Sensei Raphael Bonnick 3rd Dan

PC Karate/Association Squad Manager, Referee & Judge.

Sensei Sarah Knight 3rd Dan

BSC (Hons) Community Health & BSC (Hons) Nursing.
PC Karate/Association Kata Coach, Referee & Judge

Started training aged 17.

The reason for starting Karate:

I was pretty competitive and physical by nature and I thought, and still do, that Karate was an ideal sport to develop both of these attributes and by so doing increase my confidence to be able to look after myself. I achieved my 1st Dan Black Belt in 1993, which was one of the proudest but hardest moments in my karate career. During the following years I had two children and trained right up until the birth of both. In October 2003 I achieved what I considered to be the most physically and emotionally demanding accolade, my 3rd Dan, from my sensei Paul Campbell 6th Dan who has taught me attitude and develpment of my emotional strength and through the control of these I am able to lead others. My real ambition is is to ensure that my children, both girls, are able through karate to demonstrate confidence, and develop their self-esteem and the ability to defend themselves.

Sensei Michaela Ormston 3rd Dan

Sensei Benjamin Campbell 2nd Dan

Started training aged 7,

The reason for starting Karate:

I was Influenced by my father who was and still is my chief Instructor. I fell that the classes are very much like being with a huge group of friends & family, I have loads of people to to train with, fight with and laugh with.The bond you get with people who are of the same mind and attitude to become better and achieve goals for themselves and for the club is both amazing and satisfying.

Achievements to Date:

Sensei Philip Campbell 2nd Dan

Midland Freestyle Champion April 2008

British Freestyle Champion 2008

Midland Weapons Champion April 2008

British Weapons Champion 2008

2nd in Forms European Championships 2008

Jean Tulloch BA (Hons) 1st Dan

My karate journey has taken me on a number of different paths, yet at the same time has kept me grounded on what I believe to be the fundamental components of life, good discipline, character, confidence and belief in oneself.

I started karate to support a friend that was having problems with low self -esteem and confidence and wished to improve these necessary life traits.   

After achieving my Black Belt some years ago, this for me symbolises the culmination of years of hard work and dedication both physically and mentally. I dont have a favourite kata as i believe there is always room for improvement. Regarding technique, I believe there is nothing sweeter than seeing a good gyaku zuki  delivered whether in competition or the street and seeing the opponent go down this for me his the very reason why some students enter karate but soon forget in the pursuit of trophies in competitions. My Sensei Paul Campbell 6th Dan has been my a great mentor, counsellor, inspiration and a friend throughout my karate career and when i have felt that i could not progress further he had faith that I would achieve.   My aspirations for the future are to continue tarining and give something back to the club that has given so much to me and i remain a testament to others that dreams can come true with time and dedication.

Tom Hickman 1st Dan, Aged 14

Started Karate with Paul at the age of 4 and 1/2 years old and attained his Black Belt at the age of 10. Favourite technique is Ushiro Mawashi Gerri. Won many podium positions through the years including the UK Open Championships held 22nd February 2009 and also the EKF's National championships held at Ponds Forge, Sheffield March 22/23rd won the English National championships and now trains regularly with the England Squad in the hope of becoming a regular squad member. I intend to continue to compete at the highest possible level and develop my experience to enable me to reach my goal of representing my country England in Karate. I have made loads of friends in my club and throughout the world during my time in karate and I feel this is a bonus in participating in a art that is so enjoyable.

Sensei Michael Campbell 1st Dan

Started Karate with Dad, Paul Campbell 6th Dan at the age of 11 years old and attained his Black Belt at the age of 15. Loves all aspects of Shotokan Karate but loves doing Kumite.

Made my debut for England in January 2009 in Paris at the Junior Europeans- Loved the experience and now train regularly with Englands Karate Squad. Hobbies include Football.

Luke Jones 1st Dan, Aged 13

Started Karate with Paul at the age of 7 years old and attained his Black Belt at the age of 11. Loves all aspects of Shotokan Karate but loves doing Kata. His favourite Kata is Kanku Sho. Recently won the AMA International Open Championships in March 2009. Hobbies include Football.

Ryan Love 1st Dan, Aged 17

Started Karate with Paul at the age of 7 years old and attained his Black Belt at the age of 15. Loves Kata & Kumite Good at both of these aspects of Shotokan Karate.

Won Welsh Karate Kai Cadet Championships in March 2009

Darren Shipley 1st Dan

Qualifications:- 1^st Dan, BSc (Hons), MBA, MIIM, MIQAI

started karate with PCKA 3 and a half years ago.

At 44 years of age at the time many people said why? Good question, I really didn't need to prove anything to anyone, except myself! Richard my son, had started 6 months earlier and watching him train it was easy to criticise, stances, kicks, punches and stamina. But how could I criticise, I couldn't do it, so I decided that if I wanted to help him then the only way was to start. Further impetus was given when I was challenged with a fact that many adults start but only last a month!! I trained hard, up to 6 times per week at some points. I did not know how students could learn and grow with less than 3 lessons per week, especially in the informative time of lower grade belts (up to Purple). But then this level of training (minimum 3 times per week) really needs to be continued to develop fitness and improve techniques and learn kata. A statement was made to the class that the club expected Green belts and above to fight and compete if they wanted to grade. This was really aimed at the youngsters, but I felt that this was right for all of the class, so I decided to learn to compete. And, as eventually I would like to learn to coach, I really didn't and still don't think that anyone can coach if they haven't felt what it is like to fight and do kata in competition. My first competition was pc karate interclub where I came second in both kata and kumite, my second comp was at Gola where I won both kata and kumite, this was really hard as when I walked onto the mat I forgot everything that I had been taught, everything that I knew that I knew, and I needed coaching from the side. My stamina dropped during the tournament because of adrenalin rush. I then trained for a competition in Jamaica. I came second in kata and 4^th in kumite. I have competed in many other competitions, including Ireland, CEWKA etc. My main areas of competition now though are in the 'Masters categories. My current medal total is around 25. During this training I have still trained and graded, culminating in achieving Black Belt in March 2008. A great honour and one which I take seriously, as I now try to help the youngsters coming through. I continue to enter competitions as it is important to show others both younger and older that there is life after 40.

John Horan

Fondly remembered and missed by all at PC Karate Academy.

All that we continue to do and achieve it is with John in mind.

Rest in Peace my friend.