Sonkei Shotokan Karate Club
Gateshead, Tyne & Wear   Est:2014  Chief Instructor Sensei Noreen Small 6th Dan
About Us
Club background

Sonkei is a Japanese word which means "Respect". 
Sonkei was set up in August 2014 by the very talented and passionate Sensei Noreen Small. She has amassed a vast amount of experience in karate spanning  well over 30 years, she has trained and taught at a number of clubs over the years. 

Sensei Noreen is a highly respected practitioner initially within the KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) but in June 2021 she decided to take the club in a new direction, Sonkei became the first club in England to be part of the TKA family, she remains enthusiastic & enjoys attending as many karate courses throughout the year to ensure that her teaching remains the highest of quality.

On arrival as a new member you will receive a warm welcome at Sonkei. Students range in age from 6 through to 60 years+, male & female. We are a friendly & family orientated club with an emphasis to encouraging fitness, stamina, strength, self esteem with the aim to promote a good mental health attitude, we accept new starters at anytime and we are a female led club that is disability friendly.

Students are encouraged to train regularly at least twice a week at our Dojo in Birtley to ensure that they are at the highest standard needed to perform a grading, which takes place approximately every 12 weeks. Gradings are currently subject to review by the TKA.

The TKA as an organisation provide many opportunities for extra training.

There are also several competitions throughout the year if students aspire to compete.

 Karate is an active sport which has been proven to improve fitness, self-esteem, concentration & confidence along with learning self-respect and the respect for others.

 Learning karate can help to develop self defence techniques that can be used in the real world. 

'Restoring your Confidence & Belief'

Dojo (Training Hall) Code of conduct


TKA Values & Etiquette

The art of Karate places emphasis on developing both the character and the physical aspects of its students

The TKA aims to provide a positive platform; its foundations being built upon honesty, humility, respect and

integrity.

We are committed to helping you achieve your own personal goals, whilst at the same time developing lifelong

friendships with other members of our clubs, who are all on a similar path

At the TKA we look for all our members to adopt & embody these values, understanding that Karate is much

more than punching and kicking.

All our students and instructors must strive to exemplify our values, not just physically but in character.


1. Bow on entering and leaving the Dojo.

2. Address any instructor as "Sensei" whilst in the Dojo.

3. "Oss" is a sign of respect and is used generally in Karate especially in the following situations: -

a. Upon receiving any advice or command from the instructor, the student must reply by answering "Oss".

b. When bowing at the start and finish of the class.

c. When bowing to your partner during Kumite.

d. In any other appropriate situation, for instance during grading and competitions.

4. Train at least twice a week.

5. No-one is to leave the class without first obtaining permission from the instructor.

6. Any member arriving late must take up a kneeling position at the front of the Dojo and await permission from

the instructor before joining the class. On receiving permission bow then join the class.

7. Finger and toe nails must be kept clean and short.

8. Gi's must be kept clean and in good condition.

9. Jewellery must not be worn during training. If you can't get a ring off then tape must be wrapped around it.

10. Students must treat other with respect.

11. Members must not smoke, swear, chew, spit or commit any other act likely to offend the etiquette of the Dojo.

12. Members must not use their skills in any offensive way outside the Dojo.


Chief Instructor Sensei Noreen Small 6th Dan
Sensei Noreen is the founder of Sónkei, she has over 30 years experience and was a long standing member with the KUGB until 2021 when the club moved over to the TKA.
She is extremely passionate about Karate and loves teaching, Sensei Noreen has previously ran a club and has taught at a number of other clubs in the North East region, she is very well respected. Sensei Noreen is also a qualified Instructor and Assessor, she was awarded her 6th Dan in 2021 and is one of the most senior females in the UK. Sensei Noreen works for the NHS fulltime and has a Sports Science & Exercise Degree.

Sensei Chris Hulse 2nd Dan

Sensei Chris joined Sonkei with his daughter but had previously practised Karate as a child, he trained hard and regraded his 1st Dan under the KUGB. Chris became a qualified instructor in 2019 and has travelled the country attending Kata Squad training and many competitions. He was awarded his 2nd Dan with the TKA in 2021, he is well respected instructor within Sonkei.  Chris works fulltime for the HMRC and has a Sports Science Degree.

 Sensei Reece Bensley 1st Dan

Sensei Reece started practising Karate at the age of 7, achieving his 1st Dan in 2018. He is an active instructor within the club bringing his experience of competitions and Kata squads, he has trained or graded with almost every KUGB senior Sensei.

He is currently studying Professional Policing at Sunderland University .

Sensei Gordon Mathie 7th Dan - Chief Instructor of TKA

 

Sensei Gordon Mathie was a member of the KUGB for many years, he was Scottish National coach for 20 years. He has amassed 50 years of experience in Karate, he founded the TKA in 2015. He has trained with some of the top Sensei's from around the world and is an active participant in competitions winning several medals along the way. Sensei is a long term friend of Sensei Noreen and has been to Sonkei several times for training sessions over the years. Sensei Mathie is the grading examiner for the TKA.

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