OUR TEAM
Instructor Team
Our team are at the heart of Musuko Karate Academy, sharing their experience, supporting every student and helping each karateka develop with confidence.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our Senior Instructors
Leading the way at Musuko Karate Academy.
FOUNDER & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Simon Crowther
Founder & Chief Instructor
Sensei Simon Crowther is a highly respected and experienced karate instructor and coach, with a proven record of developing karateka from grassroots level through to elite international competition.
Throughout his coaching career, Simon has developed multiple English, British and international-level competitors, helping students progress from club-level karate through to competing and achieving success on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
A testament to Simon’s coaching and development of his own students is that six Musuko athletes have currently been selected to represent their country, competing at both International and Commonwealth Championships.
Simon’s coaching experience also extends to the international stage. For many years, he has served as Coach of the English Male Kata Team, coaching and preparing the team for World, European and Commonwealth Championships.
Under Simon’s coaching, the English Male Kata Team has achieved significant international success, including Commonwealth Gold and Commonwealth Silver medals, as well as reaching two European Championship Bronze Medal matches within the last five years.
Simon brings this wealth of knowledge and high-level coaching experience into his everyday teaching, working with students across all ages and abilities — from complete beginners through to experienced competitive karateka.
In Simon’s own words
“As Chief Instructor, I’m passionate about helping every student grow and develop through their training. Discipline and a good attitude are incredibly important to me, along with a willingness to listen, learn and always give your best.
I want students to develop not only in their karate, but also as individuals, building confidence, resilience and strength of character. Seeing students overcome challenges, progress and take pride in what they achieve is hugely rewarding.”
ASSISTANT CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Nathan
Assistant Chief Instructor & Eldest Son of Simon Crowther
I have been training in karate for over 19 years and currently hold the rank of 3rd Dan. Over that time, karate has become a huge part of my life and has given me the opportunity to meet some incredible people, as well as learn and train alongside talented athletes from around the world.
As Assistant Chief Instructor, I enjoy being able to pass on the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my own journey. I regularly teach children's classes, helping younger students develop their karate skills while building confidence, discipline and a genuine enjoyment for the martial art.
I also assist with squad training, working with students to develop their skills and prepare for competition. Alongside class and squad training, I teach private lessons, allowing me to work more closely with students on their individual technique development and personal goals.
Having grown up around karate and experienced so many different aspects of the martial art, it is incredibly rewarding to now be able to share that experience and play a part in the development of other students.
I have enjoyed every step of my karate journey so far and look forward to continuing to learn, teach and see where it takes me in the future.
HEAD SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Brandon
Head Senior Instructor & Youngest Son of Simon Crowther
I started karate at the age of four, and now at 21, I have over 17 years of training and competitive experience. Karate has given me some incredible opportunities, including representing my country on four occasions as an individual kata athlete, as well as being part of the Senior Male Kata Team.
I really enjoy being able to use the experience I have gained through training and competition to help other students develop. I'm actively involved in teaching children in classes, helping younger students build their skills and confidence and prepare for their grades. I assist with squad training, helping squad members improve their technique, confidence and performance, and I also teach private lessons tailored to each student's individual needs and goals.
Passing on my knowledge and experience is an important part of my own karate journey.
Seeing student's progress, enjoy their training and achieve the goals they have worked towards makes teaching incredibly rewarding.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Instructor Team
A dedicated team of Senior, Club and Junior Instructors supporting students across classes, grades, squad training and the wider club community.
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Yvonne
Club Manager & Admin · Lead Safeguarding Officer
Being part of the club is something I really enjoy, and I'm involved in many aspects of keeping everything running smoothly, from handling enquiries, licences and stock to grading preparations and safeguarding. I also love helping teach our younger students in classes and seeing how much they grow in confidence as they progress. It's very rewarding!!
I'm a big advocate for women of all ages staying active and healthy, so it's particularly inspiring to see our adult female students training, challenging themselves and progressing in their karate.
I love seeing the confidence, friendships and sense of achievement that can come from training, as well as the positive impact it can have both physically and mentally. Karate has so much to offer at every stage of life, and it's great to see people of all ages discovering that for themselves.
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Gavin
I've been training in karate since 2010. My journey into karate actually began through my daughter, after taking her along to classes and spending the first few weeks watching from the sidelines.
Before long, I decided to give it a go myself - and I've never looked back!
Over the years, karate has become a big part of my life. Now a 3rd Dan, I've enjoyed the challenge of continuing to learn and improve, as well as the friendships and sense of community that come with being part of the club.
As an Instructor, I really enjoy passing on what I've learned and helping students of all ages develop their skills and confidence. Seeing students' progress, overcome challenges and achieve things they perhaps didn't they could, is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
For me, karate has always been about more than learning techniques ad working through the grades. It's something that continues to challenge me, keeps me learning and gives me a real sense of enjoyment and achievement.
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Martin
Karate has been a big part of my life for over 15 years, taking me from my first steps in training through to My 3rd Dan Black belt. I enjoy passing on what I've learned and helping students of all ages and abilities build their skills, discipline and self-belief. I particularly value mentoring young karateka and seeing them grow as they progress through their training.
I believe karate is about much more than belts and techniques. It teaches respect, perseverance, focus and self-control - values that can benefit students both inside and outside the dojo.
My aim is to create a positive and supportive environment where every student can develop at their own pace, get the most from their training and reach their full potential. Karate continues to be an important part of my life, and there is always something new to learn and work towards.
