Instructors

Head Instructor Sensei Ryan

My name is Ryan, and I’m the head instructor at Kojin-Kai Karate Club. I began my karate journey at the age of 7 and have been training for over 20 years, becoming a black belt through years of dedicated practice and progression.

Throughout my competition career, I’ve competed in and won medals at local, national and international level with my proudest achievement to date becoming a WUMF World Championship Silver medalist in Kata. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of coaching numerous students, helping them achieve high grades and impressive competition results, most notably helping to create 11 World Championship Medalists. Karate is my passion, and I take pride in making training fun, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone who steps into the dojo.

Outside of karate, I’ve worked as a personal trainer for over 10 years, combining my knowledge of fitness with my martial arts background. I’m currently also training and competing in Taekwondo, something I do for my own development and enjoyment as a martial artist.

I’m Ashford born and bred, and it’s a real privilege to share my passion with the local community. One of the things I enjoy most is watching students grow in confidence and seeing their love for karate deepen over time.

Senpai Millie – Kata Coach

Millie, Sensei Ryan’s fiancée, is multiple time National and British Champion in Kata, has represented England at both European and World Championship level. She is reigning Commonwealth Champion and has achieved a WKF ranking of 9th in the world. She also serves as our Head of Content and Welfare Officer.

Millie has trained and medalled in multiple styles of karate over the years, including Shukokai, Shorin-Ryu, Kyokushin, and more recently, Taekwondo where she became a WUMF Poomsae World Champion. Her broad experience across disciplines brings depth and versatility to her teaching.

Before turning her full focus to karate, Millie spent 13 years as an elite athlete representing Great Britain in alpine skiing. As a multiple-time World Champion and medallist on the international stage, she brings the same dedication and high-performance mindset to martial arts.

With over 10 years’ experience as a sports massage therapist, Millie combines her practical knowledge of the body with her martial arts background. She will soon begin a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy, continuing her lifelong commitment to sport, health, and helping others thrive.

Wednesdays:
17:30–18:30 – Junior Class
18:30–19:30 – Cadet Class
19:30–20:30 – Adult Class
Sundays:
10:00 – 11:00 – Junior/Cadet Class
11:00–12:00 – Adult Class

Kojin-Kai Karate Club
Ashford, Kent

Our location:

St Mary’s Mission Hall, Forge Lane, Ashford, TN23 1JW