Sensei Dylan Gibson, 4th Dan
Dylan Gibson began training at Ashington Shotokan Karate Club in 2004 with Sensei Jill Kelly and Sensei Trish Bruce.
He passed his Black Belt grading in 2010, 2nd Dan in 2012, 3rd Dan in 2018 and 4th Dan in 2022. He has been competing since 2007 and has achieved a range of bronze, silver and gold medals at Local, Regional and National level.
Dylan winning the KUGB National Championships in 2011
Dylan's first year on the KUGB England Kata Squad, 2012
Dylan is one of the longest standing current members of the KUGB England Kata Squad, having been a member since 2012, regularly travelling to Liverpool to train with the squad. This has provided him with a precise technical knowledge of each of the Shotokan kata.
He strongly believes all Karateka should focus their training on a balance of kihon, kata and kumite for the best results, rather than on one area in particular.
Dylan regularly attends courses with senior KUGB Instructors and has attended either the KUGB Summer School or KUGB Spring Course every year since 2009. His ultimate goal is to continue to develop his Karate to a high standard so that he can be the best instructor possible for his students.
Dylan demonstrating with Sensei Greg Hegarty at the Spring Karate Course
Dylan with Sensei Jill Kelly just after passing Shodan Black Belt, 2010
While he enjoys competing, teaching has always been a passion for Dylan. He was first asked to start helping in the junior class by Sensei Jill as a 12-year-old brown belt, and later passed his Assistant Instructor Qualification in 2011 at the age of 14. He was then awarded his full Instructor Qualification in 2015 on his 18th birthday.
Since then, Dylan has continued to progress with his teaching both in the club, and through running his own club together with his sister Gemma.
Dylan believes in the confidence boosting values of karate in both children and adults, and aims to encourage his students to make the most of opportunities including training with senior Instructors and taking part in competitions. He is proud that we have such as high standard of karate in the KUGB that these opportunities can be provided to students of all grades and ages.
Dylan at England Squad Training at The Red Triangle in Liverpool