Training has started again for 2026. We are back in our normal dojo on the usual days and times.
This is going to be a busy year for the club and its members. The events page has been updated, and includes the club kyu gradings (March, July, November), regional course in Exeter (February), other competitions and the national courses, gradings and championships. The full KUGB calendar has more events and details, so please refer to that too. (Please also note that you can subscribe to the KUGB calendar so you don’t miss out on anything – there’s a link at the bottom of the KUGB Events page.)
In the meantime, we wish you a happy and healthy new year, and hope to see you at training soon.
A happy new year to you all! As we start 2026, it’s time to reflect on the previous year’s achievements, progress, and dedication from our club members.
Black Belt Excellence
2025 saw two club members achieve Dan grades. In July, Richard Thompson earned his Shodan at the University of Bath Sports Training Village under Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) and Sensei Garry Harford (8th Dan). Richard’s commitment to training, combined with his competitive spirit, has created a disciplined approach that serves as a model for all club members. Then in November, Roy Sanders successfully achieved his 2nd Dan grading in Chelmsford, demonstrating the resilience and mental strength that defines a true martial artist. Both gradings were testament to the high standards our club develops in its students.
Kyu Grade Success
The club held three kyu gradings throughout the last year under Sensei Rob Welsh (7th Dan), with every single student achieving their next grade. Particularly noteworthy was our December grading, which saw five beginners pass their 9th Kyu – the largest group of beginners we’ve had this century! Sensei Welsh again complimented the club on the consistently high standard of those grading, a reflection of the quality training our instructors provide and the dedication of our students. Looking ahead to 2026, we have many 1st Kyus who will be ready to grade for 1st Dan.
Competition Achievements
Last year saw increased participation in competitions, with club members entering 25 categories across 4 championships. Our competitors brought home 3 Gold medals, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze, and five 4th place finishes – an impressive haul that demonstrates both individual excellence and the strength of our club’s competitive programme.
The KUGB Southern Region Championships in March 2025 set the tone for the year. Kieran secured Silver in Veterans’ kata after performing Sochin, while Emma claimed Silver in her category. Emma’s performance was particularly notable as she collected her fourth medal in her fourth competition – an exceptional record for any competitor.
At the KUGB National Kyu Grade Championships in April, our junior members truly shone. Emma delivered a standout performance, claiming Gold in the Girls Novice – 4th Kyu Kata category with a technically precise and spirited performance. Amy demonstrated remarkable determination, securing Bronze in the 13-14 Girls Kumite division, showing true fighting spirit despite taking several blows to the face during her matches. Harry added to his growing medal collection with a well-earned joint Bronze in the Boys Kumite division. What made these achievements even more impressive was that this was their first experience in Jiyu kumite, and they faced opponents who were mostly older, physically larger, and higher-ranked brown belts.
As our Chief Instructor Ron Hicks noted at the time, “They are a real credit to the club. We are so proud of them.”
Guest Instructor – Holly Bruce
In July, we welcomed back Sensei Holly Bruce (5th Dan) from Sendai Kushiro Karate Club for what is becoming an annual highlight. As an internationally acclaimed competitor and KUGB ambassador, Sensei Bruce delivered an exceptional session that benefitted everyone from novices to 6th Dan. Her systematic approach to kumite, focusing on kizami zuki and gyaku zuki with emphasis on distance control and defensive strategy, provided invaluable insights. Her teaching approach – progressing from foundational principles through partner drills to full-speed application – ensured every participant left with concrete technical improvements.
Central Region Kata Squad
The club continues to maintain a strong presence on the KUGB Central Region Kata Squad, led by Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan). Ron, Kieran, Mark, Craig, and Julian have committed to the training sessions throughout the year. The squad demands a level of fitness, focus, and discipline that goes beyond regular club practice, and our members have risen to that challenge. The first squad session of 2026, incorporating squad selection, will take place on January 25th in Grantham.
Looking Forward
As we move into 2026, the club instructors look forward to continuing improvements in the coming year. Our philosophy remains focused on steady development, consistent effort, and mutual support for all club members. With a strong cohort of 1st Kyus preparing for Shodan, a growing competition squad, and an enthusiastic group of beginners, the foundations are in place for another successful year.
Thank you to all our members for your dedication, to Sensei Rob Welsh for conducting our gradings, to our guest instructors, and to everyone who has supported the club throughout 2025.
