12/02/2025
Our chief instructor...
I am extremely enthusiastic about the fact that I have composed a song entitled "Don't Come Around Here" for the first time in my life. The release will be available on the Internet, as well as on 7-inch vinyl and CD. It will be broadcast by two national radio stations in the near future. The composition will be uploaded very soon. Written by me, the song was produced and sung by Toby Wilson, a highly regarded musician and producer.
08/02/2025
CHILDREN'S KARATE: A TOOL FOR ANTI-BULLYING
—Hanshi Rev Joe Ellis 8th Dan
Karate have long been recognised not only as a form of self-defence but also as a discipline that builds confidence, respect, and character in individuals. For children, particularly those facing bullying, karate can serve as a powerful tool to counteract negative experiences and foster a more positive self-image.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
One of the most significant benefits of karate for children is the boost in confidence and self-esteem. As children learn new skills and progress through different coloured belt levels, they gain a sense of accomplishment. This newfound confidence can make them less likely to be targeted by bullies, who often prey on those they perceive as weak, different or insecure.
Developing Self-Discipline and Respect
Karate emphasise the importance of self-discipline and respect for others. These principles are integral to most karate programs and can help children understand the value of treating others kindly and standing up for themselves in a respectful manner.
Key Principles Taught in Karate
* Respect: Understanding the importance of respecting peers, instructors, and oneself.
* Discipline: Developing self-control and the ability to focus.
* Responsibility: Learning to take responsibility for one's actions.
Learning Effective Self-Defence
While the primary focus of karate is not to promote violence, learning self-defence techniques can empower children to protect themselves if necessary. Knowing they have the skills to defend themselves can reduce the fear of being bullied and provide a sense of security.
Encouraging Physical Fitness
Regular karate practice contributes to overall physical health and fitness, which is beneficial for children both physically and mentally. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression often associated with bullying.
Fostering a Supportive Community
Karate classes often create a strong sense of community among students. Children learn to support each other, work as a team, and celebrate each other's successes. This supportive environment can help children feel less isolated and more connected, reducing the impact of bullying.
Conclusion
Children's karate offer a holistic approach to combatting bullying by enhancing personal development and providing a supportive community. Through improved confidence, self-discipline, and physical fitness, children are better equipped to handle bullying situations and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Kent Karate Schools, founded in 1983, has been a staple in the community for teaching children as young as 5 years old about anti-bullying and kindness.
With a focus on discipline, respect, and self-defence, the instructors at Kent Karate Schools go above and beyond to instil valuable life skills in their students. Through various exercises and role-playing scenarios, children learn how to identify bullying behaviour, stand up for themselves and others, and practice empathy towards their peers.
The positive impact of these lessons extends far beyond the dojo walls, shaping young minds to become compassionate and confident individuals both inside and outside of school.
The Kent Karate Schools truly embodies the spirit of karate by empowering children to create a more understanding and inclusive world through acts of kindness and respect.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
04/02/2025
STUDENT OF THE MONTH - RAMSGATE
Congratulations to Grey on achieving Student of the Month at the Ramsgate branch of the Kent Karate Schools.
Resident instructor Joshua Traylor (4th Dan/Sensei) says “Grey has been awarded student of the month at the Newlands class for her continued outstanding focus and effort in Karate. Having only just started last term, Grey has shown that she has brilliant potential as a Karateka and is a pleasure to teach”.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
04/02/2025
STUDENT OF THE MONTH (ASHFORD - TOWERS)
Congratulations to Hayden on achiving Student of the Month.
Resident instructor Joshuar Traylor (4th Dan/Sensei) says; “Hayden was awarded student of the month at Tower’s school class this time for his brilliant focus on his Kata. Applying himself every lesson and working hard every week”.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
26/01/2025
Joshua Traylor (4th Dan/Sensei) levitating during warm-up at today’s Nakmas course in Canterbury. Probably due to excessive religious discussion with Hanshi Rev Joe!
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
26/01/2025
NAKMAS RAISES THE BAR WITH TWO NEW PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL BLACK BELT AWARDS
Harry and Zac were both awarded their national 1st Dan black belt grades earlier today under chief examiner, the NAKMAS National Chair, Shihan Aaron Harris 6th Dan. Congratulations to both of them.
