Our Instructors
Woolston Karate Clubs
With over a hundred years of Martial Arts experience between them, our instructors have a vast array of knowledge to drive you to greatness.
Darron McQuillan
Sensei
(5th Dan)
Woolston Karate Club
Sensei Darron McQuillan 5th Dan is the owner and chief instructor of Woolston Karate Clubs.
Darron's passion for karate began in 1995, and his dedication has propelled him to achieve remarkable milestones. He earned his 1st Dan in 2000, solidifying his foundation in the discipline.
Since 2015, Darron has actively competed in kata. He secured gold medals at the UWK Championships in both 2017 and 2018.
Darron represented UWK England at the World Championships held in Italy in 2017. Furthermore, he claimed a medalist position at the WUKF European Championships in 2017.
Darron's commitment to karate is evident in his achievements, both as a competitor and an instructor. His journey continues to inspire and empower others to discover the potential and fulfillment that karate offers.
John Cameron
Sensei
(4th Dan)
Woolston Karate Club
Practicing Shito Ryu & Shukokai Karate since 1986 and is now a senior coach at Woolston Karate Clubs, John was also national & International kumite competitor, selected to be part of the UWK England squad in 2015.
Around 2014 / 2015 John decided to take on duties as a club and national Judge / Referee, and since then his dedication and commitment has seen a steady progression through the World Union of Karate-Do Federations referee promotions. He is now a World Chief Referee and one of the most experienced and respected karate referees in the world.
Rebecca Cameron
Sensei
(4th Dan)
Woolston Karate Club
Rebecca started her Karate training in 2004 when she was a very shy little girl, practicing Karate helped her overcome her confidence issues and in 2006 she entered and won her first competition. In 2017 she competed in the 6th European Karate Championships in Romania where she achieved 2nd place. Also in 2017, she was chosen to represent England at the United World Karate
Championships where she again won a silver medal place.
By 19 years old Rebecca was Vice Captain of the association England Squad competing most weekends nationally & internationally. In March 2018 Rebecca became the Malta Open Champion & later in October she competed at the 7th European Karate Championships, also achieving second place.
Gary Ankers
Senpai
(2nd Dan)
Woolston Karate Club
Senpai Gary Ankers started studying karate in 1986 at Woolston Karate Club under Hanshi Ian Barlow.
After studying Wing Chun kung fu for a couple of years his journey has taken him full circle back to Woolston where he mentors the junior grades at the start of their training.
Ruby Owen
Junior Instructor
(2nd Dan)
Woolston Karate Club
From the young age of 5, Ruby began her karate journey in order to grow her confidence and to learn a new and exciting skill. Since her first competition in 2016 Ruby has been to 2 world championships where she has won a silver and bronze medal. After having achieved her 2nd Dan black belt at age 11, Ruby was awarded the title of Assistant Junior Instructor after years of dedication and service to the club.
Steve O'Gara
Sensei
(3rd Dan)
Seishin Shukokai Karate Club
Steve started studying karate at the age of 14 under Sensei Dave Barrett and is a 3rd Dan black belt in Shukokai Karate.
After moving home and being unable to find a karate club, Steve took up Kung Fu under Sifu Steve Clarksmith & Sifu David Hippgrave.
Steve found himself wanting to test his abilities but the Kung Fu club he was at didn't compete so Steve found his way back to Karate in a new club.
Steve has many competition honours including:
3 x National Champion, 3 x European Champion, 2 x World Champion.
Steve has also studied Japanese Ju-Jitsu, Judo and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu.
Laura Cameron
Junior Coach
(1st Dan)
Woolston Karate Club
Laura is another of our highly respected and successful competitors, one of her many accolades was when she entered 3 separate categories at the 7th Kanzen Cup International Open Championships and won gold in all three. In 2019 she achieved International recognition by collecting a Silver medal at the Malta International Open Karate Championships.
She is currently studying at Bangor University but is still managing to train at least twice a week with a club there.
Simon Shepard
Sensei
(3rd Dan)
Simon began his karate journey in Manchester in 1977, switching from Wado to Shukokai. He earned a Shodan under Stan Knighton (SKU) and excelled in kumite competitions. After training with Terry Pottage, he became a qualified EKF referee.
Moving to Liverpool, Simon discovered Shotokan at The Red Triangle, training intensively under experienced instructors. He achieved a Nidan under Sensei Enoeda and competed extensively across the UK and Europe.
As chief instructor of Liverpool University Shotokan Karate Club, Simon led the team to multiple championships. He opened his own dojo, DOEJAP, in Cheltenham, where he mentored over 30 black belts.
Joining Scott Langley's WTKO and later HDKI International, Simon served as a grading examiner, senior referee, and General Manager. He earned a Sandan in 2017. With over 45 years of experience, Simon holds numerous referee, instructor, and coaching qualifications.
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