Our Instructors

Who started the club?

Sensei John Kennish and Sensei Stan Hall formed the Isle of Man Karate Club in the early 1970s to help promote karate on the island.

Who will teach me?

The Isle of Man Karate Club is instructed by Sensei John Kennish 6th Dan, Sensei Andrew Barnett 4th Dan, Sensei Tom Clucas 1st Dan, and Sensei John Houghton 1st Dan. Instructors in the Ramsey Dojo are Sensei Peter Hudson 3rd Dan and Sensei Paul Taylor 2nd Dan. They are helped and assisted by their black and brown belt students. Sensei in karate is a name attributed to a karate instructor or teacher. Sensei is originally a Japanese word that means 'born before'. But in the context of karate, it means a teacher since a teacher precedes their students in terms of experience.

How long will it take to achieve my black belt?

The average student can achieve black belt standard in 3 to 4 years, training regularly at least twice a week. Grades are taken approximately every 4 months and progress is marked by coloured belts. In the KUGB there are nine grades before black belt, the grading examiners for the Isle of Man are Sensei Frank Brennan, 8th Dan and Sensei Jimmy Brennan, 8th Dan. All black belt gradings in the Isle of Man club are taken by Sensei Frank Brennan, 8th Dan.

See here for the kyu grading syllabus.

See here for the dan grading syllabus.

How much will it cost?

Karate is a reasonably inexpensive sport when compared to others. Training fees are paid quarterly and the KUGB licence is paid annually. The main equipment needed is a karate suit (karategi) and a belt (obi).

Why do I need a licence?

Each student MUST have a current KUGB licence in order to train with the Isle of Man Karate Club. The licence details the 'rules' for conduct in the Dojo and for students generally. It is also a record of the student's progress through grading. Finally, the KUGB covers the student for insurance against accidental injury incurred during training. (Beginners are allowed to train three times without a licence.)