Tel: 07801 639052 or Tel: 07763 780006
Tel: 07801 639052 or Tel: 07763 780006
Shukokai Karate Academy instructors and Coaches
SKA Chief Instructor & Chief Referee, Sensei Chris Simpson
SKA Senior Instructor and Senior Referee, Sensei Steve Pereira
SKA Chief Instructor & Chief Referee, Sensei Chris Simpson
Sensei Chris Simpson, 5th Dan black belt, has trained in Shukokai Karate for over 25 years. Sensei Chris brings a wealth of experience to the Academy, his organisational skills as well as caring nature means that the association is run with the utmost care, consideration and professionalism. Sensei Chris is DBS checked and First Aid trained and is a very respected English Karate Referee.
SKA Chief Instructor, Coach & Referee Sensei Katie Simpson
SKA Senior Instructor and Senior Referee, Sensei Steve Pereira
SKA Chief Instructor & Chief Referee, Sensei Chris Simpson
Sensei Katie Simpson, 5th Dan black belt, has trained in Shukokai Karate for over 30 years. Sensei Katie has a wealth of experience including World and European Shukokai titles as well as coaching the Southern Region Kata Team, most notable coaching a student to gold at the WKF Youth League in Croatia 2025. Sensei Katie is a PE Teacher at Gad's Hill School, Higham. Sensei Katie is DBS checked, First Aid trained and an English Karate accredited coach.
SKA Senior Instructor and Senior Referee, Sensei Steve Pereira
SKA Senior Instructor and Senior Referee, Sensei Steve Pereira
SKA Senior Instructor and Senior Referee, Sensei Steve Pereira
Sensei Steve Pereira, 3rd Dan black belt has over 15 years of Karate experience, successfully opening his SKA England Sutton Valence Dojo in November 2018. Sensei Steve has won Veterans Shukokai World and European Kumite titles and brings a wealth of experience to the association. Sensei Steve is DBS checked, First Aid trained and is a qualified English Karate Referee.
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Maria Pereira
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Branco Manyathela
SKA Senior Instructor and Senior Referee, Sensei Steve Pereira
Sensei Maria Pereira, 2nd Dan black belt, has over 17 years of training experience with Sensei Chris and Sensei Katie. She has competed at many competitions over the years with success at numerous World and European Shukokai championships, she now turns her sights to teaching alongside her father Sensei Steve. Sensei Maria is DBS checked and First Aid trained.
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Dennis Mlambo
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Branco Manyathela
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Branco Manyathela
Sensei Dennis Mlambo, 2nd Dan black belt, has many, many years of experience in Shukokai Karate. Sensei Dennis currently teaches at the Dartford dojo as well as assisting Sensei Katie with coaching. Sensei Dennis is an English Karate judge.
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Branco Manyathela
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Branco Manyathela
SKA Senior Instructor & Coach Sensei Branco Manyathela
Sensei Branco Manyathela, 2nd Dan black belt, has many years of experience in Shukokai as well as Shotokan Karate. Sensei Branco is the Chief Instructor of SKA Zimbabwe and works closely with Sensei Chris and Sensei Katie to further develop the Shukokai Karate style in Zimbabwe. Sensei Branco is well respected in Zimbabwe and his students fly the SKA flag with pride.
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Abi Lawrence
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Abi Lawrence
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Abi Lawrence
Abigail Lawrence, 1st Dan Black Belt, has been training with the Shukokai Karate Academy for over 10 years. Sensei Abi is a SKA judge and works hard to support all the association strives to achieve.
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei David Pereira
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Abi Lawrence
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Abi Lawrence
David Pereira, 2nd Dan black belt has been training with the Shukokai Karate Academy for over 15 years. David has a wealth of knowledge in Kumite and Kata and brings much experience to assist Sensei Maria and Sensei Steve at the Sutton Valence Dojo.
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Marie Worton
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Abi Lawrence
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Paula Ladbrook
Marie Worton, 2nd Dan black belt, has been training with the Shukokai Karate Academy for over 9 years. Sensei Marie assists Sensei Katie at the Downswood Dojo and all the children love and respect her. Sensei Marie is DBS checked.