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Charlotte
I originally trained and competed in karate for seven years, achieving my 1st Dan in 1990. After nearly 30 years away, I was inspired to put my gi back on when my daughter enrolled at Musuko Karate Academy in 2021. The welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere of the club quickly reignited my love of karate, and I've been training ever since - achieving my 2nd Dan in 2025.
I now help Sensei Simon teach the beginner and intermediate adults and children on Wednesdays, as well as supporting the tournament squad in training on Tuesdays, Squad Sundays and on competition days.
I love seeing families train together, and I'm a strong advocate for the benefits karate can bring, both physically and mentally, whatever your age or level of experience.
I also really enjoy the competitive side of the sport and am continuously inspired by our International Elite Squad who compete at the highest levels Nationally and Internationally. They're fantastic role models for our younger members and show what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Karate has given me so much, and I love being able to share that enjoyment with the next generation.
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei John
My karate journey began ten years ago, when as a proud parent I watched from the side. Seeing the dedication, commitment and enjoyment that karate brought inspired me to step into the dojo myself and give it a go. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
What started as a challenge quickly became a real passion. Over the years, karate has taught me that age is no barrier to learning, improving and challenging yourself. It has helped me grow in confidence, fitness and discipline, while giving me a real sense of achievement along the way.
Today, I'm a proud 2nd Dan Black Belt and to be an Instructor, for me, is one of the most rewarding parts of karate. Now I have the opportunity to give something back and instil in others what I've been taught. I enjoy helping students develop their skills, build their confidence and achieve things they may not have thought possible.
I especially enjoy encouraging adults who might think they are too old to start. I'm proof that you're not!
You don't need to begin karate as a child or a young adult, and it's never too late to step into the dojo and achieve your full potential. Ten years on I'm still learning, still challenging myself and still enjoying every step of the journey. Karate has become an important part of my life, and I'm proud to be able to share that passion with others.
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Molly
I have been training in karate for eleven years, progressing from a White belt to achieving my 2nd Dan. Throughout this time, I have developed my skills, confidence and discipline while continuing to challenge and improve myself.
I am also a member of the tournament squad, which gives me the opportunity to train at a competitive level and represent the club at competitions. Being part of the squad has strengthened my determination, focus and commitment to the sport.
Alongside my own training and competing I am a Senior Instructor and teach every week, passing on my knowledge and experience to younger students. I am particularly good at helping nervous beginners and small children feel comfortable and confident in their first classes. I am patient and encouraging, creating a friendly and supportive environment where students can learn at their own pace. I really enjoy seeing their confidence and ability grow over time and being able to support them on their own karate journeys.
Karate has been a huge part of my life, and I am proud of everything I have achieved so far. I look forward to continuing to develop as a martial artist, competitor and Instructor.
CLUB INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Eric
Karate has always been a passion of mine since I was young. As a teenager, I worked my way up to Brown belt before stepping away to focus at the time on swimming. Even then, the discipline, determination and respect karate taught me stayed with me.
Years later, I returned to karate with my children. I wanted them to experience not only the physical side of martial arts, but also the confidence, resilience, respect and self-discipline that can help guide them through life.
Training alongside my children reignited my own passion. I continued my journey, achieved my 1st Dan Black belt and became an Instructor. Now at 50, karate means more to me than grades or physical ability. It is about continuing to learn, challenging myself and sharing what I have learned with others. As an Instructor, I find it incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence, ability and character. I have recently turned my hand to the competitive side too and I'm enjoying competing in Male Veteran Kata at tournaments around the UK - where I'm honoured to say I have had medal success.
I am proud to be a Black belt and Instructor, but I also see myself as a student - always learning, growing and hopefully inspiring others along the way. Most of all, I just enjoy being in the dojo, training with good people and doing something I genuinely love!
JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR
Harrison
I began my karate journey at the age of five with Musuko Karate Academy. Now, at 17 years old, I’m proud to have achieved my 2nd Dan black belt. Over the years, karate has become a huge part of my life, helping me develop discipline, confidence and a strong understanding of the sport.
I joined the Musuko Squad at the age of seven and have since gained a wealth of experience through training and competing at a high level. I am now a member of the England International Kata Squad and have had the opportunity to compete both nationally and internationally, continually developing my knowledge and skills along the way.
For several years, I have also assisted with teaching at Musuko. At 17, I really enjoy being able to pass on the knowledge and experience I have gained to the younger members of the academy, helping them develop their technique, confidence and love for karate.
I’m proud to be someone the younger students can look up to and feel honoured to play a part in their karate journeys. I look forward to continuing to develop as both a competitor and instructor, while watching the next generation of Musuko students work towards their goals and achieve bright futures of their own.
JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR
Oliver
I started karate at the age of five and am now a 2nd Dan Black Belt, with teaching becoming an important part of my karate journey. I began instructing at 14 and really enjoy sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years, helping students develop their technique and get the most from their training.
For over two years, I’ve been part of the England squad, competing at both national and international level. I have recently been selected to represent England at two major competitions, which is a fantastic opportunity to test myself at a higher level and continue developing as an athlete.
As an instructor, I enjoy working with students of all ages and abilities and adapting my teaching to help each individual progress. I aim to create a positive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable challenging themselves, asking questions and learning from their mistakes.
Seeing students build confidence, improve their skills and achieve goals they have worked hard towards is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop as an instructor and using my experience to support the next generation of Musuko students.