Instructors2

Steven started training in 1996 and attained his 1st Dan in 1998. During his martial arts Career he has attended courses throughout the country and competed in competitions at all levels and also represented the WUMA British Open Squad.

Sean Smith, his instructor was a massive influence on his martial arts career and Steven’s aim is to carry on the high standard taught and pass on the knowledge passed on to him.

Steven takes great pride watching his students representing the club in competition and looks forward to future success.

His proudest moments are grading his first student through to 1st Dan, Nathan Haywood in January 2014 and first student from white belt to black belt Katie Strangward in February 2016. Another proud moment in July 2017 seeing Aaron Lloyd from White to Black belt becoming the youngest at the age of 13 this record was surpassed by Rachel Osbaldestin in 2019 passing Black Belt at the age of 11.

Another proud moment in 2016 was the opening of a new club ran by Kim Hedley at Hamsteels Community Centre taking JSKD further afield to more students. This has led to further clubs been opened in West Rainton, Willington and Kirk Merrington and when all come together the standard has been maintained and hopes for further growth further afield.

Sensei Steven is looking forward to the future of the club at Belmont Community School and feels the venue in the Sports Hall will provide the club with the building blocks to grow further and reach much more students with the art of Shotokan Karate.

Steven is DBS registered and also holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 1 qualification and CMAA Self Defence Instructor Qualification.

Kim took up Karate in 1983 just for fun. Within 3 months was hooked. Kim started Karate with the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB).

Kim became intermediate central region Kata champion in 1984, one of her proudest moments in her life.

In the early years of training Kim was lucky enough to have had instruction from Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Kawasoe. Kim achieved 1st Dan with the KUGB and was graded by Sensei Enoeda.

After many years out, bringing up her family Kim realised how much she missed Karate and decided to join Junsui Shotokan Karate Do. One of the best decisions she has ever made. “The clubs family friendly, all-inclusive ethic and Sensei Steven’s knowledge and training techniques makes it one of the best clubs I have had the pleasure training in.”

Kim states she wants to help instruct, the many talented members of this ever growing club which will be her honour.

Kim on the 20th January 2018 became the first student to be graded 3rd Dan by Sensei Steven Beresford.

Kim opened her own club in October 2016 at Hamsteels Community Centre and could not be prouder of the superb community support the club has received. Sensei Steven enjoy spending time there soaking up the great family and community atmosphere within the club.

Sensei Kim is DBS Registered and also holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 1 qualification.

Jon joined Junsui Shotokan Karate Do in August 2020 after training for 12 years with Sensei’s Alan Wears and John Smith at Kyokutan Karate Club in Darlington. He received his first dan in October 2014. Starting his karate career somewhat later in life Jon says “I took my (then 6-year-old) son along to a local karate club to see if he got on with it. He did, and after a few weeks I decided to give it a go. I was hooked from the word go!

“As well as a great way to keep fit karate helps with confidence and discipline. I have seen that with many of the younger karate-ka that I have had the pleasure of teaching.”

Through organising a local competition Jon met Sensei Steven and was immediately impressed with the way he taught and supported his students. Over the years Jon has occasionally trained with JSKD and helped officiate at their competitions. He says “Sensei Steven and everyone at JSKD have always made me feel very welcome and I have always appreciated their friendliness and especially Sensei Steven’s guidance.”

When Jon decided that he wanted to explore how different clubs teach karate and look at the aspects of karate that they teach it was only natural that he should join JSKD.

Jon enjoys training, coaching and competing; he sees teaching and coaching as an essential, as well as enjoyable, part of karate as it helps you gain a deeper understanding of the art. He has competed in both local and national competitions and has picked up the odd trophy!

Jon is DBS registered and also holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 1 qualification.

Katie decided a couple of years ago she wanted to do a martial art, to improve her fitness levels, and decided upon Karate. She spent a few weeks trying out different clubs in the Durham area before deciding on this Junsui Shotokan Karate Do. She had already tried out two other clubs before coming along to a trial lesson at this one (as she wanted to make sure she picked the right one) and she immediately felt the Sensei at this Club was professional and had a really good balance between the required discipline in the lessons for this sport and the personal encouragement he gives to develop his students. She didn’t know anyone else at the Club but when she went in she was made to feel really welcome by everyone and have very quickly made lots of new friends.

About a year after joining, She volunteered to start helping Sensei with the training of the ‘Little Tigers’ junior class. “I have thoroughly enjoyed this as I have not only been able to help develop their new Karate skills but I have also developed completely new skills of my own in teaching; all of this helps towards my target of becoming a black belt, too. I should also point out that another added bonus to all of this is that I am now much fitter – I can actually do press-ups now!