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Paula Ladbrook
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Paula Ladbrook
SKA Senior Instructor and Coach, Sensei Paula Ladbrook
Paula Ladbrook, 1st Dan black belt, has been training with the Shukokai Karate Academy for over 10 years. Paula assists Sensei Chris at the Kingswood Dojo and is DBS checked.
Sensei Katie Simpson, 5th Dan
Sensei Katie's Karate CV
Director
English National Karate Governing Body Director, 2025-Present
World and European Titles
Kimura Shukokai International World Ladies Kata Champion 2016
Kimura Shukokai International World Junior Kumite Champion 2004
Kimura Shukokai International European Ladies Kata Champion 2013 & 2015
26 finals reached in 18 years.
Training
Started training in Kimura Shukokai Karate 1995.
Chief Instructor of the Shukokai Karate Academy (SKA) England, October 2018-present.
EKF Southern Region Assistant Kata Coach April 2020-present.
Dan Grading
Graded 1st Dan Black Belt by Shihan Eddie Daniels October 2001
Graded 2nd Dan Black Belt by Shihan Eddie Daniels March 2004
Graded 3rd Dan Black Belt by Shihan Eddie Daniels October 2008
Graded 4th Dan Black Belt by Shihan Eddie. Daniels October 2014
Graded 5th Dan Black Belt by Sensei Terry Pottage, July 2022
EKF Referee & Judge Qualifications
English Karate Federation Judge B, 2022
English Karate Federation Judge A, 2023
Shukokai Karate National Squad
Trained with the Shukokai National Squad since September 1999 to October 2018.
Trained and coached with the SKA England National Squad 2018-Present
Championship Results
1998
London and Kent Junior Kumite 1st
1999
Kimura Cup Girls Kumite 1st
2000
Shukokai National Championships, Girls Kumite, 2nd
Shukokai National Championships, Junior Grade Kata, 3rd
Kimura Cup, Girls Kumite, 3rd
London and Kent Open, Ladies Kumite, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International , World Championships (Germany)
2001
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championship (Portugal), Girls Kumite, 3rd.
SKF Kimura Cup Girls Kumite 1st
London and Kent Ladies Kumite 2nd
2002
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (England), Girls Kumite, 2nd.
Great Britain - United Styles Association, Girls team Kumite, 1st.
London and Kent Open, Ladies Kumite, 1st.
London and Kent Open, Mixed Kata, 2nd
Kimura Cup, Girls Kumite, 3rd
London and Kent, Student's Student of the Year Award 2002
2003
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Germany), Girls Kumite, 1st
Great Britain - British All Styles, Girls Kumite, 3rd
London and Kent Open, Ladies Kumite, 1st.
London and Kent Open, Mixed Kata, 3rd
Maidstone under 17 Youth Sports Achievement Award 2nd place 2003
Kimura Cup Girls Kumite 1st
London and Kent Student's Student of the Year Award 2003
2004
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (South Africa), Girls Kumite, 1st
Shukokai National Championships, Girls Kumite, 2nd
Kimura Cup, Ladies Senior Kumite, 2nd
Kimura Cup, adult senior team Kata, 3rd
2005
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Estonia),Girls Kumite, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Estonia), Ladies Team Kumite, 1st
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kumite, 1st
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kumite, 2nd
London and Kent Open, Senior Kata, 1st
2006
Kobe Osaka England, Ladies Open Kumite, 1st
Kobe Osaka England, Adult Open Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Ladies Open Kumite, 3rd
Kimura Cup, Ladies Black Belt Kata, 3rd.
2007
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Sweden), Ladies Kumite, 2nd.
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Sweden), Ladies Under 21 Kata, 2nd.
