Our Instructors

Meet SSKC's passionate, dedicated, instructor team.

Lewis Simpson - 3rd Dan

Lewis Sensei is a JKS D level qualified instructor, and qualified JKS Kyu grade examiner. He has a very technical approach to his karate, and a great eye for detail. Always full of energy, and an excellent motivator, Lewis often focuses on our mid Kyu grades and their development towards black belt.

When did you start martial arts?
Sept 2003

When did you join SSKC?
March 2022

Why did you start karate?
I was obsessed with watching Jackie Chan when I was younger, but my parents made me take golf lessons instead of martial arts. After being told by my golf instructor that I could not kick the balls into the holes, he suggested karate to my parents.

Karate highs?
Attending the JKS world championships in 2011. Grading with Kagawa sensei for my Nidan. Training with JKS Hombu Dojo Instructors, like Yamaguchi Sensei, Mikita Sensei, and Nagaki Sensei. Gaining strong friendships with people and learning the deeper personal lessons that karate can offer.

Karate lows?
Long breaks from training due to leg injury, not physically being able to do something I loved for so long was extremely difficult and depressing.

Favourite Kata?
Sochin – but my answer to this question changes weekly.

Karate ambitions?
Train in Japan at the Hombu dojo, and grade there too. To support our students to achieve their dan grade and support them at competition.

Other interests?
Other forms of fitness, working as a sociologist and criminologist.

Karate achievements
Attending the JKS World Championships in 2011
Achieved 1st Dan in 2010
Achieved 2nd Dan in 2013 graded by Kagawa Sensei
Joining Selby Shotokan Karate Club
Achieved 3rd Dan in 2022 graded by Alan Campbell Sensei

Scott Haxby - 2nd Dan

Scott Sensei has been training for over 10 years, and is the club's lead Kumite instructor. He is a passionate fighter, responsible for squad training and coaching, where he focuses on competition Kumite with our students - young and old.

When did you start martial arts / join SSKC?
2011

Why did you start karate?
To support my daughter who started about 3 months earlier.

Karate highs?
Passing my Shodan on the same day as my daughter.

Karate lows?
Injuries.

Favourite Kata?
Junro Sandan

Karate ambitions?
Train as long as possible, continue to learn, and pass on my knowledge to others.

Other interests?
Motorbikes, sport in general and computer games.

Karate achievements
May 2018, 2nd, SSKC Comp, 016 Ind Kata 2nd Kyu+
May 2018, 1st, SSKC Comp, O16 Ind Kumite 2nd Kyu+
May 2018, 2nd, SSKC Comp, Family Kata
May 2018, 1st, SSKC Comp, Randy Williams Cup
May 2014, 1st, SSKC Comp, O16 Ind Kata 2nd Kyu+
May 2014, 1st, SSKC Comp, O16 Ind Kumite 2nd Kyu+
May 2014, 2nd, SSKC Comp, Family Kata
May 2014, 1st, SSKC Comp, Randy Williams Cup
May 2013, 2nd, SSKC Comp, O16 Kumite Beg to 3rd Kyu
May 2012, 1st, SSKC Comp, O16 Kumite Beg to 3rd Kyu
May 2012, 2nd, SSKC Comp, Randy Williams Cup

Simon Frost - 2nd Dan

One of our Ninja class instructors, Simon Sensei is also the Club Chairman. It's a family affair as his daughter is working her way up through the ranks too, and he continues to train hard and develop his own karate when he gets the opportunity.

When did you start martial arts?
1994, briefly for a couple of years.

When did you join SSKC?
January 2013

Why did you start karate?
To keep fit. I'd enjoyed training when younger, and wanted something a little more cerebral and mentally challenging than just sweating at the gym.

Karate highs?
The first time training on a Black and Brown belt course with Kagawa Shihan (9th Dan, JKS Chief Instructor). Feeling the reverence and respect in the hall, being blown away by his skill, humility and humour and sharing the energy with captivated students of all ages and ranks.

Karate lows?
General lack of hip flexibility and a niggly right knee.

Favourite Kata?
Hmm. Whichever one I'm currently working on.

Karate ambitions?
To keep improving, to share my love of karate, and to do my small part to help our club keep going for another 50 years! 

Other interests?
Family, music (playing and listening), running, my Lotus, and good food.

Karate achievements
May 2019, 3rd, SSKC Comp, 18 yrs + Male 2nd Kyu to Shodan Ind Kumite
May 2019, 2nd, SSKC Comp, 16 yrs + Mixed 2nd Kyu to Shodan Ind Kata
Nov 2014, 3rd, JKS Nationals Comp, 16 yrs + Mixed 10th to 4th Kyu Ind Kata

Sarah Dudley - 1st Dan

Sarah Sensei shares the instruction of the Ninja class, and plays a key role in the club's administration as the Secretary and Membership Officer. She trains with her son and partner, and can kick anyone, of any height, square in the face without breaking a sweat.

When did you start martial arts and join SSKC?
November 2015

Why did you start karate?
My Dad (now Ian Sensei at SSKC) trained years ago and my son had started training too. I'd always wanted to try it so thought we could all give it a go together. Improved fitness was also another reason for me personally.

Karate highs?
Watching Dad achieve his Shodan in 2019 and following him shortly after with my Shodan on 16th Feb 2020.

Karate lows?
Nerves prior to grading....although pushing through could also be considered a high!

Favourite Kata?
I can't pick one but love the Kakuyoku Kata. 

Karate ambitions?
Generally, to keep training, improving, and helping others where I can on their karate journey.

Other interests?
Spending time with friends and family and gardening.

Karate achievements
May 2019, 1st, SSKC Comp, Female 18 years+ Beg to 3rd Kyu Ind Kumite
May 2019, 2nd, SSKC Comp, Family Kata
May 2019, 1st, SSKC Comp, Mixed 18 years+ Beg to 3rd Kyu Ind Kata
June 2018, 1st, HDKI Female Comp, Female 18 years+ Beg to 3rd Kyu Kumite
June 2018, 1st, HDKI Female Comp, Female 18 years+ Beg to 3rd Kyu Kata
April 2017, 2nd, SSKC Comp, Female 18 years+ Beg to 3rd Kyu Kumite

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