We will start training again on Monday 5th January 2026 – see you all then.
As 2025 draws to an end, we want to recognise the members of the Bath Club who are part of the KUGB Central Region Kata Squad and have maintained their commitment throughout the year.
Being selected for the squad is just the beginning – staying on it requires discipline. Our squad members – Ron, Kieran, Mark, Craig & Julian – have committed to attend all training sessions, showing up consistently, regardless of the demands on their time.
The Central Region Kata Squad, led and instructed by Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan), KUGB senior instructor and coach to the KUGB National Squad, demands a level of fitness, focus and discipline that goes beyond regular club practice. Our members have risen to that challenge, refining their karate, particularly kata, and aiming to uphold the standards we aspire to in our club and as members of the KUGB.
The Central Region Kata Squad squad meets roughly seven times a year at dojos across the Midlands. It is open to all KUGB members (with a current KUGB Licence), who are 3rd Kyu and above, and at least 12 years of age. Each event begins with a 90-minute all grades’ training session, open to all KUGB members and grades with Sensei Brennan. The all grades’ session (open to everyone) is strongly recommended for any club members who wish to train with Sensei regularly, have the opportunity to improve all aspects of their karate, and prepare for gradings. The squad training session follows, but is only open to those selected onto the squad at the first session of the year.
If you wish to know more, please talk to any of the club’s squad members. The first squad session of 2026, incorporating squad selection, will take place on January 25th in Grantham.
Last night Bath Karate Club held its last club grading of the year. We would like to thank Sensei Rob Welsh who made the trip to Bath, with Sensei Lin Welsh, to take a training session for all club members followed by the grading. We were also joined by Will Skinner and members of Bristol Shotokan Karate Club.
Thanks to all the club members who turned up to train and support their fellow students. Many congratulations to the following Bath students who successfully graded:
Congratulations to Roy Sanders, who successfully achieved his 2nd Dan grading, last Saturday in Chelmsford, under the watchful eyes of Sensei Jimmy Brennan and Sensei Frank Brennan.
Roy’s journey to this achievement has been marked by resilience, perseverance and focus, demonstrating the mental strength that defines a martial artist.
In what is becoming an annual event, last night Bath Karate Club once again welcomed back Sensei Holly Bruce, 5th Dan, from Sendai Kushiro Karate Club. As an internationally acclaimed competitor and KUGB ambassador, Sensei Bruce brought her characteristic attention to detail and technical precision to another exceptional session that benefitted the whole club, from novices to 6th Dan.
The evening began with focused kihon, centred around a three-step striking combination. Sensei Bruce’s emphasis on slow, controlled movements set the tone for the session. She guided students through the critical elements of weight distribution, demonstrating how a softened back leg creates the foundation for fast, direct technique delivery.
The evening’s focus was a kumite session built around the fundamental techniques of kizami zuki and gyaku zuki. Sensei Bruce’s systematic approach to controlling the distance was fundamental and clear. The defensive strategy she taught was particularly insightful, “you have only two options,” she explained, “go in and counterattack, or escape then counter—never attempt both simultaneously.” The progression from slow, controlled partner work to full-speed attack and defence allowed everyone to develop their familiarity and skills gradually with progression and intensity. Swapping partners ensured students experienced different timing and distance challenges, reflecting the unpredictable nature of kumite.
The session concluded with kata, focusing on Heian Sandan and Gojushiho Sho. Sensei Bruce connected the kata elements back to the kihon at the session’s start emphasizing how proper weight loading and smooth transitions carry through every aspect of karate practice. Sensei Bruce’s ability to break down complex concepts into simple actions was evident throughout the evening. Her teaching approach — progressing from foundational principles through partner drills to full-speed application — ensured that every participant, left the session with concrete technical improvements and a deeper appreciation for the strategic elements that separate effective kumite from mere stepping and punching.
