JKS LLANBEDR DC KARATE CLUB
Chief instructor
Stuart Needham
4th Dan
Sensei Stu Needham began karate in 1990 at Clwyd Shotokan Karate Academy. This was later renamed Chikara Shotokan Karate Academy when it joined with other clubs in the area.
In 1995 he began his competition career competing in the Welsh Championships coming 3rd in Kumite.
He continued his career winning many national and International Championships with his highest achievement being KWF European Kumite Champion following an impressive performance at the Championships in Italy.
He has graded in front of some of the World's Best instructors, obtaining his 3rd Dan in 2003 in Japan at the opening ceremony of KWF HQ. He is currently 4th Dan Black belt which he attained in 2007, again with a panel of top level instructors.
He has trained with a large number of instructors from all over the world during his time studying the art, visiting Japan Hombu Dojo's on two occasions.
Stu enjoys teaching Karate to people of all ages and takes a huge amount of pride from watching students develop and improve.
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Assistant chief instructor
Phil Manning
3rd Dan
Sensei Phil Manning started training in 1984 at Flint Karate Club under the direction of Sensei Andy Painter. He too joined Chikara Shotokan Karate Academy when the clubs amalgamated.
Phil began competing at a young age and has had an extremely successful competitive career. Below are just a couple of his achievements. He has competed at numerous national and international events including the 2007 KWF World Championships in Japan.
Phil fought alongside Stu in the 2008 KWF European Championships where the team came second in the senior kumite.
In 2016 Phil had an impressive performance at the JSKA UK National Championships where he won the senior kumite and was placed in the kata and team kata event, culminating in his being the competition's overall champion.
Phil was successful in attaining his 3rd Dan in 2018.
Phil is not only a successful club instructor, he also runs a sport massage business and assists those in the club with any injuries/mobility issues that they may face. Phil brings a vast amount of his rehab knowledge in to the way he coaches, which certainly assists all at the club.
"I like teaching, it's great to be a part of students' progression in their skills, but more so the confidence that builds every time they come into the Dojo" - Phil Manning
Assistant chief instructor
Dave Scregg
4th Dan
Sensei Dave Scregg started Karate in 1990 where he joined Chikara Shotokan Karate Academy. He did this in order to encourage his son to continue training. Sadly, his son gave up but Dave continued and Karate became a massive part of his life training 3 times a week.
Dave was the initial instructor with Stu when Llanbedr DC Karate Club was formed.
Dave has also competed on the National and International stage with the highlight being The KWF World Championships in Tokyo, Japan in 2007.
Dave has worked extremely hard over the years to achieve his current rank of 4th Dan.
Dave enjoys teaching people of all ages ensuring that the traditional Japanese etiquette is embedded in all students.
Instructor
Andy Painter
4th Dan
Sensei Andy Painter started his Karate career in 1971 under the late Sensei Geoff Wilding K.U.G.B., training with some World Class Instructors such as Senseis Enoeda, Andy Sherry, Terry O’Neil and Frank Cope. He attained 4th Kyu before stopping for a few years to concentrate on developing his Pet Shop in Deeside. He resumed training at Flint Leisure Centre with Sensei Dave Thompson but started again from non-grade at his own request.
Andy gained his Dan Grade with Senseis Mike O’Brien and Arthur Lloyd and was again fortunate to train with both of them many, many times and also 2 memorable sessions with Sensei Kase.
Andy eventually took over the Club when Dave retired. Flint Club joined Chikara Karate Academy and once again enjoyed attending many more courses with Chikara before moving once again to The British Karate Association where Andy gained his 3rd Dan and later his 4th Dan.
The students always came first and he took enormous pleasure in seeing them grow in confidence and winning trophies at competitions both local and National.
In addition to Traditional Kihon, Kata and Kumite Andy enjoyed teaching “Practical” Karate, Kata Bunkai and self defence techniques.
After 25 years at Flint Andy decided to retire – but regretted the decision ever since. So much so that after a 17 year break and at almost 70 years of age, he joined JKS Llanbedr DC in April 2022.
Having taught Sensei Phil from a very early age and indeed Sensei Stu on occasions, he is extremely proud to be associated with both of them once again and of their incredible achievements in Karate and remains indebted to them both for their encouragement in helping him re-live his younger years.
Instructor
Ryan Moore
2nd Dan
Sensei Ryan Moore started karate when he was six, and joined JKS Llanbedr DC in 2019.
Ryan attained his 2nd Dan in 2014.
Ryan began competing during his early teens and has competed frequently ever since, both nationally and internationally. Alongside competing, Ryan also enjoys teaching karate to people of all ages and seeing progression in their karate.'