Chief Instructor
Sam Birch - 6th Dan
Sam began his karate journey at the age of six at Red Lion SKC, training under the club’s former Chief Instructor, Ivan Birch. He holds the distinction of being the first member of the club to progress from a complete novice to achieving the rank of 6th Dan. In 2024, Sam took over as Chief Instructor following Ivan’s retirement.
Over the years, Sam has competed extensively at both regional and national levels, earning multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in Kata and Kumite. He also spent two years as a member of the KUGB England Kata Squad, representing his country with dedication and skill.
Today, Sam continues to compete occasionally while balancing his time between teaching at Red Lion SKC and instructing at national courses for Shotokan Connect.
Senior Instructor
Frank Veselovsky - 5th Dan
Frank began his martial arts journey in the summer of 1982 at the age of 13. After more than a decade of dedicated training, he earned his 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate and received his instructor’s license in 1994.
In 2013, Frank joined Red Lion SKC, where he continues to develop and share his passion for Shotokan Karate. He is particularly dedicated to exploring the deeper meanings of Kata through practical application and personal growth.
Since 2000, Frank has served as a national and international referee, bringing his knowledge and experience to tournaments around the world. Over the years, he has had the privilege of training with world-renowned martial arts masters and has mentored many students—some of whom have gone on to become instructors themselves. Through his teaching, Frank promotes the philosophy of martial arts as a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement.
Instructor
Claire Couch - 4th Dan
Claire began training in 1983 at the age of 17, alongside her sister Jane and Red Lion club founder Ivan Birch. Over the years, she has attended many national courses, training with many renowned karateka including some Japanese masters.
Despite a period away from training to have two children, who have both reached their 2nd Dan with Red Lion, and a period of recovery form serious illness, Claire attained her 4th Dan in June 2023.
Claire also has many years of regional and national competition experience winning medals for her Kumite. She still competes from time to time and is an experienced competition official. She is currently completing her training as a judge under the watchful eye of our own highly experienced referee and judge, Frank Veselovsky.
She works as an Integrative Counsellor and Trauma Focused Therapist running her own private practice and passionately promotes the mental health benefits that karate can provide.