Northumberland karate prodigy becomes double British champion

Kokoro Shotokan Karate Club's Finlay Stubbs achieved remarkable success at the KUGB National Under-21 Championships in Liverpool over the weekend, winning two British titles and capping an outstanding year of competition.

Three young karateka from Kokoro Shotokan Karate Club travelled to Merseyside to compete at the event, where clubs from across the UK and Ireland gathered for one of the highlights of the national karate calendar.

The standard of competition was exceptionally high, with competitors demonstrating outstanding skill, determination and sportsmanship throughout.

For eight-year-old Finlay, the championships proved to be an unforgettable occasion as he secured two national titles to become a double British champion. The precocious youngster claimed gold in both the Under-16 Boys Brown Belt Kata and Under-10 Ippon Kumite Brown & Black belt categories.

His victory in the Under-16 Boys Brown Belt Kata was particularly impressive, with Finlay competing against significantly older karateka. The double championship success brings the Northumberland starlet’s medal tally for 2026 to an impressive five gold and four silver medals across all competitions.

Finlay trains four times a week at Kokoro's Blyth and Cramlington dojos, where his commitment and determination have allowed him continuing to be successful at the highest level.

Sensei Gemma Gibson, 4th Dan said: "Finlay's achievement is absolutely incredible. At the start of the year, he passed his brown belt, which meant stepping up into new, more challenging categories. It was a huge challenge, but it didn't seem to phase him.

“He increased his training hours, embraced the challenge and continued to work hard. What's remarkable is that his competition results this year have been even better than last year's, when he was competing in the junior grade categories.

“Finlay has no fear of getting up against much older and more experienced karateka. To see an eight year old compete so confidently and successfully at that level is exceptional.

“Both of his results in Liverpool were fantastic, but the kata gold was particularly special. After winning five silver medals in kata over the past year, to finally take gold in such a closely contested final was a special moment. He has worked so hard for this, and we are immensely proud of him. He couldn't possibly have finished his competition year in a better way. To become a double British champion at just eight years old is an achievement we are all incredibly proud of."

Kokoro Shotokan Karate Club - which has dojos in Blyth and Cramlington - provides karate training for children, adults, and families across South-East Northumberland. The club's ethos centres on heart, mind and spirit, helping members develop confidence, discipline, resilience and a sense of belonging through karate.

Finlay's latest success represents another proud moment for the club, highlighting the dedication of its young members and the opportunities karate provides for children to develop. For information on joining the club, please contact Gemma on 07587 166997