Bath Karate Club held its latest kyu grading under Sensei Rob Welsh last week. We would like to thank Sensei for making the trip to Bath, for taking the club training session and then the grading. Thank you to all those club members who turned up to train and support the evening. Finally, many congratulations to the club members who passed their grading:
Beatrice Craig – 8th Kyu Florence Watson – 7th Kyu Chloe Burden – 6th Kyu Jake Williams – 6th Kyu Ollie Childs – 6th Kyu Marlena Gulaj – 5th Kyu Amy Beattie – 4th Kyu Emma Thompson – 4th Kyu Harry Sanders – 4th Kyu Storm Jackson – 1st Kyu Peter Ashby – 1st Kyu Dan Walklin – 1st Kyu
Congratulations to Richard Thompson for passing his Shodan yesterday at the University of Bath Sports Training Village, under Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) and Sensei Garry Harford (8th Dan) of the KUGB.
Richard’s achievement comes as no surprise to those who train alongside him. His commitment to training twice weekly, combined with his competitive spirit has created has created a disciplined approach that serves as a model for all club members.
The grading also saw Roy Sanders attempt his 2nd Dan examination, successfully completing two elements of the grading. While he will need to retake the kumite portion, his performance earned praise from the examiners for his strong attitude and determination.
Both Richard and Roy received special recognition from Sensei Brennan, who commended their attitude, and had noted their participation in the additional training sessions at the KUGB Spring Torbay course – note to all club members, it’s important to go and train on KUGB courses!
We’d also like to thank all those club black and brown belts who turned up to represent the Bath club on the training sessions led by Senseis Brennan and Harford that preceded the grading.
The KUGB National Kyu Grade Championships, at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre last Saturday, provided an impressive showcase for Bath Karate Club’s young talent, with three junior competitors bringing home medals across multiple events.
Emma delivered a standout performance, claiming gold in the Girls Novice – 4th Kyu Kata category. Her technically precise and spirited performance impressed the judges, adding another achievement to her growing competitive resume. Amy also competed strongly in the Girls Kata, finishing just off the podium in fourth place.
The kumite competition presented significant challenges for the Bath competitors, with all three juniors facing opponents who were mostly older, physically larger, and higher-ranked brown belts. Despite this substantial experience gap, Bath’s young karatekas showed tremendous spirit. Amy demonstrated remarkable determination, securing bronze in the 13-14 Girls Kumite division. Perhaps most impressively, Amy she showed true fighting spirit when she continued competing despite taking several blows to the face during her matches. Harry added to his growing medal collection with a well-earned joint bronze in the Boys Kumite division. In the kata competition, he narrowly missed qualifying for the finals by just 0.4 points, finishing seventh overall in a highly competitive field.
The competition marked a significant milestone for the young competitors, as it was their first experience in Jiyu kumite. Despite facing more experienced opponents, all three Bath competitors demonstrated technical ability, fighting spirit, and composure under pressure. “They are a real credit to the club,” noted Ron Hicks, the Bath club chief instructor. We are “so proud of them. Both Amy and Emma got smacked in the face several times in their rounds, but still carried on.”
This national-level tournament experience, particularly against more advanced competitors from across the country, will prove invaluable for the continued development of these promising young karatekas. The Bath club’s emphasis on both kata and kumite was evident in their performances across different competition categories. The National Kyu Grade Championships once again highlighted the strength of KUGB’s developing talent while providing an important developmental opportunity for these dedicated young martial artists from Bath Karate Club.
Members of the Bath club had a good day at the KUGB Southern Area Championships last Saturday – and very successful in many ways. Competitions always bring a sense of camaraderie between the competitors and this was no exception. The ‘Bath squad’ consisted of Richard, Emma, Amy, Kieran and Ron.
Kieran was first up in the Veterans’ kata, where he performed Sochin to secure a place in the finals. Ron was next in the ‘open’ kata event. Although he didn’t get to the finals, he did put beat the competitor who denied him a place in the last 8 at the Nationals 3 years ago – as Amy put it, ‘get revenge’ on him!
Next were Emma and Amy, who both performed Heian Yondan. Emma got through to the finals but Amy missed out by a narrow margin – still an excellent result for her first competition. These three categories had all taken place on Area 4, whereas Richard was on Area 1 so he had no-one to watch/coach/encourage him.
In the finals, Kieran drew with the eventual winner, but due to the ‘count back’ method of adding the scores he lost out by 0.1, taking the Silver. Emma performed Heian Nidan in her final and also took Silver. This was her 4th competition, and 4th medal, an excellent record.
The ‘competitor of the year’ trophy table so far has Kieran and Emma tied for 1st place, with 50 points each. Watch this space…
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