Meet The Team.
Get the low-down of Who's Who at IKK Whitstable from our Chief Instructor to our admin team.
Sensei Kevin.
Chief Instructor
Sensei Kevin began training in 2008 following in the footsteps of his eldest daughter. He achieved his 1st Dan black belt in December 2012, his 2nd Dan in June 2015 and earned his new title of 'Sensei' in July 2018. He was awarded his 4th Dan by Kancho Paul in July 2022.
​
Having competed in many knockdown competitions, he is the clubs knockdown coach and fitness specialist. After retiring from competitions, he became more actively involved in coaching our younger students during competitions and if he is not doing this, he participates as a referee. He won the prestigious IKK Student of The Year in 2012.
Sensei Kevin is DBS Checked and First Aid Trained.
Senpai John.
Senior Instructor
Similarly to Sensei Kevin, Senpai John's karate journey began by watching his son train and compete. In 2012 he decided to begin participating and eight years on, he achieved his black belt in November 2020 and his 2nd Dan in December 2022.
​
At the age of 56, his fighting days are over but he enjoys sparring sessions in class, as well as the discipline of kihon and kata. He feels ready to pass on some of the knowledge he has gained over the years to our younger students.
​
In Senpai John's own words: "IKK Whitstable is a great place to train for all ages and ability. Everyone is made to feel welcome, even us oldies!"
​
Senpai John is DBS Checked and First Aid Trained.
Senpai Emily.
Junior Instructor and Head Administrator
Senpai Emily began training in 2008 following in the footsteps of her father Sensei Kevin. She achieved her black belt and the title of 'Senpai' in June 2019 after being a brown belt for 5 years.
​
Senpai Emily runs the admin side of the club and is head of kata for IKK Whitstable having competed in and judged tournaments. She also received Student of the year for Whitstable club in 2018 for her dedication to the club.
Senpai Emily is DBS Checked and First Aid and Fire Trained.
Senpai Toby.
Junior Instructor
Senpai Toby began training in 2013 at the age of 6, as he wanted to start a fun and rewarding hobby. Since then he has gone on to achieve his two brown belts in 2021 and 2022 respectively, before undertaking a gruelling eight-hour grading for his Shodan in December 2023. This accomplishment makes him the first student to become a black belt under IKK Whitstable.
Senpai Toby is now a regular instructor in the junior classes, which he thoroughly enjoys. Alongside Arthur, the pair focus their teaching towards the students who have joined in the past few months, as well as being a helping hand to Sensei Kevin and Senpai John when needed.
Arthur.
Junior Instructor
Arthur began karate classes as a seven year old in 2016. He’s now been with the club for over 7 years and has enjoyed taking part in many clicker, kata and knockdown tournaments, winning some and earning medals and trophies along the way.
​
Arthur began instructing at IKK Whitstable through his work towards his bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. He, alongside Senpai Toby, has become a staple in our junior classes and is enjoying helping the new students to develop a love of karate too!
​
Arthur achieved his first brown belt in June 2023 and graded for his 1st Kyu in December. He hopes to grade for his 1st Dan black belt in 2024.