Kaizen Martial Arts Academy

Congratulations to Qasim Azhar on achieving his 8th Mon in Shotokan Karate! 👏

Qasim has been working hard in our Junior Karate classes, showing great enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to learn. Every step on the grading ladder is earned through effort, commitment, and perseverance, and this promotion is a reflection of the progress he has made on his martial arts journey.

We are proud of your achievement, Qasim. Keep listening, keep learning, and keep training hard. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.

Well done from all of your Kaizen Martial Arts Academy family!

Five years ago today, we lost our friend and Sensei, Iain Carter.

Not a day goes by where he isn’t remembered.

Iain was more than a martial artist. He was one of the most selfless people you could ever meet - always willing to give his time, share his knowledge, and help others without wanting anything in return. His impact on so many students, instructors and friends continues to be felt throughout the martial arts community.

As a highly respected 4th Dan in Shotokan Karate / 2nd Dan in Atemi Jiu Jitsu his technical ability was exceptional, but it was his character that truly made him special. He had a way of making people feel welcome, supported and valued, no matter their grade or experience.

Many of us are still teaching lessons he helped us learn. Many students are still walking a path he helped shape.

Today we remember him with gratitude, respect and affection.

Gone, but never forgotten.

Rest easy mate. 🥋❤️

🥋 S.D.F Self-Defence Grading Results 🥋

What a hard and sweaty grading today! The effort, determination and fighting spirit shown by everyone was outstanding from start to finish. Self-defence training is demanding both physically and mentally, and every student pushed themselves through fatigue, pressure and intensity with real determination.

Junior Grading Results

6th Mon Red Belt White Stripe
• Albert Bryant
• Oliver Walker

6th Kyu Red Belt
• Elwood Baker
• Ethan Burleigh
• James Marshall
• Joshua Norman
• Mary Hirst
• Samuel Bryant
• Samuel Norman

Senior Grading Results

6th Kyu Red Belt
• Teresa Moorhead

4th Kyu Orange Belt
• Lydia Grayson
• Michael Kowalczuk

Self-defence is not just about techniques - it’s about resilience, awareness, discipline and learning how to stay calm under pressure. Today’s grading tested all of those qualities and every student should be proud of what they achieved.

A huge well done to everyone who stepped onto the mats today and gave absolutely everything. The progress across the group is fantastic to see and the future of our S.D.F Self-Defence programme is looking very strong.

A huge thank you to Rebecca Phoenix for assisting me on the grading - a fantastic contribution as always.

🥋 SHOTOKAN KARATE GRADING RESULTS 🥋

A huge congratulations to everybody who stepped onto the floor for today’s Shotokan Karate gradings. Grading day is never easy - it takes courage, discipline, commitment and heart to put yourself forward and give your all.

⭐ JUNIORS ⭐

9th Mon – Mason Ajayi
9th Kyu – Jennifer James & Franky Wos
6th Mon – Dorian Kosicki & Patrick Wos
6th Kyu – Tanishq Kapatralla

The talent and hard work coming through our junior ranks is fantastic to see. More importantly, the attitudes, effort and respect shown by these young karateka continue to make us proud. The children truly are the future of the club and there is a very exciting future ahead for them all.

⭐ SENIORS ⭐

8th Kyu – Dominic Bower & Alexandra Leblanc
6th Mon – Yang Lin
6th Kyu – Heidy Correia Monteiro & Jack Green
4th Kyu – Gabrielle Keeley
3rd Kyu – Rebecca Phoenix
2nd Kyu – James Marshall & Iana Sabatovych

This was a hard grading. Physically demanding, mentally tough and requiring real determination from everybody involved, especially the higher grades.

There were a lot of emotions during the results, which is completely understandable because these moments matter. People care deeply about their karate journey and the standards they are working towards.

Not everybody was successful today, but at Kaizen we stand together as a family. Successes are celebrated together and setbacks are faced together. We support one another, learn from the experience and continue moving forward side by side.

A huge thank you to our Dan Grades for giving up their time, sharing their experience and helping maintain the standards of the dojo:

John Crossley Sensei (3rd Dan)
Claire Hardwick Sensei (2nd Dan)
Ethan O’Connell Sensei (2nd Dan)
Kirsty Irving Sensei (1st Dan)
Amber Hardwick Sensei (1st Dan)

Your support and dedication to the club is greatly appreciated.

Today would have been Sensei Iain Carter’s 58th birthday.

A great mate, a great karateka and, above all else, a genuinely selfless man who was always there for others whenever they needed him. His kindness, humour, guidance and support left a lasting impact on so many people both on and off the dojo floor.

Sensei Iain was a highly respected 4th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate at Kaizen, but his greatest strength was the way he treated people. He gave his time freely, encouraged others constantly and embodied the true spirit of martial arts through humility, loyalty and compassion.

