Let’s step onto the tatami with a Karateka whose journey spans decades, continents and countless tournament mats… the one and only Stuart Needham. From a young boy in Wales discovering Karate after a brief stint in Judo, to representing his country on the world stage, Stuart’s story is an inspiring testament to what happens when passion, perseverance and purpose collide.
With a career that kicked off in the ’90s and a trophy shelf that reads like a Martial Arts hall of fame, Stuart has not only competed at the highest levels, including the prestigious JKA World Championships, but has also dedicated his life to teaching the next generation. As the co-founder of JKS Llanbedr DC Karate Club, he’s built more than just a dojo; he’s created a thriving Martial Arts community in the heart of North Wales, where discipline, personal growth and camaraderie flourish.
But beyond the medals and milestones, what truly makes Stuart a standout is his commitment to making Karate accessible to all; nurturing students from their first punch to black belt glory, all while keeping the spirit of traditional Karate alive and well.
So, let’s dive into his incredible journey. Discover what drives his relentless spirit, how he turned a village club into a powerhouse and why his students, and the broader Karate community, are all the stronger for it.
Background in Martial Arts
Let’s start with you! Share a brief summary about yourself and your journey. How did you first get involved in the wonderful world of Martial Arts?
I began Shotokan Karate at the age of 8. This was following a spell of a few months at Judo but, sadly the club closed. My parents then mentioned a Karate club that was just up the road from our house and I gave it a try. I trained twice a week, building to 5 times a week when I began competing in 1995. My first big competition was the Welsh Karate Governing Body Championships and I came 3rd in kumite. I obtained my shodan black belt in 1997 and then progressed. In 1998 I entered the JKA World Championships in Bern, Switzerland and came 4th in Kumite, narrowly missing out on the medals. In 2000, following the JKA split, the club where I trained joined the KWF (Karate no-michi World Federation – Yahara Shihan). In 2000, I obtained my nidan (2nd Dan).
In 2003 I made my first trip to Japan for the opening ceremony of the KWF Hombu Dojo. At this time, I was also successful in gaining my Sandan (3rd Dan) in front of a panel of experienced Japanese instructors, including Yahara Shihan and Isaka Shihan. Over the years I have competed at various levels and also began teaching from approximately 15 years of age as a junior instructor at the club.
In 2010 I opened my own club – Llanbedr DC Karate Club – with Sensei Dave Scregg. This is a non-profit making club where, the proceeds go back in to funding equipment and guest instructors. In 2011, we left the KWF and became independent. During COVID in 2020, we began online training with friends from Scotland (Senjokai Karate club) who were members of the JKS (Japan Karate Shoto Federation). It was through this that we became members of JKS Wales and renamed the club JKS Llanbedr DC Karate Club. This opened many doors for us and, we were able to train online with many of the world’s top instructors.
Inspiration: What inspired you to take the leap and become a Martial Arts instructor?
Having achieved so much myself, I wanted to pass on my enjoyment and sense of satisfaction, providing the opportunity to engage in a healthy lifestyle and fitness training in a much needed disciplined environment. I wanted to make this affordable and open to all, irrespective of age and ability. I started my club in a little village in North Wales which lacked anything similar. We initially started with 8 students, training one night a week. Over the 15 years that the club has been running it has grown from 8 members to over 80. We now also train 3 nights a week at 2 locations.
During this time we have also gained 2 new instructors – Phil Manning and Ryan Moore, who have both competed at world level and bring a lot to coaching our students to achieve their best.
Your Journey: Can you share a bit about your training journey and any certifications you’ve proudly obtained?
Over the years, I have competed at various levels and also began teaching from approximately 15 years of age as a junior instructor at the club.
