My name is Sharon. I am a 3rd Dan (Black belt) and have been practicing Karate for 22 years, out of that, I have been teaching men, women and children for approx. 15 years. Throughout the years, I have won various trophies for 'Kumite' and 'Kata' and in 1998 passed my 3rd Dan. There are very few female club instructors (Clubs run solely by a females) in Swansea.

I started back in 1985 my ‘mentor’ and instructor was Roberto "Swede" Mastrangeli, a 5th Dan and European Karate Champion. He had both my respect and admiration, and in return he gave me respect too. It was he who gave me the confidence and the will to succeed in a sport that back then was dominated by boys and men. (When I joined there were hardly any females in the association). It is to him I owe my gratitude for his belief in me and my ability, and his knowledge of which I intend to pass down. Sadly for us and everyone who knew him, he died in 1994 after a long battle against Cancer. That club is now run by my brother Hugh "Bungie" Ruse 5th Dan. He is now my instructor.

“Akairyuu Karate Club is in memory of "Swede".