Kent Karate Schools

12/10/2025

Joe speaks out!! ↓

RISE ABOVE RIVALRIES: ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN MARTIAL ARTS WITH INTEGRITY

In the competitive world of martial arts, maintaining professionalism is paramount to success both inside and outside the dojo, dojang, kwoon, gym or ring.

Detracting from rivals by publicly criticising or belittling them only diminishes one's own integrity and can negatively impact a practitioner's reputation within the community. Instead, it is more advantageous to rise above such tendencies and engage with criticism constructively—letting actions, discipline, and achievements speak louder than words.

Focusing on personal growth rather than diminishing others not only fosters a healthy competitive environment but also underlines the respect fundamental to martial arts philosophy.

By embodying perseverance and dedication, practitioners set a powerful example for peers and potential adversaries alike, proving excellence through their accomplishments. In this way, ignoring disparaging remarks yet striving relentlessly towards success exemplifies true mastery in martial arts—a synthesis of skill, respect, and humility that defines enduring victory.

When faced with criticism, remember: the architects of greatness often build their foundations on the rubble of disapproval; let your resolve be the blueprint for your success.

In the realm of wisdom, experience is the finest teacher; I stand as a testament to its lessons..!

The Reverend Joe Ellis
NAKMAS Chief Executive
www.nakmas.org.uk

11/10/2025

EMBRACE MARTIAL ARTS: A JOURNEY BEYOND AGE LIMITS

NAKMAS, the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools, strongly advocates that age should not be a barrier to commencing martial arts training.

Contrary to common misconceptions, it is never too late to embrace the physical and mental benefits these disciplines offer.

Engaging in martial arts can enhance strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health while providing stress relief and fostering self-discipline.

By employing adaptive training regimens tailored for older practitioners, many programs provide a supportive environment where individuals can progress at their own pace.

NAKMAS emphasises that martial arts offer a holistic approach to well-being that transcends mere physical exercise; they contribute to improved focus, increased confidence, and an enduring sense of community belonging.

Aging should be viewed as an opportunity rather than an impediment — allowing mature learners to integrate mind-body practices which bolster both longevity and quality of life.

However advanced your age, it is still possible to achieve a black belt/sash and beyond. It is more prevalent than you might realise.

NAKMAS-accredited coaches, teachers, and instructors represent some of the highest-quality professionals in the United Kingdom, supported by promises of quality and equality fully audited and accredited by NAKMAS.

www.nakmas.org.uk
Sport and Recreation Alliance UK Sport Sport England Department for Culture, Media and Sport Age UK

10/10/2025

ANNUAL AFFILIATE AUDIT: NAKMAS'S PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

NAKMAS conducts annual audits of accredited affiliates to verify compliance to legal and membership standards. This feature guarantees protection and ensures that NAKMAS comprehensively safeguards and supports chief instructors, instructors, secretaries, welfare officers, students, and members of the public via good governance practice.

A lead auditor, trained, qualified, and certified by the British Standards Institution (BSI), conducts audits within NAKMAS. Additionally, NAKMAS undergoes annual onsite audit by the BSI and NAKMAS is certified and accredited to national and international quality standards (ISO 9001) both here in the UK (UKAS - United Kingdom Accreditation Service) and in the USA (ANSI - American National Standards Institute).

NAKMAS is also accredited to the Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport.

With NAKMAS, Quality and Equality are more than principles; they are the hallmarks of a distinguished affiliation that elevates martial arts across the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

www.nakmas.org.uk
BSI UK UK Sport Sport England Sport and Recreation Alliance Department for Culture, Media and Sport

09/10/2025

Another thought provoking post by our National Governing Body Nakmas

AGELESS WARRIORS: CELEBRATED MARTIAL ARTS COACHES BEYOND APPEARANCES

Martial arts instructors, irrespective of their looks or physical condition, possess a profound reservoir of skill and wisdom developed through years of intense practice and commitment.

These mentors—slender, corpulent, elderly, bald, disabled, youthful, male, or female—confront conventional prejudices by demonstrating that expertise surpasses the constraints typically linked to age or physical condition.

An experienced instructor customises educational approaches to suit various learning styles and capabilities, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and individual development. Their broad expertise enhances technical skill while imparting essential life lessons in discipline, humility, and tenacity. They exemplify the idea that martial arts prioritise self-improvement and overall growth over pure physical strength. Such instructors motivate pupils by demonstrating strength defined not merely by external appearances but by inner resilience and steadfast dedication to their profession.

In a world of choices, trust only the accredited: NAKMAS instructors are the epitome of excellence. They lead, while others imitate..!

www.nakmas.org.uk

08/10/2025

Great post by Nakmas - our National Governing Body (founder member):

MARTIAL ARTS CLUBS: THE SANCTUARIES OF RESPECT AND EQUALITY

In the realm of martial arts, a profound culture of respect and equality prevails, transcending ranks or titles.

Every member, irrespective of their skill level, has embarked on a unique yet equally arduous journey marked by dedication and resilience.

Martial arts clubs are sanctuaries where individuals come together in pursuit of self-betterment; each practitioner, from novice to expert, contributes to an environment rooted in mutual support and camaraderie.