Below are a list of my achievements to date:
1995 Welsh Championships – Kumite – 3rd
1995 North Wales Championships – Kumite – 1st
1996 North V South Wales – Kumite – 4th
1998 British All Styles Open U-21 – Kumite – 1st
1998 JKA World Championships – Kumite – 4th
1999 JKA British Championships – Kumite – 2nd – Kata – 3rd – Team Kumite – 2nd
2000 JKA World Championships – Kumite – 8th
2000 JKA British Championships – Kata – 2nd – Kumite – 2nd
2000 JKA British Championships – Team Kata – 2nd – Team Kumite – 2nd
2001 JKI British Championships – Kumite – 1st – Kata – 2nd
2002 JKI Scottish Open – Kata – 1st – Kumite – 1st – Team Kumite – 1st – Overall Champion
2003 KWF European Championships – Kumite – 4th – Kata – 8th
2003 KWF Scottish Open – Kumite – 1st – Kata – 3rd – Overall Champion
2004 KWF European Championships – Team Kumite – 1st – Kata – 3rd – Kumite – 4th
2004 KWF Scottish Open – Kumite – 2nd – Kata – 2nd
2005 JKA Italian Championships – Team Kumite – 1st – Kumite – 3rd
2006 KWF Spring Scottish Open – Team Kata – 2nd – Team Kumite – 1st– Kata – 2nd – Kumite – 2nd
2006 JSKA British Championships – Kumite – 1st
2006 KWF Autumn Scottish Open – Kata – 2nd – Kumite – 1st
2007 KWF World Championships – Team Kumite – 4th – Kumite – 8th
2007 JSKA British Championships – Kumite – 1st – Kata – 2nd – Team Kata – 1st – Team Kumite – 1st
2007 KWF Scottish Open – Kumite – 1st – Team Kumite – 1st
2008 KWF European Championships – Kumite – 1st – Team Kumite – 2nd – Kata – 8th
2010 KWF England Open – Kata – 1st – Kumite – 1st – Overall Champion
2025 Selected to represent JKS Wales at the JKS European Championships in September
Teaching Experience
Teaching Timeline: How long have you been sharing your passion for Martial Arts and teaching as an instructor?
Since the age of 15 but, 15 years at my own club. I am now 43 years old.
Rewards of Teaching: What do you find most rewarding about teaching Martial Arts to your students?
We love to see them growing in ability and gaining a real sense of achievement for their efforts. Most recently a few members of the club were successful at obtaining their black belts under the watchful eye of Watanabe Sensei (JKS Japan Hombu Instructor).
Memorable Moments: Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had as an instructor that still makes you smile?
I have had many club successes over the years, ranging from people passing gradings to pupils achieving more in school. The discipline and effort they have to put in to training also instils a more focused attitude in their school work which has seen them improve in their school grades. I have coached students who have seen successes at World Championships, being placed in the top 3 in both kata and kumite.
Philosophy and Approach
Teaching Philosophy: How would you describe your approach to teaching Martial Arts?
Although it has to be a disciplined environment, we like to make it a fun environment so that all can benefit.
Karate’s Uniqueness: In your opinion, what sets Karate apart from other Martial Arts?
In my opinion, Karate provides a basis for all other Martial Arts. This is why I have found it to be the best for all. It has something that everyone can do. It is easy on the joints and therefore suitable for anyone from 4 years up to 70+ (We have this age range at our club).
Balanced Classes: How do you keep your classes fun and accessible for beginners while challenging more advanced students?
We provide a mixture of classes. We have parents and children, just seniors and just children. We have also put on competition classes for those wishing to achieve their potential at both national and international events. We have teamed up with the national organisation to encourage grassroots sport by holding national grassroots events for both training and competing. These have proven to be extremely popular with many novice competitors taking up the opportunity to ‘give it a go’.
Martial Arts Techniques and Training
Karate Fundamentals: What are the key principles of Karate that every beginner should embrace?
The main ones I feel are fitness, hard work and discipline.
Training Evolution: How does Karate training evolve as one progresses from a novice to an advanced level?
There is obviously a grading system with progression through the belts from white to black. It doesn’t, however, stop there. There are then the various dan grades. We are fortunate enough to have a number of dan grades at varying levels that will assist the lower grades on their journey.
Preparation Practices: Are there any specific conditioning or mental preparation practices you recommend to your students for peak performance?
