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 (4th Dan) & Sensei John Ledger (1st 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 Shotokan Karate Club is renowned for producing many champions of all ages in kumite, kata and team events at regional, national and world class level. 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 KUGB to Glasgow. Sensei Mathie's experience, enthusiasm and position in the KUGB 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 kumite 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 Barbara Casey 2nd Dan

Barbara began training in February 1998 under the instruction of Sensei David Gillies 3rd Dan and Sensei Grant Brown 2nd Dan at Erskine and Gourock Shotokan Karate Club.

In August 2002 Barbara obtained her Shodan (1st Dan) under grading examiner Sensei Andy Sherry 7th Dan

In 2003 Barbara qualified as a KUGB Judge and participates at Regional and National competitions.

In 2004 whilst in attendance at the KUGB Summer School in Lancaster, Barbara successfully achieved her Instructors Qualification.

Barbara joined the Glasgow Karate Academy in May 2007, achieving her Nidan (2nd Dan) in March 2009 under grading examiner and Chief Instructor to the KUGB Sensei Andy Sherry 8th Dan.

Barbara takes every opportunity to develop her technical understanding of Shotokan Karate, by regularly attending various KUGB courses throughout Great Britain.

Sensei Casey’s ambition is to continue and develop in her study of Shotokan Karate and provide encouragement and assistance, to aid in the development of students at the Glasgow Karate Academy.

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 it's students.

Sensei Anne Kelly 1st Dan

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 sat all of her kyu gradings under KUGB senior instructor Sensei Frank Brennan (7th Dan).

Anne obtained her instructors qualification in August 2009 while attending the KUGB Summer School at Lancaster University.

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

Anne obtained her Shodan (1st Dan) in 2010 under grading examiner and Chief Instructor to the KUGB - Sensei Andy Sherry 8th Dan and KUGB senior Billy Higgins 7th Dan.

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

Sensei Glen Fletcher 1st Dan

Sensei Fletcher began training in March 1978 in Paisley with the Karate Union of Scotland (South). He obtained 2^nd kyu in January 1981 under Sensei Masao.Kawasoe (8^th Dan). and continued to train until the club closed in 1982.

Glen took a long break, returning briefly in the mid 90’s, before beginning training in Shitoryu karate with Shitokai Renfrew in 1998 under Sensei Terry Connell (7^th Dan). In November 1999 he was awarded 4^th kyu. Once again a break came in 2000 when he moved out of the area.

In September 2009, under pressure from his son Matthew (1^st Dan), Glen began training with Sensei Ben Fail (3^rd Dan) at the Glasgow Karate Academy. Despite the bumps, bruises and strains he has never looked back.

Having gained 1^st Kyu in June 2010 under senior instructor Sensei Frank Brennan (7th Dan) Glen qualified as an instructor in August 2010 at the KUGB Summer School at Lancaster University.

Glen obtained his Shodan (1st Dan) in December 2010 under grading examiner and Chief Instructor to the KUGB - Sensei Andy Sherry (8th Dan) and senior instructor Sensei Frank Brennan (7th Dan).

Sensei Fletcher's ambition is to continue to develop his knowledge and understanding of Shotokan karate through the instruction and encouragement of the students of the Glasgow Karate Academy.