The Kent Karate Schools was formed in July 1983 in Ashford and is headed by Rev Joe Ellis 8th Dan (Hanshi) and is a full and founder member of the NAKMAS National (Martial Arts) Governing Body.

Joe is an experienced senior karateka and has chaired three National Governing Bodies over his time within karate. So far, over a 40 year journey. He is qualified to NVQ standards (Karate - Coaching, Teaching and Instructing) and holds NVQ Assessor and Verifier Awards (Karate and Ju Jitsu). In addition to this, we has won several national awards for his contributions within the martial arts (Combat and Martial Arts Illustrated magazines) and he was an award winning charity fund raiser, winning the award on three consecutive years as a child in the Boys Brigade in the 1960s.

The Schools specialise in teaching authentic Japanese karate, effective self defence and anti-bullying all of which are nationally recognised and accredited by NAKMAS.

The Schools have an impressive list of senior adult black belts. They are: Rev Joe Ellis 8th Dan (Hanshi), Mick Elcombe 7th Dan (Shihan), Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis 7th Dan (Shihan), Steve Keeler 5th Dan (Shihan), Joshua Traylor 4th Dan (Sensei), Ellis Finn 3rd Dan (Sensei) and Chloe Williams 3rd Dan (Sensei). There are also of other black belts. These are: Harry Henshaw 2nd Dan (Senpai), Keeley FInn 1st Dan (Senpai) and George Collins 1st Dan (Senpai)