Senior Instructor with Zanshin. He began his training under Sensei Kevin Siddall in Pwllheli North Wales.

When Gareth passed his Shodan in Shukokai, he decided to open his first club in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon. This was a very successful club, which regularly won the Top club in North Wales title with the organisation they were then members of.  Politics within the organisation led to Gareth ending the relationship, setting up his own Karate association and joining U.K.A.S.K.O.

Gareth chose U.K.A.S.K.O having decided that he would not get involved with political arguments ever again.  It was important for him to ensure that his students received first class tuition and at the same time belong to a group which had its roots in Shukokai. U.K.A.S.K.O fit the bill to a tee.

Shihan Roy Stanhope 7th Dan Shukokai ran the organisation in Manchester, England. He was (and still is) a first class instructor and held in high esteem throughout the martial art world. Shihan Stanhope was one of the original innovators of Shukokai in the UK. His organisation is a world wide success. What was more important was the fact that Roy Stanhope was a very approachable man, who was always on hand to help his instructors out. There never was or has been a problem with politics of any kind with him or the organisation. This (in Gareth's opinion) is the key to his success.

In 2004 he qualified as a dan grading officer with UKASKO. He is the Senior Dan grading Officer for UKASKO in North Wales and conducts gradings locally.

Gareth was graded to Yondan (4thDan) with Shihan Stanhope in November 2000 at the same time his wife Meriel took her Sandan (3rd Dan) both were successful! Since then Gareth has been awarded 5th Dan by Shihan Stanhope in November 2005.

Gareth has appeared on TV and radio on many occasions in his capacity as a karate instructor. He has also undertaken a coaching qualification with U.K.A.S.K.O under the renowned instructor Phil Snewin.

Gareth is also a qualified driving instructor and runs his own school in his home town. His patience with his students and knowledge of karate will help guide his students throughout their training. To see his driving school website click here: www.CaernarfonDrivingSchool.co.uk

He is also Chairman of The Caernarfon Chamber of Trade and Commerce www.Caernarfon.biz and Editor of the Official Website for The Royal Town of Caernarfon www.CaernarfonOnline.co.uk and www.VisitCaernarfon.com

He has a son named Adam born on New Years day 1999.

Gareth is fluent in both Welsh and English and enjoys his training immensely. As well as running clubs in his native Wales, Gareth has taught at venues across Florida during his visits to the Sunshine State.

Gareth's favourite technique is Gyakuzuki (reverse punch), and Sokuto (side kick) he is a perfectionist of the basics of Shukokai. He believes that with good Kihon (basics) and knowledge of Shukokai anyone can achieve powerful techniques. Pad-work and self defence are his favourite sections in teaching. He is pleased that he had stumbled across Shukokai all those years ago as he finds the style suites most peoples needs. The style is fast and powerful and a very effective form of self defence. He has trained with other styles but never found the classes effective.