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Sweden), Ladies Team Kumite, 1st
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Open Kumite, 1st
Kimura Cup Ladies Kumite 2nd
Kimura Cup Ladies Kata 3rd
2008
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Switzerland), Ladies Kumite, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Switzerland), Ladies Team Kumite, 2nd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Switzerland), Ladies Team Kata, 2nd
Shukokai National Championships Ladies Kata, 3rd
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kumite, 2nd
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kumite, 1st
Presented with the Kimura Cup 2008
2009
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kumite, 2nd
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kata, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Germany), Ladies Kumite 2nd
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Germany), Ladies Team Kumite, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Germany), Ladies Team Kata 1st
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kata, 3rd
2010
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kata, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Portugal), Ladies 65+kg Kumite, 2nd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Portugal), Ladies Team Kata, 2nd
Kimura Cup, Ladies Black Belt Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Ladies Black Belt Kumite, 1st
Presented with the Kimura Cup 2010
2011
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Adult Black Black Belt Kata, 1st place
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kumite, 1st place
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Adult Team Kata, 1st place (with Sammy Riddell and Elle Osborne)
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships, Ladies Kata, 2nd Place
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships, Ladies Team Kumite, 2nd Place
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships, Ladies 60+kg, 3rd Place
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships, Team Kata, 3rd Place
Kimura Cup, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 2nd place
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kumite, 3rd place
Kimura Cup, Mixed Team Kata, 3rd place
2012
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 2nd Place
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kumite, 2nd place
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Adult Team Kata, 2nd place (with Sammy Riddell and Elle Osborne)
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (USA), Ladies Individual Kata, 2nd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (USA), Ladies Individual Kumite, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (USA), Ladies Team Kata, 3rd
2013
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 2nd Place
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Kumite, 2nd Place
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Finland), Ladies Individual Kata, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Finland), Team Kata, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Finland), Team Kumite, 1st
Kimura Cup, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 1st place
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kumite, 3rd place
Kimura Cup, Mixed Team Kata, 2nd place
Kimura Cup, Mixed Team Kumite, 3rd Place
Shukokai HQ Open, Ladies Super League, 1st
2014
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Team Kumite, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Sun City, South Africa), Ladies Individual Kata, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Sun City, South Africa) Ladies Individual Kumite 3rd Place
Kimura Cup, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kumite, 2nd Place
Kimura Cup, Mixed Team Kumite, 2nd Place
Shukokai HQ Open, Ladies Super League, 2nd Place
2015
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Individual Kumite, 1st
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Team Kata, 1st
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Team Kumite, 1st
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 2nd
Midlands Open Championship, Ladies Super League Kumite, 1st
Kimura Cup, Mixed Team Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 2nd
Kimura Cup, Ladies Kumite, 2nd
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Switzerland), Ladies Kata, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Switzerland), Ladies Team Kata, 2nd
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships (Switzerland), Ladies Team Kumite, 2nd
2016
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Senior Kumite, 1st
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Team Kata, 2nd
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 3rd
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Team Kumite, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Germany), Ladies Kata, 1st
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Germany), Ladies Team Kata, 2nd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships (Germany), Ladies Team Kumite, 2nd
2017
Shukokai National Championships, Ladies Senior Kumite, 1st
Shukokai National Championships,Mixed Team Kata, 2nd
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Black Belt Kata, 3rd
Shukokai National Championships, Mixed Team Kumite, 3rd
Shukokai Midlands Open, Ladies Super League Champion, 1st
2018
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships, Ladies Kumite -65kg, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships Ladies Kata,3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships Ladies Team Kata, 3rd
Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships Ladies Kumite, 3rd
Elite Karate Championships, Ladies Kumite, 1st
2019
UK Open Championships, Ladies Kumite, 1st
UK Open Championships, Ladies Kata, 2nd
KDF Open Championships, Ladies Open Kumite 1st
CHKA Open Championships, Ladies +30yrs Kumite, 1st
CHKA Open Championships, Ladies +60kg Kumite, 3rd
Elite International, Ladies Kumite Open, 2nd
Elite International, Ladies +30yrs, 1st
WKU Winter invitational, Ladies +60kg, 2nd
2020
Appointed as the EKF Southern Region Assistant Kata Coach Jan 2020-November 2024.
2023
BKF British Kumite Champion 2023, 1st
Major Courses Attended
Autumn 3 day Shukokai Course 1999- 2018.
Spring 3 day Shukokai Course 1999-2018.
Gloucester 2 day Shukokai Course 2005 and 2006.
London Shukokai Course 2003/2004.
Kent Karate Course 2007, 2011 and 2012.
WCIC - New York 2008
WCIC - Germany 2014
WCIC - Portugal 2016
WCIC - Germany 2017
WCIC - England 2018
Sensei Hasegawa Online Kihon course (July 2020)
Ultimate Karate Fighters Bootcamp, Canterbury University, 31st-2nd August 2015. With Wayne Otto, Alex Biamonti, Elisa Au Fonseca, Greg Francis, Albert Forsyth and Tarek Amin.
