Glasgow Karate Academy

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ABOUT

The Glasgow Karate Academy was established in 2007 by Sensei Ben Fail 3rd Dan. The Academy is a proudly affiliated to the Karate Union of Great Britain (K.U.G.B), Britain's largest single-style organisation.

Sensei Ben Fail 3rd Dan (Chief Instructor)

Sensei Fail started karate in 1997 at Cramlington Shotokan Karate Club, under the instruction of Sensei Stuart Davison (3rd Dan), he obtained his Shodan (1st dan) in 2002. He then left Cramlington and began training at Ashington Shotokan Karate Club under the instruction of Sensei Ian Willis (5th Dan) and Sensei Keith Burns (5th Dan).

Ashington club is renowned for producing many champions of all ages in kumite, kata and team events at regional, national and world class levels. The standard of training is exceptionally high and much is expected from the candidate. It was through the excellent tuition of Sensei Willis and Burns that Sensei Fail was selected for the England squad in 2004 & 2005 and obtained his Nidan (2nd Dan) in 2006.

Sensei Ian Willis 5th Dan - Chief Instructor to Ashington SKC

Sensei Fail pictured with Sensei Keith Burns 5th Dan of Ashington SKC

In 2006 Ben moved to Glasgow, whereupon he contacted the Scottish regional officer: Sensei Gordon Mathie (5th Dan) and informed him of his plans to bring the K.U.G.B to Glasgow. Sensei Mathie's experience, enthusiasm and position in the K.U.G.B was of great advantage to Ben and he was most supportive, helping immensely with the initiation of the Glasgow Karate Academy.

In 2007, Ben was selected to be part of the squad representing Scotland at the European Shotokan Karate Championships in Portugal.

In 2009 Ben obtained his Sandan (3rd Dan). He is currently an England squad member.

Sensei Fail's main objective is to develop the Glasgow Karate Academy to a standard of excellence that is recognised throughout Scotland and the rest of Great Britain and in doing so, increase immensely the K.U.G.B's presence in the city.

Sensei James McGreechin 1st Dan

Sensei Jamie McGreechin began training in 2003 under the guidance of Sensei Pat McLuskey 5th Dan (Traditional Shotokan Scotland).

He joined the Glasgow Karate Academy at its inception, training alongside founding member & Chief Instructor Sensei Ben Fail, 3rd Dan.

Jamie obtained his Shodan (1st Dan) in 2009 under grading examiner and Chief Instructor to the KUGB - Sensei Andy Sherry 8th Dan.

Jamie has competed in many competitions at inter-club, regional & national level, culminating in his proudest hour as representing Scotland in 2008 at the KUGB's Grandslam competition between England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales.

Sensei McGreechin's ambition is to foster & develop the art of Shotokan Karate within the Glasgow Karate Academy whilst bringing the many rich benefits to the students.

Sensei Anne Kelly 1st Kyu

Sensei Kelly started training in 1980 at Waterside Karate Club under the instruction of Sensei Pat Boyle where she gained her 4th kyu in 1983.

After a long break in training, she resumed training in 2007 with Sensei Fail (3rd Dan) at the Glasgow Karate Academy.
Beginning once again as a white belt, Anne has achieved her 1st kyu, grading under K.U.G.B. instructor Sensei Frank Brennan (7th Dan).

She aims to achieve her 1st Dan in 2010.

Anne obtained her instructors qualification in August 2009 while attending the K.U.G.B. Summer School at Lancaster University.

She has competed twice in the K.U.G.B. Scottish Championships, achieving a bronze medal for ladies kumite on both occasions.

Sensei Kelly's ambition is to encourage an enthusiasm for Shotokan Karate in the young members of Glasgow Karate Academy.

Sensei Glen Fletcher - Profile To Follow