Karate Academy Scotland Dan Grades

 

Our Black Belts :

John Craig 5th Dan
Favourite Kata:
Sochin: Very strong kata with energy. It is used in seminars a lot across europe and is always 
delivered with passion by the Masters.
Bio:

Sensei John Craig is a 5th Dan with more than 30 years of karate experience.

He took over the running of the club in 2006 and is the clubs instructor.

He has always followed the teachings of Master Kase and Master Shirai.

When I’m not training:
This is my take on real life when people ask “What you do in your spare time?”
I would say, “I don’t understand what you mean?”
Why I train Karate:
I have always had an interest in Martial Arts.
I tried Judo at around 7 years old.
Since then I moved onto Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do,
I finally settled into Karate and have never looked back.
I get a lot from Karate. The obvious one is the physical side but there is a deeper side 
connected with traditional values and calming of the mind.
It gives me energy and free mind time.
I always feel recharged mentally and physically after training.
My favourite karate memory:
That’s a hard one and for anyone that knows me will know that the answer is not straightforward for me to explain anything at all:
Over the years I have been very privileged to have attended some very high level training courses and met
some very special Karateka. I have seen some amazing karate being performed and know that I will never reach
that level physically or have the level to fully understand some of the explanations being given by the Masters.
So I think the answer is being there amongst these Masters and seeing Karate performed at the highest of levels is
my strongest inspiration.
Oss

Amanda Walker 3rd Dan

Amanda Walker during her Nidan Grading
Bio:

Started aged 32, 2006
Sandan, April 2025
SKGB Level 2 Coach
I’ve had the privilege of training at many courses under truly great teachers who show how beautiful Karate is.

Favourite Kata:
Bassai Sho
This was a kata that I saw being trained a lot by higher grades in the club and it was always something to aspire to. When I started training I thought that it would be really something if I could possibly reach 2nd Dan + so Bassai Sho was always beyond that reach. So, to achieve 3rd Dan with Bassai Sho as my kata was special.
When I’m not training:
Loved ones, family, crazy cats, supporting the club behind the scenes + sharing Karate in other ways
Why I train Karate:
Belonging, family, structure, being driven by seeing inspirational
karate-ka, body-mind connection, sanity!
My favourite karate memory:
Not an easy choice, as there are so many in number + in kind.

Here are a couple:
Achieving Shodan alongside John who reached Yondan + David, Sandan on the same day. They had inspired me for many years + reaching Shodan was a huge step for me.

Returning to face to face classes after Covid lockdowns, training together, and being able to chat properly with the kids at the club once more.

Michael Thornton 2nd Dan

Michael Thornton performing Jion at the GNKA competition 2024
Bio:

Michael Thornton has been training with Karate Academy Scotland since 2011 and is a 2nd Dan.

He has benefitted from regular training with Sensei John Craig and the experience he has brought back from top instructors throughout the world.   Additionally he has been fortunate enough to train with Sensei’s Marc Stevens and Dirk Heene when they have visted Scotland.

Favourite Kata:
Hard to say just now.  Probably Hangetsu so far but feel I don`t do it justice.  The variation of speed and power in the kata is interesting.  This is a theme in many katas, though.  I need to work on stability and body posture so this is probably why it appeals(aslong with others).
When I’m not training:
By day, I teach Physics at a local school.  It’s interesting to me to be the teacher during the day and the student at night.  Karate teaching is quite different to what happens in schools and raises questions for me.
In my spare time (when I get chance!) I like reading , playing the bagpipes and hillwalking.  I own a piano but have still to arrange lessons!
Why I train Karate:
I train karate for my well being predominantly.  It helps both mentally and physically.
After a good training session I find I have greater mental clarity and my physical aches and pains are also reduced.
I also train because I’m not naturally very good at karate.  I’m not “sporty” and struggle to learn complex practical skills with other people. For me progress is slow and takes effort.  I find the challenge makes it more rewarding.
My favourite karate memory:
Tricky one.  Probably my 1st Dan grading.
When I started training I had no real belief that I would ever grade for Shodan, especially as I was older when I started training seriously and find karate challenging.  I don`t train for belts/grades but a rigorous test by an external examiner is a great opportunity to measure your level objectively.

Craig Malcolm 1st Dan

Craig Malcolm 1st Dan
Bio:

Craig Malcolm started a martial arts class age 5, then moved house to Somerset and started training at a Shotokan Karate Club age 7, gaining his Black
belt at the age of 12, through the KUGB, trained by Tiverton Shotokan Karate Club.

He is currently a Shodan, and has been training with Karate Academy Scotland since moving to Scotland in the summer of
2024.

Favourite Kata:
Bassai Dai because it’s a strong Kata with interesting moves.
When I’m not training:
I am a keen gamer, chess player and I like to play the piano. I also like walking my dog. 
Why I train Karate:
I train karate for self defence and exercise.
My favourite karate memory:
Getting my black belt.

Isla Fraser 1st Dan

Isla Fraser
Bio:

Isla is a first Dan.

She’s been training for about 9 years. She started when she was 7 years old.

Favourite Kata:
Bassai Dai
When I’m not training:
I’m in 5th year at school and doing my highers. I enjoy drawing and spending time with friends.
Why I train Karate:
 I really benefit mentally and physically from it. I love the training, it’s a great challenge and it’s become a big part of my life.
My favourite karate memory:
 I’ve so many great memories but if I had to choose one it would be my first course with sensei Dirk Heene when I was a purple-white belt.  It was also the first time I had graded in front of him and it felt such an honour.
A close second would have to be receiving the Bushido award at the 2025 Kata Competition.
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