World Chief Instructors Gashuku: Germany 2000, Portugal 2001, England 2002, Germany 2003, South Africa 2004, Estonia 2005, Sweden 2007, Switzerland 2008 & 2015, Germany 2009, Portugal 2010, England 2011, USA 2012, Finland 2013, South Africa 2014, Switzerland 2015, Germany 2016, Sweden 2018.
Champs Camp 2019 - Leonie Kersley, Greg Francis, Joe Kelleway, John Gardiner, Franck Allai, Terry Daly.
Sensei Paul Campbell's, Wayne Otto and Greg Francis Course 2019.
A word from Sensei Katie
“Struggle is the foundation of success. If you give up, you'll never know what was possible. With a strong and driven mindset, anything is within reach.”
For me, Karate is a lifelong commitment—not just a passion, but a way of life. I’ve dedicated nearly my entire life to this art. While I’ve enjoyed competitive success over the years, what truly inspires me is teaching. Guiding students of all ages to become better versions of themselves, watching their progress, and seeing them grow in confidence and ability—that’s what matters most.
Karate instills discipline, respect, perseverance, dedication, and the right mindset. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to pass these values on to my students, along with loyalty and pride in everything they do. At Shukokai Karate Academy, our culture is built on hard work and commitment—reflected in the consistent excellence of our students, year after year.
My passion is clear. I live and breathe this art, and I pour that energy into every student I teach. Alongside my father, I’m proud to be shaping a bold, new chapter in the world of Kimura Shukokai Karate.
We hope you’ll be part of our journey.
Oss,
Sensei Katie Simpson
5th Dan Black Belt
Sensei Chris Simpson, 5th Dan
Sensei Chris's Karate CV
Training
Started training in Shukokai Karate, July 2000
Chief Instructor of the Shukokai Karate Academy, October 2018
Dan Grading
Awarded 1st Dan Black Belt by Shihan E Daniels, September 2004
Awarded 2nd Dan Black Belt by Shihan E Daniels, March 2007
Awarded 3rd Dan Black Belt by Shihan E Daniels, October 2010
Awarded 4th Dan Black Belt by Shihan E Daniels, October 2014
Awarded 5th Dan Black Belt by Sensei Terry Pottage, July 2022
National Squad
Trained with Shukokai National Squad from 2003 to 2012
Refereeing
Association Chief Referee
English Karate Federation Judge B, 2020
English Karate Federation Judge A, 2022
English Karate Federation Referee B, 2023
English Karate Federation Referee A, 2025
Championship Results
2000
London and Kent, Mens Team Kumite, 1st
2001
London and Kent, Mens Team Kumite, 1st
2002
London and Kent, Mens Team Kumite, 1st
London and Kent, Mens Kumite, 3rd
2003
Kimura Cup, Mens Over 35s Kumite, 1st
London and Kent, Student's student of the year 2003.
2004
Represented England at Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships, South Africa
Shukokai National Championships, Mens Over 35s Kumite, 3rd
Shukokai National Championships, Adult Brown Belt Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Mens Over 35s Kumite, 3rd
2005
Represented England at Kimura Shukokai International European Championships, Estonia
Shukokai National Championships, Mens Team Kumite, 3rd
Shukokai National Championships, Mens Over 35's, 2nd
Kimura Cup, Mens Over 35's, 2nd
London and Kent, Mens Senior Grade Kumite, 2nd
2006
Kimura Cup, Over 35's Kumite, 3rd
2007
Represented England at Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships, Sweden.
Kimura Cup Mens, Over 35's Kumite, 3rd
Kimura Cup Mens, Over 35's Kata 3rd.
2008
Represented England at Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships, Switzerland.
Kimura Cup, Mens over 35's Kumite, 3rd
2009
Shukokai National Championships, Men's over 35's Kumite, 2nd
Shukokai National Championships, Mens over 35's Kata, 3rd
Kimura Cup, over 35's Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Men's over 35's Kumite, 1st
2010
Kimura Cup, Men's over 35's Kumite, 2nd
2011
Shukokai National Championships, Over 35's Kata, 1st
Shukokai National Championships Men's Over 35 years Kumite 2nd
Shukokai National Championships - Most outstanding competitor of the day
Kimura Shukokai International, European Championships 2011, England, Veterans Light Weight Kumite 2nd Place
Kimura Cup, Veterans Kata, 1st
Kimura Cup, Veterans Kumite, 3rd
2012
Shukokai National Championships, Over 35's Kata, 2nd
Represented England at Kimura Shukokai International, World Championships, USA.
