                                    3^rd Tania Rawlings

Childrens Kata 10 to 12 years                        Ladies Kumite Over 60 K

3^rd Eilidh Macleod                                                  2^nd Kerri Hepple

Childrens Team Kumite                                 Mens Senior Team

3^rd ASK                                                               3^rd ASK

Jenny Westgarth                                                   David Westgarth

Greg Robinson                                                       Sam Dodd

Beverley Foster                                                     Dale Straker

Boys Kumite 14 and 15 years                     Mens senior Kumite under 75K      

1^st Joe Herron                                                        3^rd Sam Dodd                                                                                                                   3^rd Jeffrey Westgarth

Mens kata                                           Mens Senior Kumite Open Weight

2^nd David Westgarth                                               2^nd David Westgarth                     

3^rd Dale Straker                                                    3^rd Dale Straker    

Simon Staples Interview - September 2007