Sunderland Karate Academy was founded by Sensei Derek Laing, who started his first club, Kushanku-Ryu Karate School, in July 1996. When the original gym closed, the club moved to Lambton St. Fellowship Centre and was renamed Lambton St. Karate Kai. In April 2000, Derek earned his 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate.

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In June 2003, Lambton St. Karate Kai joined Karate International/TradKA-UK, forming Sunderland Karate Academy with the help of Senseis Steve Leak and Jim Reece. The academy expanded, opening Redhouse Karate Kai in January 2004, Southwick Karate Kai in July 2006, Town End Karate Kai in July 2007, and Hylton Castle Karate Kai in November 2008.

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Derek achieved his 3rd Dan in March 2004, 4th Dan in May 2008, 5th Dan in March 2014, and 6th Dan in December 2023. He also became an E.K.F. Kumite Referee in January 2017 and was voted Vice Chairman of the Taisho-Do Karate Association in June 2009. Since 2017, Sunderland Karate Academy has focused on the main Lambton St. Club.