The Shukokai and self-defence coaching offered at Edinburgh University Karate Club covers Shukokai style kata (forms) and its practical application (bunkai), drawing parallels to the self-defence applications of traditional karate. We also offer specific self-defence sessions which teach how to defend yourself in real life situations, and include groundwork, locks and throws.
Our coaches come from a variety of martial arts backgrounds, and have all represented the University in their times here as students. You can find out more about their backgrounds below. Shukokai licenses are with Kugatsu Karate-Do (KKD).
Shukokai gradings are held once a semester, and cover some self-defence aspects as well as knowledge of kata and kumite (sparring) taught in the sport karate classes. Whether you are looking to train traditional martial arts and advance through the grades, learn how to defend yourself or just get fit and have some fun, our sessions are open to everyone.
Our Coaches
3rd Dan
BTEC Level 3
Sensei
Zachary Janes
Zach has been practicing Shukokai karate for over 20 years, and Okinawan kempo for the last 10. He has spent several years teaching self protections, safe restraint technique and conflict de-escalation to a range of professionals. Although he was a successful competitor for the university in his student days, his focus for the last decade has been on understanding and practicing karate as a complete self-defence system, working on the striking, grappling, control positions, ground fighting and weapons fighting found in the kata.
He holds a 3rd dan in Shukokai and is a certified trainer in the Functional Edge self defence system. As a competitor he became both Scottish and British University Champion and was awarded a sporting Blue from the University of Edinburgh.
4th Dan
Sensei
Peter Gibbons
Peter joined the Edinburgh team as a graduate student in 2009, after completing his Undergraduate degree at Nottingham University. Peter started training in Shukokai Karate under Chris Mileham in 1995 with the SSKU (formerly SKU), grading to Shodan in 2002, and subsequently Nidan in 2004. During his time at Nottingham University, Peter also trained in Shotokan and Shorin-Ryu Karate under Dr. Andy Roosen whilst continuing his study of Shukokai, and graded to Sandan with the SSKU in December 2007.
After joining the Edinburgh team, Peter quickly became a core member of the competitive team, which led to him being elected Club Captain in Summer 2010. In 2011, Peter captained the Edinburgh karate squad to their first BUCS win since 2006 and a 13th successive Scottish University Championship. At the end of 2011, Peter was awarded his Yondan by Peter Allen, VP of the AMA. In 2012, Peter captained the karate squad to a second Edinburgh double with the landslide victory at BUCS 2012 and a 14th Scottish University Championship, alongside success at several local and national championships.
In recognition of his contribution to these successes as both a competitor and club captain, Peter was awarded both a Blue and Colours by Edinburgh University Sports Union in May 2012. Peter stepped down as Captain in Summer 2012, and subsequently joined the coaching team in September 2012. In October 2012, Peter received his NFPS advanced award in self defence instruction and Functional Edge fundamentals instructor from Gerard O’Dea of Dynamis Insight, and Tony Torres of Functional Edge MMA. At the start of 2013, Peter received an Executive Committee award from Edinburgh University Sports Union at the Sports Union Ball in recognition of his services to the club during his tenure as Club Captain. In May 2013 Peter was named Student Coach of the Year by the Sports Union.
Peter’s interests span the entire Shukokai syllabus taught at EUKC, his current training interests consists of classical Ryukyu Kempo and Kobudo alongside Functional Edge, Defence Lab and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu grappling for Self-Protection Purposes. In addition to this he brings his extensive sporting background in Shukokai and Shito-ryu Karate, as well as a keen interest in Scott Sonnons TACFIT exercise program to help students develop the skill-sets and fitness levels required to excel as a competitor in modern sport karate.
3rd Dan
Sensei
Paul Skelding
Paul has been involved in Edinburgh University karate for over 20 years and currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan.
Paul started his karate career training in Shotokan at junior level before joining the University's Shukokai club in 1999. He was a pivotal member in numerous Scottish and British championship wins before being invited to join the coaching team in 2003, shortly after grading to Shodan (1st Dan) under Steven Webster, Gerard O'Dea and Bill Burger. Paul went on to grade to Shodan under Soke Robert Clark (9th Dan) of the Hontai Yoshin Ryu in his Ao Denku Kai Jitsu system the same year.
After spending 5 years in London, Paul returned to the club in the autumn of 2010 and went on to gain his NFPS Advanced Award Self Defence Instructor Certification in 2011. Paul has since graded to Sandan (3rd Dan) under Peter Allen of the AMA and continues to teach pragmatic and effective self-defence through the in depth study of kata, Dynamis Insight and the Functional Edge MMA systems.