Harry and Zac have been training diligently and consistently for many years. However, in recent months, they have attended adult sessions in Canterbury to obtain additional training in an adult-orientated environment.
Joshua Traylor (4th Dan/Sensei) instructs Harry, while Dr. Sandra Beale-Ellis (7th Dan/Shihan) instructs Zac. Both instructors are exceedingly proud of their students.
The Reverend Joe Ellis (8th Dan/Hanshi), the chief instructor of the Kent Karate Schools and the NAKMAS chief executive, was in attendance today.
Joe said ”It is evident that these two children have earned their grades by working hard and training for several years. It is evident that these two karate students are receiving instruction from experienced and competent instructors. We are proud of them, and their black belt awards are a testament to their traditional karate training and hard work.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
22/01/2025
Hanshi Reverend Joe Ellis, 8th Dan, attended the adult class this evening in Canterbury to provide feedback on the technical requirements, particularly for Harry and Zac, who will be aiming to pass their black belt examination this Sunday at the Nakmas National Black Belt Examination.
Photographs depict this evening's training session.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
10/01/2025
GERRY BRYAN'S 10TH DAN: A LIFE WELL LIVED IN THE WORLD OF MARTIAL ARTS
The loss of a loved one is heartbreaking for family, friends, and followers.
Gerry Bryan's karate history dates back to the early days of Kyokushin karate in the late 1960s, and he founded Tsuyoi Ryu Karate, which was initially constructed and formed in 1975. Over time, the style evolved, departing from its initial concept to become a timeless style. Tsuyoi signifies strength or power, while ryu signifies school.
Sosai (Japanese: 総裁, "Sōsai") means roughly "president" or "director-general, but has a much greater meaning from a historical part of Japanese karate, and following a lifetime of training and teaching, Gerry Bryan certainly deserves the title of Sosai and holding a recognised 10th Dan.
Sosai had a respected following of karateka, with some becoming well-known and respected karate knockdown fighters in their own right; he trained and oversaw their training. I witnessed the training firsthand back in the day, having attended a few dojo sessions when Sosai had a successful Tsuyoi Ryu club in Sutton in Surrey. I also enjoyed the Tsuyoi Ryu courses in Sutton, as did some of my students. Additionally, private one-on-one training with Sosai in his private dojo in his house reminds of the pleasant memories of Sosai, as a karateka and as a person in private life.
My students enjoyed Sosai’s visits to my dojos, both in Ashford, Kent, and Thanet, and Sosai stayed with me and my first wife, Sue, a few times many years ago and with my wife Sandra in Herne Bay.
We both shared our passion for karate and the way it should evolve. I disagreed with him on a few of his changes relating to technique and kata changes. This invariably strained our relationship, which ended sometime after I met Sandra. She too trained with Sosai inside dojos.
Yes, we may have had differences, but these differences were well known between us as we discussed them many times. Karateka have their own views about Sosai and me, but their views I consider to be completely irrelevant, as many of them I have never met or I have never had a discussion with them. Secondhand information is worthless. Facts are priceless.
I introduced Sosai to Peter Manning, 8th Dan of the TSKA, many years ago now. Their professional relationship and friendship endured until the end. They both shared mutual respect for each other, and Sosai was a regular visiting instructor for Peter’s courses in Wiltshire. He will surely be missed by Peter and his members.
From my own personal perspective, I sincerely do have fond memories of Sosai. Despite our differences, we should respect and admire his long journey in karate. I admired his determination to make Tsuyoi Ryu succeed as an authentic Japanese karate style, but most importantly, I respected Sosai. Friendship between us may have finished years ago, but my respect for him as a karateka never ceased. Some of his technical ideas are still taught inside the Kent Karate Schools, and as my adult students will confirm, his name was mentioned many times in sessions as a respected founder of a Japanese karate style.
Rest in peace, Sosai. You are no longer in pain, and I am confident that you will oversee the excellent dojo above.
