Bev started karate at the age of 10 as some of her friends had also started training and had said she should try it with them. She made lots of new friends through Karate and loved travelling for “karate holidays”, the week-long KUGB courses, as well as competitions.
She trained in Shotokan Karate for five years before stopping as a teenager. She then had her daughter, Charlotte, and at the age of 18 she went back to Karate for a short while, but found it too difficult to maintain due to being a young mother.
When Charlotte was 6 years old, Bev signed her up to Ashington Karate Club. Charlotte had tried a lot of different activities beforehand but never stuck at them. Karate was different. She loved it from the get go!
After Bev had her son William in 2016, she joined Charlotte and started training again , and Karate classes became “their” time together. Bev loved sharing something together that was just for them.
Bev with her daughter Charlotte at the KUGB National Championships
Sensei Beverley Reason 2nd Dan
Bev receiving an award at the club's Christmas Party and Presentation Evening with her daughter Charlotte
Bev with all the club medallists at the KUGB National Championships
Bev says: “I signed up to karate due to poor mental health. Having routine and consistent training has helped me stay off medication. Not only does it give you the social aspect, but it gives you something healthy to focus on. When I’m in the Dojo I’m not a wife, I’m not a mother, it is just for me!"
"I have been training at Ashington Shotokan Karate Club since 2017 and I have loved every minute, we’re like a big family! I have competed in many competitions since then and it grew my confidence enough to take my Black Belt Grading. Although I rarely compete now, I still love to go to competitions and coach our students.”
In March 2018, Bev achieved her 1st Dan Black Belt. In June 2018 she gained her KUGB Assistant Instructors Qualification, and then in July 2019 achieved her full KUGB Instructor Qualification.
In March 2022, on her second attempt, she graded and passed her 2nd Dan.
Bev says: “I don’t mind sharing that it took me two attempts to secure my 2nd Dan. Karate is hard and you have to be determined and be switched on if you want the results."
Bev receiving her Assistant Instructor Qualification from Sensei Jill and Sensei Trish
"At current, Charlotte and my son William, and I all train together. I’m excited to see where we will be with another 11 years of Karate under our belts!”
Bev training