Major Courses Attended
Shukokai Autumn 3 day course, 2001 to 2018
Shukokai Spring 3 day courses, 2001 to 2018
London Shukokai Course, 2003/2004
Kent Course, 2007, 2011 and 2012
WCIC, 2008, New York
WCIC, 2012, 2014, and 2017, Germany
Shukokai Gashuku - Germany (x3), Portugal, England (x2), Estonia, Sweden (x2), South Africa, Switzerland. USA, Finland and South Africa.
A word from Sensei Chris...
Shukokai Karate Academy – A Legacy of Excellence
Shukokai Karate Academy, formerly known as Kent Karate (2007–2018), was officially established under its current name in October 2018. With a vision to advance the club and its students, Sensei Chris, Sensei Katie, Sensei Steve, and Sensei Maria elevated the academy by securing full membership with the English Karate Federation (EKF). This affiliation opened exciting new pathways for students, both nationally and internationally.
At Shukokai Karate Academy, we are committed to preserving and teaching the true essence of Martial Arts. Our comprehensive training includes:
- Kihon (Fundamentals)
- Kata (Forms)
- Kumite (Sparring)
- Impact Training
- Fitness & Conditioning
Every class is built on the core values of discipline, dedication, respect, and focus.
We welcome students from as young as 4 years old through to adults, ensuring that everyone—regardless of age or experience—is equipped both physically and mentally for the challenges of everyday life and the future ahead.
Shukokai Karate Academy fosters an environment of high standards, ambition, perseverance, and mutual respect. Whether students choose to pursue competitive Karate or train as a means to build confidence and life skills, our instructors provide unwavering guidance and support at every step of the journey.
SENSEI steve pereira 3rd dan
Sensei Steve's Karate CV
- 2013
SENSEI branco Manyathela 2nd DAN
Sensei Branco's Karate CV
- 2013 Zimbabwe Inter styles TEAM karate tournament (triangle)
- 2013 Zimbabwe Champions of champion (Harare Alex sports club)
- 2013 Zimbabwe inter provincial TEAM championships (Bulawayo) BRONZE medal certificate
- 2013 Zimbabwe inter province team championships(Bulawayo Drill hall) SINGLES MENS OPEN KATA SILVER MEDAL CERTIFICATE
- 2013 SOUTH Africa JSKA Shotokan championships (Tswane center Pretoria)
- 2014 Zimbabwe inter provincial team championships (Gweru sports club)
- 2014 South Africa JSKA development championships (Magalisburg) MENS BROWN BELT KATA SILVER MEDAL KUMITE BRONZE
- 2015 Zimbabwe champions of champion (Harare show ground) MENS OPEN KATA SILVER MEDAL, KUMITE UNDER 60KG BRONZE MEDAL
- 2016 Zimbabwe national championships ( Bulawayo bowling club)MENS SENIOR OPEN KATA SILVER MEDAL CERTIFICATE ,KUMITE UNDER 60KG BRONZE MEDAL CERTIFICATE
- 2017 KSI KARATE Limpopo championships (Limpopo South Africa ) MENS SENIOR KATA GOLD MEDAL
- 2017 KSI KARATE Northern Championships (wits university South Africa)
- 2018 KSI KARATE Limpopo Championships (Limpopo South Africa) MENS KATA SILVER MEDAL
- 2019 Zimbabwe Japanese Ambassadors Cup (Athenium hall Harare) MENS KATA GOLD MEDAL
- 2019 Bulawayo Provincial Championships ( Raylton Hall Bulawayo) MENS KATA GOLD MEDAL
- 2019 Zimbabwe Champion of Champions ( Bulawayo ) MENS KATA GOLD MEDAL KUMITE -67KG MENS BRONZE MEDAL
- 2020 KSI India Online Kata Competition ( INDIA ) GOLD MEDAL CERTIFICATE