Instructors
Sensei
Julia Tanner
Julia has been head instructor of USKU New Zealand since July 2022. Julia has trained with USKU since May 2010, she graded Shodan (first degree black belt) in October 2013. In 2015, she graded Nidan (second degree black belt) and in 2017 she graded Sandan (third degree black belt), and Yondan (fourth degree black belt) in 2022. She has also been awarded an
Sensei
Chris Teo-Sherrell
Chris has trained in various martial arts since his 20s whenever life permitted. He has been with USKU since about 2010 and progressed through the ranks. He concentrates on correct form and high focus and puts a high value on developing the non-physical side of karate (see Dojo Kun).
Sensei
Steve Brown
After watching my son at karate practice for a couple of years, I realised that karate had so many benefits that could apply to personal well-being and that would help me in my later years. I could see it gives cardio fitness, much better balance, hand-eye coordination, memory learning, all the moves, and at the end you come away with good self-defense techniques. So, rather than sitting there, I started training with the club at the age of 59. Now, 7 years later, with lots of hard training and commitment I have achieved my black belt. This was not my original goal, as the benefits I have gained with training have massively improved my quality of life. I am also now able to teach the young beginner classes, which I thoroughly enjoy.
Sensei
Tania Williams
Tania has been training in karate since 2007. She is one of Sensei Morgan’s original students when USKU started in 2008. With many starts and stops in training she has achieved her Shodan in 2022.
Sensei
Jenny Nixey
Jenny was head instructor of USKU New Zealand from 2013 to 2015. She has a Shodan (first degree black belt) in Shito-ryu and in August 2010 graded Shodan with USKU. In 2011 she graded Nidan (second degree black belt) and in 2013 she graded Sandan (third degree black belt). In 2019, Jenny was awarded KWF Yondan and was a Silver Medalist at the World Cup in Tokyo. In 2022, she was awarded an International Referee certificate and Yondan (fourth degree black belt) by USKU. Jenny now lives in Auckland, but visits Palmerston North regularly.
Sensei
Simon Tavendale
Simon was head instructor of USKU New Zealand from March 2021 to July 2022. Simon graded Shodan (first degree black belt) with USKU in 2011. In 2022 he was awarded an International Referee certificate and Yondan (fourth degree black belt). Simon now lives in Hastings.
Our Trainers
