31/08/2026
A new chapter for St Helens Karate Academy!
After over 40 years of owning and running the club, Ian Roberts has decided to step down from his role as Chief Instructor. While he is stepping away from the role, the club is delighted that he will still be a familiar face around the dojo, continuing to support the club and teach from time to time.
We’re proud to announce Emily Chiu as the new Chief Instructor and Livia Yang as our new Assistant Instructor at St Helens Karate Academy. With both having grown through the club and sharing a strong passion for karate, we’re excited to see them work together and lead the club into this next chapter.
A message from our new Chief Instructor, Emily:
“I’m incredibly proud and honoured to officially take over the club and begin a new chapter for St Helens Karate Academy.
This club has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first stepped into the dojo at 8 years old, and what started as a place to learn karate quickly became so much more. It became a place where I grew, made lifelong friendships, built confidence, created countless memories, been given amazing opportunities, and developed a passion for karate that has stayed with me ever since.
To now have the opportunity to lead the club that played such a big role in shaping who I am today is something I don’t take for granted. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ian for trusting me with the club he has built and dedicated so much of his life to over the past 40 years. Taking on a club with such a long and special history is a huge responsibility, but one that I’m incredibly excited to embrace.
I’d like to acknowledge Ian. I honestly can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for me since I first walked into the dojo. He has been such an important part of my life, and I wouldn’t be the person or karateka I am today without his guidance, support and belief in me. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for everything that Ian has done for me and club. Thank you so much.
From being a shy 8-year-old girl stepping onto the mats with my big brother to now leading the club, it’s hard to put into words what a journey it has been. To come full circle and have the opportunity to lead the club that played such a huge part in my life is something I never could have imagined.
Here’s to what comes next!”
A message from our new Assistant Instructor, Livia:
“I’ve been training in karate since I was 10 years old, and I’m so grateful that this club has been such a huge part of my life. What I love most about training here is that it genuinely feels like a family. Everyone supports, encourages and pushes each other to be better. You’re constantly challenged to go beyond what you think you’re capable of, both physically and mentally. For me, karate has never just been about learning techniques or getting stronger. It’s about discipline, resilience, confidence and learning the importance of never giving up.”