Recognising the shared struggles faced during training—be it mastering techniques or overcoming physical limitations—fosters solidarity among members. Consequently, looking down upon others not only contradicts the principles inherent in martial arts but also undermines the collective experience that binds practitioners as equals united through adversity.

Celebrating this intrinsic equality nurtures a community spirit essential for personal growth and the perpetuation of martial art traditions.

Your coach, teacher, and instructor, as well as each other, need your support. Together, we are all making our way through the martial arts adventure. During the road of commitment, love and respect for every one of us are essential.

www.nakmas.org.uk

04/10/2025

Hanshi Rev Joe is at the Stour Centre class and the resident instructor, Sensei Joshua Traylor 4th Dan (as pictured) is heading the class.

www.kentkarateschools.co.uk

23/09/2025

UK NATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS GOVERNING BODY RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP'S AUTISM COMMENTS

London, UK - In a recent statement that has raised concerns and sparked debates worldwide, President Donald Trump made remarks linking the use of paracetamol to autism. While these comments have stirred controversy and negativity, the Chief Executive of NAKMAS (National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools), the Reverend Joe Ellis, has shared his perspective as someone clinically diagnosed with autism and a karate 8th Dan grandmaster.

Click this link to read more: https://pressat.co.uk/releases/uk-national-martial-arts-governing-body-responds-to-president-trumps-autism-comments-284005706023eec9ef76d278a2289c15/
Donald J. Trump Department for Culture, Media and Sport Sport England UK Sport Sport and Recreation Alliance National Autistic Society Autism, ADHD and other Neurodiversity from Jessica Kingsley Publishers Autism Speaks The Autistic Voice

22/09/2025

The Kent Karate Schools newsletter, autumn 2025, will be distributed to all members beginning today. A PDF version is already available on our Facebook Group through the following secure link: www.facebook.com/groups/kentkarateschools/

17/09/2025

† FROM DOJO TO DIVINE: A JOURNEY OF TWO DISCIPLINES

The dual role of a senior karate instructor within the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) and that of a priest embodies a unique confluence of physical discipline and spiritual guidance.

Both professions demand a profound commitment to personal development, where the senior karate instructor emphasises the principles of respect, perseverance, and self-discipline through rigorous training regimens, fostering not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude in students. Similarly, a priest undertakes the responsibility of nurturing spiritual growth within their community, offering teachings that cultivate moral integrity and resilience in facing life's challenges.

While the dojo focuses on bodily and mental mastery, emphasising traditional training which includes kata and sparring as pathways to enlightenment, the ecclesiastical realm offers sacraments and sermons as mechanisms for understanding oneself in relation to divinity. Ultimately, both roles strive for holistic improvement—one through martial arts' code of conduct and the other through faith's ethical framework—demonstrating how discipline in practice can parallel devotion in belief.

Just as the dojo sharpens the warrior, so does the church refine the spirit; together, they forge a path toward enlightenment and grace.

Taken from the blog via https://revjoeellis.church/blog

13/09/2025

www.kentkarateschools.co.uk

03/09/2025

Dr Sandra steering Nakmas Quality Management System…

The NAKMAS National Martial Arts Governing Body Has Passed A Rigorous BSI Quality Audit For 27 Years, Demonstrating It’s Commitment To Quality

After 27 years of dedication and unwavering commitment to quality, NAKMAS, a renowned sports national governing body, has announced its successful navigation of the thorough audit conducted by the prestigious British Standards Institution (BSI) for its Quality Management Systems (QMS). This achievement showcases NAKMAS' alignment with the national and international standard ISO 9001, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Read more via the following secure link:

https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-nakmas-national-martial-arts-governing-body-has-passed-a-rigorous-bsi-quality-audit-for-27-years-demonstrating-its-commitment-to-quality-b245267e9c38b17178ffb37ebc9a65fc/
BSI UK Sport England UK Sport Department for Culture, Media and Sport Sport and Recreation Alliance

02/09/2025

Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis (7th Dan/Shihan) does it again!

NAKMAS SETS THE STANDARD: INSIGHTS FROM THEIR SUCCESSFUL BSI QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

After 27 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to quality, NAKMAS has successfully navigated the rigorous audit conducted by the British Standards Institution (BSI) for its Quality Management System (QMS), aligning with the ISO 9001 national and international standard.

This achievement not only underscores NAKMAS's adherence to internationally recognised best practices in quality management but also reflects its continual efforts to enhance member satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The ISO 9001 certification process involves comprehensive assessments of organisational processes, ensuring that they meet stringent criteria related to quality control and continuous improvement.

By achieving this milestone, NAKMAS reinforces its reputation as a leader in its industry, demonstrating accountability and reliability while setting a benchmark for excellence. This accomplishment further positions NAKMAS for future growth and innovation, fostering trust among stakeholders and promoting a culture of quality throughout its operations.

Through unwavering dedication, Dr. Sandra Beale-Ellis, the NAKMAS Director of Operations and Quality Manager elevates NAKMAS’s Quality Management System, securing its accreditation with excellence and integrity.

www.nakmas.org.uk
UK Sport Sport and Recreation Alliance Sport England Department for Culture, Media and Sport BSI UK