For peak performance I would recommend a balance of cardio vascular endurance whilst maintaining good flexibility and strength. With the more recent changes in kumite, I would also recommend a concentration on agility. This would hopefully get the best out of the individual and allow them to perform at their peak.
Club and Community
Community Building: How do you foster a sense of community and camaraderie within your club?
We make all activities fun and foster a sense of belonging. A lot of our members feel that the club is more of a family than a club. We have regular social events to encourage engagement with each other.
Safety First: What safety measures do you implement to ensure a secure and positive training environment?
All of our instructors are qualified instructors as well as first aiders. We are all DBS checked.
We provide mats to minimise injuries if falls occur. We have access to mitts, shin pads, head and chest guards which are provided by Blitz to reduce any heavy impact. Everyone has their own gum shield.
All junior classes are not permitted to leave the dojo without an adult being present to collect them.
We maintain an up to date record of medical issues and contact details. There is always a first aider on site with access to a fully stocked first aid kit and de-fib.
Advice and Perspectives
Starting Martial Arts: What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting Martial Arts and might need a little encouragement?
We maintain a warm welcoming environment at the club and like to ensure that everyone gets the appropriate amount of attention to help them develop. I would suggest anyone pops along, even if just for a look and to ask questions. We encourage anyone that is interested to come along for a look and a chat.
Future of Karate: How do you see the future of Karate evolving within the Martial Arts community?
Since joining JKS, our club has grown significantly. We have hosted international instructors from all over the world including Japan. I would direct people to join a properly affiliated club which harks back to the original Japanese art of Karate in order to progress along the right path.
Equipment and Supplier
Essential Gear: What type of equipment is essential for someone just starting their Karate journey?
To start off, I would suggest light clothing and that is it. Should they enjoy the first few sessions, at that point I would recommend purchasing a Karate gi and potentially a gum shield. We supply all of the pads for use by members but a lot like their own so once they are happy they are going to stick with it, they will be directed to buy their own if that is the option that they choose.
Choosing Blitz: Why did you choose Blitz as your equipment supplier for the club? Are there any particular products from Blitz that you highly recommend for Martial Arts training?
Blitz are, and always have been, helpful and competitive. They go out of their way to meet our needs and have done since day one. They have always stocked essentials but then, at times, stock that little bit more which we have always purchased to improve the learning and enjoyment at the club.
Beyond the Belt
If you could train with any Martial Artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Gichin Funakoshi. Obviously as the founder of Karate, I feel it would be good to train with him as that is how the journey would have started. It would be good to gain an understanding of the difference and how techniques have developed. Over the years, a lot has been misinterpreted and this is only realised when you visit the home of Karate and it is explained. I would imagine that this is the same sort of scenario.
Where’s the most unusual, unexpected or surreal place you’ve ever practiced Karate?
When I visited Japan in both 2003 and 2007, I got to train in some magnificent dojos and outside some temples. This was probably the most amazing experience for myself and one that not that many will have been able to do. This is why I feel it is so important to have the ability to bring Japan to Wales for those students who won’t be that fortunate.
Stay Connected and Get Involved with JKS Llanbedr DC Karate
We hope you’ve enjoyed this insightful Q&A with Stuart Needham! From his first Karate class at just 8 years old to competing at international championships and founding JKS Llanbedr DC Karate, Stuart’s journey is a powerful example of what dedication, passion and a strong sense of community can achieve. His lifelong commitment to Martial Arts, his drive to make Karate accessible to all and his nurturing approach to teaching have helped transform countless students, both on and off the mats.
Feeling inspired to take the first step? Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned practitioner looking to reconnect with the traditional roots of Karate, JKS Llanbedr DC Karate offers an inclusive, supportive space where everyone is welcome. Visit their website, follow them on social media or drop by for a class to see what makes this dojo such a special place. Under the guidance of Stuart and his team of accomplished instructors, you’ll find more than just a club… you’ll find a Karate family.
Let’s celebrate and support Stuart and the incredible community at JKS Llanbedr DC as they continue to inspire, grow and pass on the true spirit of Karate to the next generation!
JKS Llanbedr DC Karate
Website: www.llanbedrdckarate.com
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