03/04/2026
Yesterday evening saw a very emotional training session for Sensei Noreen. After 12 years of teaching in Gateshead, she is now moving to pastures new. We marked this occasion by surprising her with a group of the original students from when she restarted Sonkei in 2014. Noreen had previously ran a club in Gateshead under the name Sonkei many years previously. She restarted the club and gained a large following almost immediately, originally based in Heworth Grange school. We have had a number of dojo's since then, Leam Lane, Eighton Banks and Birtley.
The Covid pandemic was challenging for Sonkei, we lost our Leam Lane venue but through determination gained a new dojo in a gym at Birtley. The club was rebuilt and re-established, attracting many more new and returning members. A change of management at the gym forced another change of dojo, this time to a village hall, still within Birtley.
Noreen has trained countless students over the years, from new beginners to adults returning to karate. The club has always been open to everyone, regardless. In 2016 a new team behind the scenes launched a website and started comprehensive social media coverage. This allowed the club to attract members, retain them and show people what Sonkei was about.
From a personal point of view I would like to thank Noreen for her dedication with my own son, and for her continued friendship. The 'kids' may have now become adults, life takes over and jobs etc become the new priority. One thing that will always remain are the friendships built. I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes, as parent helpers. Without that help the club would not have been what it was. We have had 12 fantastic years of training with some of the best instructors in the country, running our very own competition and even featuring in a movie!
Sonkei will continue, this time at Morpeth where Sensei Noreen has started a new club. Sonkei's legacy will also continue, Sensei Chris Hulse is taking the reigns at Birtley with his new club, Hokori karate, still under the supervision of Sensei Gordon Mathie and the TKA - Takushoku Karate Association.
This sadly will be the final post on this page before it is retired. However, please continue to follow TKA and Hokori karate. Sensei Noreen will still be a very big part of the karate world and she will be back for some guest teaching at Hokori karate as well as being a part of TKA.
With many thanks Noreen Small ❤️❤️
