INSTRUCTORS

Masaya Sensei began training in 1989 at age 8 in a small independent village dojo in Suffolk, under Clive Ingham Sensei. In 1999 Masaya Sensei was accepted to Loughborough University and joined the Shotokan Karate Club, a part of the Doryoku Shotokan Karatedo Federation (DSKF). The University club instructor, Tom Martin Sensei was a direct disciple of Sadashige Kato Shihan when he was the Chief Instructor of the JKA in the UK. It was here that his karate was completely overhauled. Improved teaching structure and a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of karate reignited his passion for the art and is key to his current karate. In 2000, he served as the University club captain (Bucho) which he held until his graduation in 2002 and competed in several competitions and tournaments during his time there.  It was also with this club that he gained his Shodan (1st Dan) in 2000 and Nidan (2nd Dan) in 2002.

In 2007 he started a new job and once again an opportunity for some lifestyle changes and found a Dojo to train in Cambridge. This Dojo was run by Ashley Martin Sensei who ran his own association, Just Karate. Then in 2015, Masaya Sensei found the English Shotokan Karate Association (ESKA) Dojo in Cambridge under Jeff Rand Sensei where he continues to train to this day. He gained his Sandan (3rd Dan) in 2016, ESKA’s prestigious Edward Docwra Spirit Cup in 2017, his Yondan (4th Dan) in 2021, and Godan (5th Dan) in 2025.

Russ Sensei first started karate in 1990 at the age of 10 training under Sensei John van Weenan (T.A.S.K) at the Corby dojo.  Following this he then moved to practice in Oundle under the late Sensei Bernard Coppen (C.F.T.S.).

Russ came into ESKA initially in support of his son Harry, who wanted to start Karate, however very quickly rekindled his passion. Grading into ESKA at Sandan in 2019.

On his Karate journey Russ Sensei has dabbled in a number of different martial arts, including Ninpo Ju-Jutsu, Kickboxing, Capoeira and Krav Maga. But still comes back to his foundations of Shotokan Karate.

Regularly taking part in the annual ESKA championships, competing in both Kata and Kumite, although his main focus is the use of Karate to improve the overall self, through discipline, hard work and dedication.

Russ Sensei also brings over 20 years of teaching (in school), to the table, which enhances his ability as a Senior Instructor. 

In 2023 at the annual Dinner & Dance Russ Sensei was awarded his Yondan (4th Dan).

Jo Sensei began his journey into the martial arts in 1995 training originally in the art of judo however, he gave that up when he moved down to Cambridge with his family. In 1996 he started Shotokan karate with his dad and brother at the local TISKA (Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association) club training under Kym Watson Sensei (now 6th Dan) and Colin Thorp Sensei (then 4th Dan). He was very much involved in the life of the club, progressing through the belts, attending special courses and competing in the annual tournament. He was graded to Shodan (1st Dan) by TISKA’s Chief Instructor Gursharan Sahota Sensei (now 8th Dan) in 2001.

During his A-Levels studying had to take priority over training and wasn’t able to train as much as he’d like and by the time he went to university he took a break from karate. On returning to Cambridge he wanted to get back into training and in looking around for somewhere suitable joined our Cambridge Club in 2011. He has been fully involved from the beginning and was awarded Nidan (2nd Dan) in 2013, his Sandan (3rd Dan) in 2017, his Yondan (4th Dan) in 2021, and is also an ESKA senior instructor.

Stuart began his karate journey in early 2016 and quickly developed a passion for the art. Over the years, he has competed in numerous ESKA championships, achieving consistent success. In 2017, he won first place in individual kata, followed by a third-place finish in 2018. The following year, he secured second place in both individual and family kata. His team kata performances have also been strong, earning second place at the 2021 ESKA regional competition and first place in 2022, where he also placed third individually.

Alongside his competitive achievements, Stuart is dedicated to developing his coaching skills. He became a qualified first aider in March 2024 and earned his Kata Judge qualification in November of the same year. Currently working towards his Instructor Certificate, he is committed to helping students refine their technique and build confidence, with a particular focus on kata performance.

Katie is a dedicated karateka who has consistently achieved success in both kata and kumite at regional and national level.

She has been competing since 2016, when she won gold in kata at the ESKA Championships. Since then, Katie has earned multiple medals across ESKA and Cambridge regional competitions, including several first-place finishes in both individual and team kata. Highlights include gold medals in kata in 2018 and 2019, team kata gold at the 2022 ESKA Championships, and continued podium finishes through to 2025 in both kata and kumite.

Katie also competed at the AMA Karate Championships in 2021 and 2022, gaining valuable experience at a high level of competition.

She completed her First Aid training in March 2024 and is currently working towards her instructor certification, alongside preparing for her next grading.

Her commitment to training and competition, combined with her technical ability in kata and growing strength in kumite, make her a strong and well-rounded member of the club.