What an incredible month it has been! I've just got back from the Summer Ball I'm feeling so inspired. A huge thank you to Newcastle for being such wonderful hosts.

The North-East Region has been close to my heart for twenty year. Back in the day, I was placed into a Regional Teaching group and our first course was at Northumbria University, Newcastle. It was where I met some truly amazing people who I now consider family. It was such a privilege and an honour to watch them, and everyone else, grade in their hometown this weekend. I am so proud of you all!

I am delighted to announce our successful graders:

SHODAN:

Cecilia Catuogno-Cal
Tola Odufwa
Matthew Tetteh-Lartey

NIDAN:

Sam Thomas

SANDAN:

Daniel Storer
Brian Naisbitt
Jonathan Thompson
Adam Walton
Sean Adjei

YONDAN:

Alex Macaulay
Mia Bellusova
Seye Bolade
Franklin Lewis
Claire Carter
Constantinos Kritis

On top of that, a special congratulations to our award winners:

John Wylie – New Instructor of the Year
Rebecca Flynn – Instructor of the Year
Newcastle University – Club of the Year

Let’s also celebrate those who passed their brown belt grading two weeks ago:

Matthew Brazier
Carola Kirchhof
Emma Graham
Brian Wong
Joshua Norman

What a brilliant way to wrap up the 2025/26 season. I’m still buzzing from all the success!

While some clubs are taking a summer break, do check in with your local club to keep those skills sharp.

I hope to see you all very soon.

Eric Law

TJJF Chair