Chief Instructor
Sam Birch - 6th Dan
Sam started his karate journey at 6 years old at Red Lion SKC under the instruction of the previous Chief Instructor Ivan Birch and was the first club member to go from novice to 6th Dan at the club! Sam took over the club from Ivan in 2024.
Sam has spent many years competing regionally and nationally, taking home several regional gold medals (as well as many Silver and Bronze) in Kata and Kumite. Spending 2 of those years on the KUGB England Kata squad.
Sam continues to compete, from time to time, between teaching both at the club and at national courses for Shotokan Connect.
Senior Instructor
Frank Veselovsky - 5th Dan
Frank began his Martial Arts journey in the summer of 1982 at the age of 13. Over a decade of dedicated training, he achieved his 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate and obtained his instructor license by 1994.
In 2013, he became a proud member of Red Lion SKC, where he continues his Shotokan Karate journey. Frank is deeply passionate about deciphering the meanings of Kata through practical applications and personal development.
Since 2000, Frank has been a national and international referee, bringing his expertise to tournaments around the world. Over the years, Frank had the privilege of training with world-renowned Martial Arts Masters, and has guided many students himself, some of whom have gone on to teach others, promoting the understanding of Martial Arts as a lifestyle – an ongoing journey.
Instructor
Claire Couch - 4th Dan
Claire started training in 1983, not long before Red Lion was founded in 1985, at the age of 17 along with her sister Jane and club founder Ivan.
Despite having several years off to have children, both of whom have learnt karate at Red Lion SKC and attained 2nd Dan, and beating cancer, Claire has recently passed her 4th Dan. She continues to compete to this day, both regionally and nationally, winning medals for her Kumite (fighting).
Claire runs her own counselling business and promotes the benefit karate can have for mental health.
Claire loves a fight!
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