Aaron Milan-Vega - Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy

Professional Info

🥋 Business Owner, Computing Professional & Investor
🥋 BSc. (Hons) in Multimedia & Digital Entertainment Computing
🥋 Internationally Recognised 5th Dan Black Belt
🥋 Enhanced CRB / DBS Checked

Karate Info

Rank: 5th Dan / Godan (Black Belt)
Started Training: 1993
Grades Obtained: 1st Dan (2004/IKGA), 2nd Dan (2006/IKGA), 3rd Dan (2013/Seiwakai), 4th Dan (2017/Seiwakai), 5th Dan (2024/GKC Global)

Biography

1988 – Born in Essex, England, UK
1993 – Started Yamaguchi Goju-Kai Karate (IKGA) in Essex
2004 – Passed 1st Dan under IKGA
2006 – Passed 2nd Dan under IKGA
2006 – Moved to Newcastle upon Tyne, England, UK for university
2006 – Opened Karate club in Newcastle
2010 – Achieved Bachelor’s Degree (BSc. Hons) in Multimedia & Digital Entertainment Computing
2010 – Left Yamaguchi Goju-Kai (IKGA) due to permanent relocation to Newcastle
2010 – Joined Okami Martial Arts
2013 – Joined Seiwakai International & JKF Gojukai
2013 – Passed 3rd Dan under Seiwakai
2013 – Organised and held our first open tournament with nearly 150 competitors attending
2015 – Left Okami Martial Arts due to distance between instructors
2016 – Celebrated 10 year anniversary of Karate academy
2017 – Passed 4th Dan under Seiwakai
2018 – Visited Japan to train & attend memorial for Lipinski Shihan
2019 – Joined GKC Global
2020 – Opened full-time Dojo premises during pandemic
2022 – Travelled to California to train with GKC Global
2023 – Hosted GKC Global seminar at our Dojo
2023 – Started GKC College program
2024 – Left Seiwakai & JKF Gojukai due to the death of Lipinski Sensei
2024 – Travelled to California to attend the first GKC Global Gasshuku
2024 – Passed 5th Dan under GKC Global

HRH

My son joined Aaron at the age of 6 years, he's 13 in a couple of weeks and is more dedicated than ever. He really looks up to Aaron, he's a fantastic Sensei and all round nice guy. The Dojo is fully equipped and nipping clean. It's lovely being part of the karate family, and I know we'll be there for many more years to come, it's a huge part of our lives supporting our son with his love foe martial arts. I couldn't recommend this place more.

Michael Vasey

I joined the dojo almost 2 years ago looking to get some exercise and learn self defense. In addition, I have also found a welcoming and supportive community. There's an eclectic mix of people of all ages and backgrounds and not a single bad egg amongst them. This is a special community, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I've grown and developed as a person since joining, thanks to the other students and of course Sensei Aaron.

Daniela

My child has been attending Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy during the last couple of years. Sensei Aaron is incredibly helpful and patience with all kids (and their parents). His commitment, dedication, love and care go above and beyond what a parent can ask. As a mother, I'm over the moon with the teaching of Sensei Aaron, and I highly recommend Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy to everyone.

K Sahadevan

Fantastic environment for kids. Teaching life principles, discipline and skills in a nurturing way. Sensei seems to know how to help kids individually. Thanks Aaron being such a good teacher and friend.

P Mehrotra

This is such a superb place to learn karate. My sons learn karate but also how to be kind, respectful, patient and the importance of learning!

Michael van Zwanenberg

All 3 of my children goto karate here. Aaron is fantastic teacher with a blend of discipline and fun. What he teaches is far more than Karate - life skills, confidence, discipline, effort. Highly recommend.

wilcheng

My 11 years old daughter has been going to Sensei (teacher) Aaron’s karate class for the past 6 years! Not only she enjoys and works hard in her class, she is also well looked after by Sensei. More importantly, Sensei isn’t just taught students about karate, he cares about his students wellbeing. We have absolutely no problem of recommending anyone joining the Karate Academy!

Inas Natasya

As a member of almost 10 years, I can’t recommend this karate club enough. Good fun with serious training that combines all aspects of martial arts. Sensei Aaron is so dedicated to his own karate journey as well as the growth and achievements of each and every student, and it shows in the way he shares all that he’s learned. He is kind, patient, encouraging, and motivational. Kids learn karate fundamentals on top of developing good manners and a positive attitude towards discipline, work ethic, and relationships. Teens and adults from beginners to seasoned martial artists train together and continuously enhance their skills, with some having trained with the club for over 15 years. The dojo has a lot of heart, and members feel that they’re part of a family, which is a testament to the connection and strong sense of community Sensei Aaron has garnered. One of the best things I’ve ever been a part of.

Sanjee Ratnatunga

recommends

My daughter has been attending classes with at the Dojo since she was 6. Sensei Aaron is an exceptional teacher, supporting but also stretching his students to go that extra mile. My daughter has also learnt resilience, perseverance, self-improvement and how to support each other to learn and grow - basically life skills. Her karate has gone from strength to strength. Sensei Aaron really cares about his students looking out for both their mental and physical well-being. When you join this Dojo, you become part of a Karate family!

Stacey Savory

recommends

Adam received the warmest of welcomes when he first attended the Dojo and immediately felt part of the club. Everyone is so encouraging, supportive and friendly.

Rachel Tata

recommends

I can not recommend them enough.

Ailsa Coverdale

recommends

Superb - brilliant teachers that are inspirational. Can't recommend highly enough.

John Schoneboom

recommends

Aaron is great with kids, as most of the reviews attest, and he just gets it right. He always achieves that nice balance between hard work, discipline, character, and fun. It's obvious in so many ways that he cares about his students in and out of the dojo, and one of his big strengths is how he's created a place for serious practice in an environment that is fun, safe, and supportive. His way of adapting to the coronavirus-imposed social distancing phenomenon is exemplary and serves as a worthy model for others. He's turned it into a positive, keeping kids engaged and offering fun "social media" challenges that transform his school from just a dojo to a genuine community. It's great to see. Love his attitude.

Lynz Brennan

recommends

I absolutely love this karate club. Sensei Aaron is a fantastic instructor, very approachable and patient, even if he does take the mickey about my height 🤣 Great atmosphere, and made lots of friends.

Laura Wallace

recommends

My son love going to karate. Sensei Aaron is an amazing teacher, great with the kids, my son leon says ''they do different skills and i love it! ''.🙂

David Riney

recommends

My children and I have trained with Sensei Aaron for a couple of years now and we enjoy it very much. Aaron is a very good teacher, he demonstrates techniques and is open to questions, not only on the technical aspects but also the historical and philosophical aspects of Karate and related martial art systems. The club is family orientated and has a wide range of students from school age beginners through to seasoned black belts, all of whom train carefully and proficiently, with discipline and respect. Highly recommended, it’s a great club!

Rachael Wade

recommends

My little boy started karate about 6 months ago and is thriving. Sensei Aaron is fantastic and has patience beyond measure....not many people can persuade Noah to sit still for 5 minutes let alone teach him to meditate!! The seniors are also incredibly hard working and kind. Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate 🥋 is highly recommended!

Caspar Hewett

recommends

Both I and my daughter have got so much out of being part of this club. Sensei Aaron is a truly great teacher and the atmosphere is great too. Friendly, fun, but underpinned by respect and discipline. I couldn't recommend it more!

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