Osu,
Hanshi The Reverend Joe Ellis 8th Dan
Chief instructor
Kent Karate Schools (Tsuyoi Ryu)
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
Photos ©Joe Ellis 2024
06/01/2025
All karate sessions are now open following the Christmas and New Year holidays, and we look forward to seeing you at our karate sessions.
Welcome back!
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
20/12/2024
2 more classes to go and then a break 😀
15/12/2024
Look who popped into the area grading today: Shihan Mick Elcombe 7th Dan (right) alongside Sensei Joshua Traylor 4th Dan. Nice to see Shihan again followimg his move to Lincoln.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
18/11/2024
Sensei Ellis and Sensei Chloe are now on the Nakmas National Register of Qualified Black Belts:
NAKMAS HEAD OFFICE
18 November 2024
NAKMAS is pleased to confirm that the NAKMAS National Register of Qualified Black Belts has today been updated.
The new entries as of the 18 November 2024 are, as follows:
Christian Freke 7th Dan *
Travis Bottriell 6th Dan *
Craig Brenkley 5th Dan *
Ian Gregory 5th Dan *
Daniel Booth 4th Dan *
Alan Cullen 4th Dan *
Ellis G Finn 4th Dan *
Abigail Fregona 4th Deg
Jack O Wells 4th Dan *
Chloe Williams 4th Dan *
Omar Farooq 3rd Dan
Dean Hawkins 3rd Deg
Simon D Noon 3rd Dan
Sarah Walters 3rd Dan
Gurveer Atwal 2nd Dan
Casey-Leigh Cardus 2nd Deg
Aashish Goyal 2nd Dan
Zara Grainge 2nd Dan
A***n Hemnani 2nd Dan
Zachary Repton 2nd Dan
Zachary Thomas 2nd Dan
Nadia Akram 1st Dan
Haider Ali 1st Dan
Shahid Ali 1st Dan
Louis Barthorpe 1st Dan
Daisy Biddle 1st Dan
Bailey-Rae Brown 1st Deg
Teddy P Casey 1st Deg
Robert Chalmers 1st Dan
Jiva Chalwa 1st Dan
Summer C Cook 1st Deg
Aidan Cook-Benaissa 1st Dan
Dan Coughlan 1st Dan
Isla Devereux 1st Dan
Amber Egan 1st Dan
Lewis Fall 1st Dan
Matthew D Griffiths 1st Dan
Milie Hawkins 1st Deg
Bill James 1st Dan
Ava Johnsen 1st Dan
Nora Johnsen 1st Dan
Alex Johnson 1st Dan
Birte Jongejan 1st Dan
Sam Keane 1st Deg
Joseph Knox 1st Dan
Nura Kuwidir 1st Dan
Anne-Caroline Ladet 1st Dan
Elliott Langley 1st Deg
Ardeshier Mofidi 1st Dan
Harvey J Morse 1st Dan
Lincoln Oakes 1st Deg
Henry Parnell 1st Dan
Declan M Pearson 1st Deg
Freya Pinkney 1st Dan
Hari Ratnam 1st Dan
Darcey Repton 1st Dan
Molly Russ 1st Dan
Sophie Stewart 1st Dan
Oliver Taylor 1st Deg
Rielly Tosspell 1st Dan
Arron Valentine 1st Dan
Those black belts with a * after their name was awarded their grade, following audit and assessment by the NAKMAS National Management Committee on November 3, 2024.
To view the full National Register visit:
www.officialblackbelts.com
16/11/2024
STUDENT OF THE MONTH:
Congratulations to Oliver who attends the Ramsgate branch of the Kent Karate Schools.
“Oliver has worked very hard on his Kata over the last month and has showed fantastic progress” — Joshua Traylor (4th Dan/Sensei).
Well Done, we are all proud of you.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk
16/11/2024
STUDENT OF THE MONTH:
Congratulations to Jake who attends The Towers School branch of the Kent Karate Schools (Ashford).
“Jake has been made significant progress in his stances, showing great understanding of balance and coordination” — Joshua Traylor (4th Dan/Sensei).
Well Jake, we are all proud of you.
www.kentkarateschools.co.uk