Modern Martial Arts

🥋 A Night to Remember – UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2026 🥋

Last night was something special.

Standing there and seeing five members of Modern Martial Arts recognised on a national stage is hard to put into words. This wasn’t just about awards — it was about years of effort, sacrifice, and commitment finally being acknowledged.

Jim Yates – with over 35 years of dedication. No fuss, no shortcuts — just a lifetime of turning up and doing it the right way. The epitome of a martial artist.

Wendy Garton – doing the work most people never see. A driving force behind the push to move us forward in Okinawa. With great recent results for her hard work.

Sarah Moss – From day one, building MMA with belief and determination. Leading from the front and setting the standard for everyone around her. Which is HIGH.

Helen Longfield – Day in, day out, shaping young lives through our Little Champions and Junior Leaders. The kind of influence that lasts far beyond the dojo and well into adulthood.

Harrison Clay – Still only 18, but already showing what it means to commit fully. From the dojo to Okinawa, stepping up every time

Moments like this don’t come from talent alone — they come from consistency, resilience, and showing up when it matters.

Proud doesn’t even come close.

Thank you for everything you all bring to the dojo. This is what Modern Martial Arts is built on 👊

Gambatte kudasai!

🥋 Hall of Fame Nominee – Harrison Clay 🥋

We are incredibly proud to announce that Harrison Clay has been nominated for an award at the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

At just 18 years old, this recognition speaks volumes about Harrison’s character, discipline and commitment to martial arts.

His dedication extends well beyond regular training. From earning his black belt to travelling to Okinawa and playing a key role in our dojo’s inauguration into the Okinawa Kenpo-Kai, Harrison has demonstrated maturity, loyalty and respect far beyond his years.

He leads by example within the dojo and sets a standard that younger students can aspire to.

This nomination recognises not just his ability, but his commitment to the art and the values it represents.

We are extremely proud of the martial artist and young man he is becoming.

Congratulations, Harrison — this is only the beginning 👊

🥋 Hall of Fame Nominee – Jim Yates 🥋

We are incredibly proud to announce that Jim Yates has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

With over 35 years of dedication to martial arts, Jim embodies everything the art stands for — perseverance, humility, loyalty, and passion.

His experience, knowledge and steady presence have had a lasting impact within the dojo, shaping both students and instructors alike. Jim leads by example, demonstrating the values of traditional martial arts through his actions every time he steps onto the mats.

This recognition reflects a lifetime of commitment — not just to training, but to the preservation of standards, discipline and respect within martial arts.

We are extremely proud to have Jim as part of our team.

Congratulations, Jim — this is a truly deserved honour 👊

🥋 Hall of Fame Nominee – Wendy Garton 🥋

We are incredibly proud to announce that Wendy Garton has been nominated for an award at the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Wendy’s contribution to Modern Martial Arts goes far beyond what is seen on the mats. Her dedication, organisation and professionalism behind the scenes have played a vital role in the growth and development of the dojo.

In particular, Wendy was instrumental in helping us secure our position within the Okinawa Kenpo-Kai — a significant achievement that strengthens our future and connects our students to authentic, high-level martial arts.

Work of this nature is often unseen, yet it is fundamental to the success and credibility of any dojo.

This nomination recognises the impact Wendy has had not only on the club, but on its future direction.

We are extremely proud to have her as part of our team.

Congratulations, Wendy — this recognition is richly deserved 👊

🥋 Hall of Fame Nominee – Sarah Moss 🥋

We are incredibly proud to announce that Sarah Moss, co-founder of Modern Martial Arts, has been nominated for an award at the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Sarah has been at the heart of the dojo since day one. Her leadership, commitment and belief in what we do have helped shape Modern Martial Arts into what it is today.

She leads from the front in everything she does — setting the standard through discipline, consistency and hard work. Over the years, she has supported countless students on their journeys, always giving her time, energy and encouragement to others.

More recently, Sarah has shown an exceptional level of personal discipline and determination in her own journey — demonstrating the same mindset we aim to instil in all of our students. It is that example, both on and off the mats, that makes her such an inspiration to those around her.

This nomination recognises not just her role within the dojo, but the standard she sets every single day.

We are extremely proud to have her as part of our team and as a driving force behind Modern Martial Arts.

Congratulations, Sarah — this recognition is truly deserved 👊

🥋 Hall of Fame Nominee – Helen Longfield 🥋

We are incredibly proud to announce that Helen Longfield has been nominated for an award at the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Helen’s contribution to Modern Martial Arts is exceptional. Through her leadership of our Little Champions Programme and her dedication to mentoring our Junior Leaders, she plays a vital role in developing the next generation of martial artists.

As a teacher in her everyday life, Helen brings a level of professionalism, patience and understanding that truly sets her apart. That experience carries directly into the dojo, strengthening our youth programmes and ensuring every child is supported, challenged and encouraged to grow.

She creates an environment where young students don’t just learn techniques — they build confidence, discipline and character that will stay with them for life.

This nomination recognises not just what Helen does on the mats, but the lasting impact she has on every student she teaches.

We are extremely proud to have her as part of our team.

Congratulations, Helen — this recognition is truly deserved 👊

This certificate recognises the recipient club as having achieved the prestigious BMABA Club Colours Award — an elite standard of licencing and compliance that reflects one of the highest levels of proactive safeguarding and organisational vetting within the UK martial arts sector, and is hereby granted

School of Excellence status.

Awarded only to a select number of clubs nationwide, this distinction confirms that the club and all associated instructors, assistant instructors, and volunteers have undergone rigorous verification processes. It signifies a formal commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in the provision of safe, inclusive, and responsibly managed martial arts training.

Big thanks to Minnie, Luke Dean, James Yates, Michael Davis

for all of your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!