Steph began her karate journey in 2011 and has been passionate about the art ever since. In 2016, she achieved her First Dan under the guidance of Seiichi Fujiwara (8th Dan) and Leo Lipinski (8th Dan) at an international JKF seminar in London. The grading took place over several days and is a  a proud milestone in Steph’s journey.

In 2018, Steph began developing her skills further on the tatami with competitions, her proudest achievement was World silver Go-ju kata medalist. While Steph still stayed true to building confidence, discipline, and a strong understanding of traditional karate. These experiences helped shape her approach as both an athlete and a coach.

Steph’s background comes from full-contact traditional kumite, giving her a strong foundation in respect and resilience. As a coach, she has been teaching children and adults since she was a brown belt, gaining years of hands-on experience along the way.

Now, with the knowledge she has built over time, Steph focuses on helping others grow and enjoy their own karate journey.

Dominic began training in karate in 2006 and quickly formed a strong connection with the art. Over the years, his enthusiasm and knowledge have continued to grow, shaping both his own journey and the way he supports others.

As Dom progressed through the grades, his confidence developed and he began helping to teach sessions from brown belt level. He started training with Steph in 2019 and has continued learning and developing his skills ever since, always looking for ways to improve and grow.

Alongside teaching, Dom has enjoyed taking part in competitions as a way to challenge himself and gain experience. In 2025, he achieved Senior All Styles European Kata Bronze, a moment that reflected his dedication and consistent hard work.

Dom is also SEN trained and takes pride in creating a welcoming, supportive training environment. His coaching style focuses on giving everyone equal opportunities, adapting sessions to suit individual needs, and helping students feel confident, included, and motivated on their karate journey.

Zach began his karate journey at the age of 8. What started as a way to build strength and confidence quickly grew into a passion and a sport he truly fell in love with. Over the years, karate has played a big part in shaping both his personal development and his love for teaching others.

As he grew older, Zach gained valuable experience through training and competing at both national and international level, helping him develop strong skills, discipline, and resilience. These experiences now influence the way he coaches, with a focus on safe, controlled, and confident kumite.

In 2022, Zach achieved his 4th Dan Black Belt under Christine Pullan Sensei. Alongside his karate journey, he has completed a qualified teaching degree and brings years of SEN/D experience to his coaching. He has worked across a range of mainstream and SEN/D schools in Tyne and Wear, teaching karate in an inclusive and supportive way.

Zach has also helped create dedicated SEN/D karate classes, giving children and young people the opportunity to try something new, build confidence, and enjoy being active in a positive environment.

At the club, Zach plays a key role in supporting events and gradings. His coaching style is encouraging, approachable, and focused on helping every student feel supported.

His proudest achievement is European silver medalist in kumite.

Katie has been training in karate for 18 years and achieved the grade of 2nd Dan in 2017. Since the age of 16, Katie has been teaching karate to children and adults, which is something she loves.

The passion for teaching has only grown since teaching a SEN class and helping change young people's lives. She has a mix of both Shotokan and Goju Ryu experience, travelling all over the country to train with different high level instructors.

Competing internationally has only strengthened her passion for karate and the club that supports her growth as a karate-ka with one of her biggest achievements being in 2024 when she became a European Kata Finalist. A classic car restorer for a career and a baker as a hobby, you will always find delicious treats at the grading bake sale.

Katie is the Hachi Karate Safeguarding lead and can be contacted via our safeguarding email on our contact page.

Rudy joined the Hachi Karate team in October 2025 as our Club Admin and has been enthusiastically supervising all things digital ever since — especially when an iPad is involved.

Full of energy and curiosity, Rudy takes a keen interest in anything that looks remotely important, often appearing just in time to sit on screens, observe typing closely, and ensure no device goes unattended.

While he doesn’t actually run the club (despite what he believes), Rudy keeps spirits high from his home office and provides plenty of entertainment behind the scenes.