So, what I’d say is, if you are considering joining a martial arts club or thinking about any new physical activity, I’d encourage you to come along to our Club and give it a try. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!”

Katie is the first student to attain 1st Dan and 2nd Dan Black Belt from white belt under Sensei Steven Beresford.

Katie is DBS registered and also holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 2 qualification.

In October 2017 Laura joined the club after moving to the area for work. “Beginning my karate journey at the age of 8, the sport quickly became a large part of my life. In 2011 I achieved my 1st Dan, and through the years I successfully participated in association competitions and external competitions too. I also achieved the role of assistant instructor at my first club, training new and existing students, helping them progress through their grades.

During my training at home and at university in Glasgow I also had the opportunity to take part in several courses, including courses by Bill Wallace and Calum Robb. These courses enhanced my ability and opened new doors.

When I moved to the area last year for work, I was desperate to find a karate club to continue my training and I came across Junsui Shotokan Karate Do. I couldn’t have hoped to find a more tight-knit, welcoming association.

Since joining Junsui Shotokan Karate Do just over 1 year ago, I have been welcomed into the JSKD family and been pushed to levels I didn’t think I was capable of. It has also been a great way to meet new people. Through my training, I have met so many amazing people and made so many incredible new friends. JSKD is more than just an outlet for karate, it has become a large part of my life here and is a new family to be a part of.

After passing my 2nd Dan in November and receiving my Level 2 Assistant Instructor qualification I’m ready to continue my training and pass on my knowledge. It gives me great pleasure to be able to give back to the club through teaching opportunities and supporting other students through their training.”

Laura is DBS registered and also holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 1 qualification.

“I started my karate journey when I was 12 years old. My club trained at Parkside and Hartside schools, under the KUGB. My instructor was Dougie Glendenning. Over the next 5 years, I took part in numerous competitions and courses. I gained my 1st Dan when I was 17 with Sensei Enoeda. I was lucky to have met him and Sensei Terry O’Neil. Life and work took over and 22 years later I came across JSKD when I was looking for another club for my Son Matthew. Steven, Kim and Jon’s clubs are more disciplined and the high standard reflects on each student. We started back at Parkside, with Sensei Carl Sichert. Who started the club up a year beforehand. It was great to train again with him, Sarah-Jayne and Leah from my old club. It didn’t take long to get back into training. 4 years later in June 2022, I achieved my 2nd Dan. This was one of my proudest moments and one of hardest things I’ve done! A few more of my proudest moments include my 1st Dan and winning 1st in ladies kata in the Newcastle open championships in 1996. My proudest moment to date is watching Matthew progress and follow in my footsteps. Now I just need to get my 11 year old Daughter persuaded! Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to reignite your passion for Shotokan Karate, it’s a great way to keep fit and make new friends.”

Charlotte always fancied giving karate a go but never had the confidence until her mum started training again.

“The first two lessons were free, so it was well worth a shot. Everyone was really friendly and helpful at the club, which was very welcoming. Two years on and I’ve never looked back.”

Charlotte is now a qualified assistant instructor and helps run the Hamsteels branch of JSKD.

“This is something I never would have thought when I started in 2015. I definitely wouldn’t have thought about karate if it hadn’t been for my Mum, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without Sensei Steven and JSKD. The atmosphere at the club is amazing, and I’ve made some great friends. I really look forward to my future at JSKD.”

Charlotte is DBS registered and also holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 1 qualification.

Nathan started karate at a young age due to his interest in martial arts prior to karate. He had took part in kickboxing classes and only went to karate on occasions, he then found Junsui Shotokan Karate Club where I developed more of an interest for karate, Sensei Steven Beresford’s interesting interpretation of basic moves made learning karate fun and engaging.

He continued to learn karate and progress through his grades and doing well competing in many karate and other combat based competition this showed him that the karate he was learning was a high standard and that the club was a great place for him to develop his martial arts.

Junsui Shotokan Karate Club is a great club for new members to progress and learn a good standard of karate in a good environment with other people who want to learn the art of karate.

Nathan is a keen martial artist and currently is training and competing in MMA with TFT, on the 15th April 2018 he won his 1st title an amateur Lightweight Belt in the main event at Rise and Conquer. Nathan also represented Team England in the European Championships IMMAF MMA in 2019 reaching the quarter finals

Nathan is the first student to achieve 1st Dan under Sensei Steven Beresford.

David was introduced to Shotokan one lunch time at college by Sensei Mervyn O’Donnell of SEKU and immediately caught the bug, training as often as possible until heading off to University.

After a substantial break from formal lessons, David returned to training in 2010 with Senseis Alan Wears and John Smith at Kyokutan Karate Club in Darlington, achieving his 1st Dan in 2015.