He is deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and training alongside him, but his legacy continues through the lessons, values and memories he left behind.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Sensei Iain ❤️

UK Martial Arts Show – Hall of Fame Awards 🇬🇧🥋

What an incredible evening at the UK Martial Arts Show – Hall of Fame Awards.

I had the privilege of attending alongside the Deputy Heads of ASMAA-SDF, Paul Bell & Angela Sockett, as well as Dawn O’Hara.

It was fantastic to see so many ASMAA members in attendance, including Arthur Sheldon Sensei (10th Dan) and Chris Renton.

A huge congratulations to Paul, Ange and Chris on receiving their Top Instructor Awards, very well deserved.
And a special acknowledgement to Arthur Sensei on receiving his Legend Award, a true testament to a lifetime dedicated to the martial arts.

Also great to meet Paul Oxtoby and Bob Sykes on the evening.

A fantastic night surrounded by high-level martial artists, great people, and a shared passion for the arts.

Saturday Spotlight – Black Belt Session & Brown Belt Development Session

This morning’s 9:30–11:30 Dan Grade session was all about refinement, control and understanding the why behind the movement.

We worked on:
🥋 Jiyu Kumite flow drills – sharpening distance, timing & footwork
🥋 Ippon techniques - including Ushiro Ude-Garami (Rear Entangled Arm Lock) & Kote Hishigi (Wrist Crush)
🥋 Bassai Sho Kata – performed slow, controlled and with real intent

This is where technique evolves into true skill. No rushing. No shortcuts. Just precision.

Straight after, from 11:30–1:45, we held our first Brown Belt Development Session 👊

Bringing together both the Purple belts - preparing for brown
& Brown belts - pushing towards their next level

The focus:
- Traditional & Jiyu Kihon
- Balance Kicking (control)
- Kata development
- Jiyu Ippon Kumite

These sessions are about building the bridge between grades - raising standards, tightening fundamentals and preparing students for what’s next.

A special mention to our Dan Grades, who stayed on to support their fellow karateka in the Brown Belt Development Session.
That is true spirit. Thank you.

Superb effort from everyone today. This is how progress is made… not just by turning up, but by levelling up the intent behind your training.

Discipline. Growth. Respect. Community.

MONDAY MINDSET

“I DO IT ANYWAY.”

4 words that will change your life.

Tired? - I do it anyway
No support? - I do it anyway
Scared sh*tless? - I do it anyway
Afraid of failure? - I do it anyway
Fear of rejection? - I do it anyway

You don’t build an amazing life, business, or relationship by waiting for the perfect moment.

You build it by showing up, every single day, regardless of how you feel.

That’s how you win.
That’s the mindset.

At Kaizen Martial Arts Academy, this is what we train.

Not just techniques… but discipline.
Not just fitness… but resilience.

Because the students who improve the most aren’t the most talented - they’re the ones who show up anyway.

Keep turning up. Keep pushing forward.

Discipline. Growth. Respect. Community.

📍 Unit 9, Swinnow Grange Mills, Bramley, LS13 4EP

Second lesson free

Message us to get started or call 07544-462442

Looking for something more than just a hobby?

At Kaizen Martial Arts Academy, we offer a range of classes for both children and adults:

* Karate (Juniors): 7–12yrs
* Karate (Seniors): 13yrs+
* Freestyle Jiu Jitsu: 13yrs+
* Self Defence (Juniors): 11–15yrs
* Self Defence (Seniors): 16yrs+
* Kung Fu (Seniors): 16yrs+

Our sessions are designed to build:
- Confidence
- Discipline
- Fitness
- Focus
- Resilience

But more importantly… you become part of a supportive, welcoming community

Whether it’s for your child or yourself - there’s a class for you.

Location: Unit 9, Swinnow Grange Mills, Bramley, LS13 4EP

Second lesson FREE

Message us now to book your first session! Or call us on 07544-462442.

We’re incredibly proud to share that our very own Rebecca Phoenix (Bex) is taking on the Manchester Marathon on April 19th.

Bex isn’t just running for the challenge… she’s running for a cause that is deeply personal to her. She suffers with endometriosis and this is a condition that can cause chronic pain, fatigue, and have a huge impact on daily life. Despite this, she continues to show unbelievable resilience, determination, and strength both in and out of the dojo.

She’s raising money for Endometriosis UK, helping to support others going through the same struggles and to raise awareness of this often misunderstood condition.

If you can, please support Bex on her journey - every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference.

👉 Donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/rebecca-phoenix-7?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=FR-heroes_FRPo_Event-near-badge_uk

Let’s get behind one of our own and show the strength of the Kaizen community ❤️