Instructors
Sensei Alan Hughes (6th Dan)
Alan Hughes began his karate journey in 1974 with the K.U.G.B., training under the renowned Sensei Steve Cattle. He achieved all of his kyu grades under Sensei Cattle, apart from 3rd Kyu, which he earned under Sensei Kawasoe. In 1981, he was awarded his black belt by the legendary Sensei Enoeda.
Following Sensei Cattle’s founding of the English Shotokan Academy (E.S.A.), Alan continued his progression, achieving 2nd Dan in 1996 under Senseis Dirk Heene and Ken Button. He went on to earn 3rd Dan in 1999 under Sensei Dirk Heene and a panel from the E.S.A. technical committee. His 4th Dan was awarded in 2002, and his 5th Dan followed in 2008, both under Senseis Mark Stevens and Ken Button. In 2019, Alan was awarded 6th Dan by Sensei Ken Button.
A holder of the National Governing Body Coaching Certificate, Alan was also a member of the successful Southport Karate Team, who won numerous competitions and secured 3rd place at the K.U.G.B. National Championships held at Crystal Palace. He joined Sensei Ken Button’s Hara Shotokan Academy in 2000, and in 2023 returned to teaching with the English Shotokan Academy. He is also affiliated with the Kizuna Brotherhood. With decades of experience, he brings a wealth of technical knowledge and personal discipline to every class. His passion lies in passing on the values and principles of traditional Shotokan karate, helping students of all ages grow in confidence, skill, and character.
Sensei Danny Hughes (4th Dan)
Danny Hughes began his Shotokan Karate training in 1998 at the age of six at Southport YMCA Karate Club. By age twelve, he had progressed to the adult class, and just two years later, he achieved his 1st Dan under Sensei Ken Button. A dedicated and successful competitor, Danny has taken part in numerous tournaments both in the UK and internationally, including winning two bronze medals in Belgium in 2009.
In February 2010, he was awarded 2nd Dan, again under Sensei Button. Later that year, Danny moved to Newcastle to study Applied Sport and Exercise Science at Northumbria University, where he continued his training with Newcastle Sendai Karate Club (K.U.G.B.). During his time there, he competed in several national events, including the K.U.G.B. National Championships at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena, and trained regularly under Sensei Frank Brennan. He also attended many courses with senior K.U.G.B. instructors.
Danny returned permanently to Southport in early 2015 and resumed training at the Southport YMCA dojo. In October 2015, he successfully graded to 3rd Dan under a panel of examiners including Senseis Ken Button, Andy McDonald, Alan Hughes, and Dave Todd. He was awarded his 4th Dan in August 2023 by a senior panel from the English Shotokan Academy: Senseis Michaylo Fedyk, Geoff Beasley, and Roger Hooton.
Danny is also a proud member of the Kizuna Brotherhood and continues to train, teach, and develop his karate with a focus on technical excellence and lifelong learning.