David has competed and officiated at both local and national levels over the last ten years.

“I find the focus and discipline required for training has benefits that go far beyond the dojo and serve me well in everyday life. Meeting challenges in training, be they physical, technical or combative, helps develop confidence and inner strength.”

David enjoys the technical aspects of the art and helping others to develop their understanding.

I first started Shotokan Karate when I was a youth, I trained for around 10 years intermittently always hoping I would achieve 1st Dan one day. After a substantial time away from Karate I joined JSKD along with my children Jessica and James in 2017. JSKD provided a great family environment that was very welcoming. It didn’t take me long to get back into training and in July 2018 I achieved my 1st Dan. I regularly help out teaching both the children and adults and have made some great friendships.

Hannah recently joined the junior instructor team as a mentor and will work towards the sempai role after showing great determination after her 7th Kyu grading, Hannah assists teaching at Belmont, Hamsteels and West Rainton.

When Hannah first started karate she wasn’t sure she would like it, as she had previously tried judo and didn’t enjoy it very much. However, when she started at the Junsui karate club, she found it fun as well as professional, and most of all it was a chance to learn a new skill.

“I didn’t know anyone when I arrived but I found it very easy to make friends with people at the club because they were extremely welcoming and friendly. Now I attend classes at Belmont as well as West Rainton and Hamsteels. I think that the high standard which is taught here is maintained in every class and grading so that every student has a chance to learn as well as to improve skills. I would definitely recommend Junsui Shotokan Karate Do to anyone interested in learning a martial art or wanting to try something new.”

Hannah holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 2 qualification and is DBS Registered

Ben started karate in 2009 when he was 6 years old and since then has worked his way up to achieve 1st kyu brown belt in 2016. Ben has competed at both a national and local level. Ben and his team came 2nd place in team kata In the EKO National competition, he took 1st place in under 16’s 1st kyu and above kata and 1st place in team kata in the Kyokutan Invite competition, and came 2nd in under 16’s 3rd kyu and above kata at the JSKD inter-club competition.

His favourite kata is Gankaku as it is fairly simple but it has complex parts to it. He has adopted Gankaku as his competition kata for the last few years. What Ben likes about karate is how everyone can have their own opinion on the application of the kata but the kata themselves are set in stone with only slight variations between clubs. This makes any debate about application with another karate practitioner very entertaining.

Ben is DBS Registered

I started karate in 1990 joining Liverpool’s Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) student Union Karate club, where I had the opportunity of attending gradings and seminars hosted by Sensei Enoeda, Sensei Terry O’Neill and Sensei Steve Cattle. Later shifting to Preston, I became a member of the United Kingdom Traditional Karate Federation (UKTKF) headed by Sensei Kawasoe.

A move abroad to India meant I was unable to maintain the regular training required for karate, but my interest and enthusiasm continued. After returning to the UK in 2017 one of my first priorities was to find a local Shotokan karate club.

Joining Junsui Shotokan Karate Do (JSKD) headed by Sensei Steven Beresford has not only renewed my passion for karate but taken it to another level. The club offers a unique, friendly environment in which people of all ages and all walks of life are inspired to train.

Karate is one of the best ways of developing physical and mental strength and discipline. Through regular practice you will discover that your capabilities will far exceed your expectations.

To be an instructor at JSKD gives me the opportunity to share what I have learnt at this club with new and junior members, and I consider it a privilege to be able to do so.

Rebecca started Karate just to get out of the house and thought she wouldn’t actually like it, but she was wrong.

“I love doing Karate, everyone is nice and when I started Karate I was scared I wasn’t going to fit in and do well. Sensei Kim encouraged me and reassured me I was doing an amazing and each lesson I leave with a smile on my face. This club is like a second family and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Rebecca holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 2 qualification and is DBS Registered

Rachel joined JSKD in July 2017, to make new friends and get fit, following a period away from martial arts due to illness. She decided to give karate a try after previously focusing on judo, with the aim of learning something new. She loved it from the start and was really impressed by the professional, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at the club: “JSKD has really high standards and is great for maintaining a high level of fitness. I particularly like how the club integrates students of all levels and ages, and has a real sense of community and a family-friendly atmosphere”.

Rachel began instructing in April 2021 and, in doing so, found a new aspect of karate she enjoyed: she very much likes teaching students of all ages and seeing them and make progress and enjoy their karate.

Rachel is DBS registered and holds the Martial Arts Instructor Training Level 2 qualification. Write to Rachel Carr

Info coming soon, Chris is DBS Registered

Info coming soon, Rob is DBS registered

Info coming soon, Andrew is DBS registered.