Overview
Newcastle KDS is fortunate to have 4 experienced Black Belt instructors teaching regularly at the North Shields based club.
Chief Instructor is Peter Jackson (5th Dan) who started practising in 1965 when the Newcastle club, known then as Chowa Karate Academy, was just in its infancy. Running the club alongside Peter is Norman Watson (5th Dan) who started practising in 1972 at Chowa, Suneil 'Sonny' Raj (2nd Dan) and Mark Gash (1st Dan).
Peter, Norman, Sonny and Mark regularly attend KDS courses both nationally and internationally. Between them they have attended courses at every club throughout the UK, as well as Finland, Estonia, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Monaco.
Instructors History
Peter Jackson, Godan (5th Dan)
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Peter started his martial arts training in 1963 at the age of 16 when he took up Judo at a club in South Shields.
In August 1965 Peter started a 10-week Karate beginners course at a South Shields YMCA club ran by Ray Knudsen and George Hatt. After the course, Peter became a member of the KDS and starting practising at Chowa Karate Academy in North Shields at the old Jubilee School.
In 1968 Peter was awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt in Karate and in late 1969 he received his 1st Dan in Judo.
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In 1972 Peter received his 2nd Dan at a club course in Southampton, his 3rd Dan in 1975 and his 4th Dan in 1976.
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In 1982 Harada Sensei awarded Peter his 5th Dan Black Belt. Peter was one of five people who were the first in the KDS to receive their 5th Dan.
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Norman Watson, Godan (5th Dan)
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Norman started his Karate training in May 1972 at Chowa Karate Academy based at Wallsend Sports Centre and Willington Quay High School.
Norman attended his first Summer School in 1974 at Keele University.
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In 1975 Norman was awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt and in 1977 received his 2nd Dan.
Also in 1977 Norman, along with Ziggy Boban (5th Dan), accompanied Harada Sensei to the first and last course held at Monte Carlo. The special one off course was politically organised and involved members of the Royal Family.
In 1980 Norman received his 3rd Dan and in 1984 he got his 4th Dan. He was awarded his 5th Dan Black Belt in 1990 by Harada Sensei at Summer School held at Canterbury University.
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By the early nineties, Norman had taken over as Chief Instructor of Chowa Karate Academy.
Norman currently oversees the Adult practice three times a week at Newcastle.
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