INTRODUCTION

The Kent Karate Schools is a full and a founder member of the NAKMAS National Governing Body and is a member of the National Autistic Society

The first branch of Kent Karate Schools was formed in Ashford, Kent in July of 1983, by Joe Ellis.

Since July 1983, the schools have grown to become one of the leading Karate schools in Kent, specialising on educational linked Karate, with the key components of Karate forming the basis of the Karate style, e.g. Kihon (Basics), Kata (Forms) and Kumite (Pre-arranged and Free style Fighting). There is also an element of Ju Jitsu mixed in to the style, to make the style unique and modern. Additionally, a very effective self defence programme, linked to the Metropolitan Police "Positive Steps Campaign" is popular within the schools.

The style of Karate is known as Tsuyoi-Ryu, meaning "Powerful School", and derives from Kyokushin Karate with an element of Shotokan included. The style changed format, completely in 1975, when Hanshi Gerry Bryan 8th Dan decided to restructure, and has become a popular Japanese style, nationally, within Great Britain.

Today Tsuyoi-Ryu, as practiced within the schools, has been changed to reflect up to date methods. Although Tsuyoi-Ryu is a power based style, we believe that the word "powerful" is not only a physical characteristic, but also has other meanings for example, character building, mind, beliefs, awareness, team work and lots more too.

The schools cater for all members of society from all walks of life. Children sessions start at 5 years - 15 years. Adults ~ no age limit.

Impact Karate is exactly the same as Kent Karate Schools, and is the trading name of Sandra J Ellis' Karate activities.

In order to function within a legal and bona-fide framework, the Kent Karate Schools affiliated to the NAKMAS National Governing Body in January 1992 and are full and founder members.

NAKMAS provides an infrastructure whereby instructors can obtain National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), be checked with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and to keep up to date with current and new legislation effecting Karate and martial arts clubs generally. Additionally, NAKMAS issues an NSPCC approved NAKMAS Welfare Policy, which is given to every club within NAKMAS covering areas of child protection, health and safetly, codes of ethics, equality and disability issues. Strict compliance is monitored by NAKMAS for the protection of children and adult participants.

NAKMAS NGB is the only UK based martial arts body to hold a government recognised international quality standard (BS EN ISO 9001:2008) and in our view is the only governing body within the UK to provide a comprehensive and bona-fide affiliation. Additionally, NAKMAS is the only multi styled body to be accredited to the Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport which is recognised by all four home Country Sports Councils and UK Sport.

For the protection our our members, each member takes out a NAKMAS NGB licence to ensure that insurance and legal protection is operative immediately. Personal accident and member to member liability insurance for £10 million pounds is included within the NAKMAS NGB licence. Additionally, each venue within our Schools hold a NAKMAS NGB general liability insurance. This provides public, products, employers liability, director and officers insurance, and professional indemnity insurance for £10 million pounds via NAKMAS NGB inconjunction with Zurich. Accidents are very rare, but we need to ensure protection is in place - just in case.

To read the online colour brochure for the NAKMAS National Governing Body, click here