Lee's journey in martial arts began at the tender age of nine at the Gateshead Leisure Centre. Over the past 31 years, he has dedicated himself to perfecting his craft and achieving excellence in every aspect of martial arts.

At just 12 years old, Lee earned his 1st Dan black belt and started competing on a national level. His talent and dedication quickly propelled him to become a national champion, and he soon joined the esteemed KUGB National England squad. It was within this team that Lee discovered his passion for competition, which has fueled his remarkable career ever since.

Throughout his illustrious career, Lee has amassed an array of impressive achievements. Among his most notable accomplishments are winning the Commonwealth Kata Gold medal in 2008, becoming the WKF World Cup Kumite Champion the same year, and more recently, securing the WUKF double World Champion title in Kata in 2022, as well as the WUKF double European Champion title in Kata in 2022. Lee's dedication, hard work, and love for martial arts continue to inspire and motivate those around him.

From Karate Dad to Operations Manager! Phil Mordey is a name synonymous with dedication and passion within the KENSHO Karate community. Thirteen years ago, Phil encouraged his five-year-old daughter to take up karate, hoping to instil discipline and confidence in her. Little did he know that this decision would not only transform her life but also his own.

Impressed by the ethos and training at KENSHO, Phil decided to dive into karate himself, initially motivated by the desire to stay fit. Fast forward to 2024, and Phil has achieved remarkable milestones in his karate journey. He is now a 2nd Dan black belt with an impressive collection of medals from national and international competitions in both Kata and Kumite. Notably, he also competed in the prestigious WUKF World Championships in 2023, showcasing his dedication and skill on a global stage.

Beyond his personal achievements, Phil's passion for karate has led to a significant career shift. He now serves as the Operations Manager for both KENSHO Karate and RYUKYU Gi, where he oversees the growth and development of these organizations. Despite his managerial responsibilities, Phil occasionally finds time to instruct, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of karate enthusiasts. His journey from a supportive parent to a key figure in the karate community is truly inspiring, embodying the spirit of commitment and excellence.

From a young age, Zach's journey with Kensho Karate Club has been nothing short of inspiring. He began his training at just 8 years old, and by the age of 10, he was already competing nationally. By 14, he had taken his talents to the international stage, with his first major competition being the European Championships in Györ, Hungary.

Zach's dedication and skill have earned him a prestigious spot on the SEKA England Squad, where he continues to compete on an international level. His remarkable achievements include being a former National and International Kumite Champion in England, a two-time National Kumite Champion in Scotland, and a European Team Kumite Champion. These accolades are a testament to his hard work and passion for the sport.

In 2022, Zach achieved a significant milestone by earning his 4th Dan Black Belt under the guidance of Christine Pullan Sensei (8th Dan). Beyond his karate accomplishments, Zach has also completed a qualified teaching degree and holds a personal training qualification, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and helping others. Zach's journey is a remarkable example of dedication, talent, and the pursuit of excellence in both martial arts and life.

In 2010, John embarked on his karate journey, vividly recalling his conversation with Sensei Lee. At the time, he was solely focused on boosting his fitness and had zero interest in belts or competitions. Little did he know how much myperspective would change!

Today, he proudly holds a 3rd Dan black belt and compete in the Veterans category, both nationally and internationally. Karate and Kensho has transformed his life in ways I never anticipated.

Beyond the dojo, he has pursued various passions! He was an avid diver for many years, and continues to stay active by hitting the gym and practicing yoga. Through these diverse activities, I have built a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, showcasing the importance of staying open to new experiences and growth opportunities. 

Jonny Gough Jnr (3rd Dan) - Instructor & Competition Administrator