Meet the Instructors

Amelia Sensei

Amelia began karate at five in Sidcup, Kent, training with the International Shotokan Karate Association founded by Pauline Laville Sensei, 8th Dan.

Early success

At ten she entered her first competition and took 1st place in kata as a brown belt. She went on to compete regularly, placing in both kata and kumite.

Dan grades

In December 2010 she achieved Shodan and trained 4-5 days a week, also assisting in children's classes. She earned Nidan at 17 and Sandan at 22.

HDKI journey

In January 2023 Amelia and Fudoshin Shotokan Karate Club joined HDKI.

Return to competition

After a six year break to build her club, she returned in 2023, taking 1st in kumite and 2nd in kata at the HDKI Nationals, earning selection to the HDKI GB squad by Julie Nicholson Sensei and John Holdsworth Sensei.

Championship titles

September 2024: HDKI International Female Kata Champion.

October 2024: HDKI GB National Female Kata Champion.

May 2025: HDKI Ireland National Female Kata Champion.

Hombu internship

In June 2025 she completed the HDKI one month internship at Hombu Dojo HQ in Dublin, becoming the first female intern from HDKI GB.

Today

Amelia is committed to her own development and to growing karate in the community. She attends seminars regularly and is building Fudoshin Shotokan Karate Club into a thriving dojo in the South East with HDKI GB.

Reece Sensei

Reece began his karate journey in 2004 with the International Shotokan Karate Association, training under Pauline Laville Sensei, 8th Dan.

Early training

He trained regularly at the Sidcup and Greenwich dojos alongside Amelia Sensei, beginning their karate journeys together at just five years old.

Dan grades

In 2017, Reece achieved his 1st Dan black belt, followed by his 2nd Dan in 2022. Karate has since become a central part of his life, building both confidence and discipline.

Instructor role

Now an instructor at Fudoshin Shotokan Karate Club, Reece continues to train, teach, and develop as both a martial artist and mentor.

Kobudo passion

Reece also has a strong passion for Kobudo and is particularly skilled with the bo staff.

Sensei James

James began his karate journey in 1992 at the age of five at the Orpington KUGB dojo under Sensei Graham Richardson, now JKA.

Early training

In his early years, he trained with some of the most respected names in Shotokan, including Sensei Dave Hazard, Sensei Ohta, and grading under the legendary Sensei Enoeda.

A return to karate

After years away due to life’s priorities, James returned in 2021, training with Amelia and inspired by his children’s enthusiasm for karate.

Dan grade

A significant milestone for James after his return happened in December 2025, when James achieved his Ni Dan, 2nd Dan, with HDKI, under the watchful eye of Scott Langley, Paul Uren, Simon Bligh, and Matt Pain.

Focus on bunkai

James has a deep passion for bunkai — the interpretation and application of kata. He enjoys teaching students how techniques can be adapted to real-world scenarios and challenging situations.

Today

Now proud to be part of HDKI, James trains, competes, and attends seminars regularly, always seeking improvement as a karateka and instructor.

He especially enjoys teaching alongside his children, sharing a family motto drawn from a Japanese proverb:

“Fall down seven, stand up eight.”

A daily reminder that resilience, humility, and perseverance lie at the heart of true karate.

Claudia Cole

Claudia is an Assistant Instructor at Fudoshin Shotokan Karate Club.

Karate journey

She began her karate journey in September 2019 in Abbey Wood and joined Fudoshin in January 2023.

Teaching role

Claudia teaches at the New Eltham dojo on Monday evenings while continuing her own regular training on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Continued development

Dedicated to developing her skills and knowledge, she frequently attends courses and events across the country alongside Amelia, Reece, and James.