Our Team Leaders

A team leader in our karate club plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting students on their martial arts journey.

THESE individualS ARE responsible for BRINGING a positive training environment, encouraging STUDENTS, and promoting a sense of community AND FAMILY among ALL members.

MEET CASEY.

HI IM CASEY, I HAVE TRAINED WITH KAZOKU SINCE THE SPRING OF 2020.

MY JOURNEY STARTED TRAINING ONLINE DURING THE LOCKDOWN, OVER THE YEARS I HAVE GROWN IN CONFIDENCE, STRENGTH AND KNOWLEDGE.

I LOVE BEING PART OF THE KAZOKU FAMILY AND HELPING STUDENTS GROW AND PROGRESS  ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL PATHS.  

OUTSIDE OF KARATE I AM A HAIR STYLIST AND THE ASSISTANT MANAGER OF THE SALON.

FUN FACT - I AM DYSLEXIC AND WHEN HELPING, I COME UP WITH FUNNY NAMES OR SAYINGS TO HELP ME REMEMBER WHAT TO DO.

MEET GEORGE.

Hi, my name is George and a member of the Kazoku family.

I am the children’s playground officer at Reading Borough Council and an accredited inspector assessing the safety levels of children’s play equipment.

I’ve been participating in martial arts for about 15 years now after being introduced by my eldest son at a previous club.

After obtaining my Shodan (1st Dan) at a previous club, I wanted a new challenge, a challenge to test me and what I’ve learnt for all those years. Kazoku-Karate gave me that opportunity and for the past five years, I have learnt, enjoyed, and understood the joys of Karate which has truly opened my mind.

MEET TONY.

Hi, I’m Tony.

I’ve been training with Kazoku Karate-do since the summer of 2019 and, in December 2024, I was extremely proud to be awarded my 1st Dan - something I never thought possible growing up.

I love being able to pay forward what I’ve been taught, from both our great Senseis and senior black belts, so please shout and I’ll help in any way I can (or I’ll grab one of those guys to show us both 😃)

I also really like my football and support Tottenham Hotspur, something a number of the Kazoku Ninjas like to regularly make fun of me for 😂.

MEET TINA.

Hi, I’m Tina

I first started helping out in my daughters Ninja classes at the start of 2019 and began training myself that summer.  

You will generally see me helping in the Sunday morning classes so do come and say hello or give me a high five if you see me 😊

Outside of the dojo, I’m a mum of 3 and really enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, arts and crafting.

MEET CAPRICE.

Hi, my name is Caprice, and I’ve been practicing karate since February 2022 and I started the Kombat program in August 2024, training three times a week.

Over the years, I’ve gained a huge amount of confidence and strength learning both types of martial arts, but most of all I’ve gained a family. I jumped at the chance to become a team leader, to help others with their journey in any way I could. I enjoy the physicality of the sport, with sparring being my favourite element, and I enjoy gently pushing others to step out of there comfort zone too!

Outside of martial arts, i am a mum of a little girl and I am a qualified horticulturalist, passionate plant enthusiast and manager of a plant nursery. I’m so fortunate to be living my best life achieving all the things I love.

MEET SOPHIE

Hi - my name is Sophie and I like warm hugs 🤗

I’m an animal freak, especially when it comes to dogs, horses and Guinea pigs.

I have been part of the Kazoku family since 2018 and, during those years, Kazoku has helped with my confidence so much.

I always love a chat so never be afraid to come and talk to me! 😊

MEET MIKE.

Hi, I’m Mike and I’ve been learning karate since 2007. Like a few of us I started in another club and had a few different teachers before finding John at the end of 2008, and he’s been my teacher ever since.My children and I enjoyed the old club and learned a lot, and we wouldn’t have met all the wonderful people we did were it not for that club, but Kazoku took our karate in a different direction, and we are loving this new journey.

Outside of karate, my other passion is music. I teach Drums and Percussion in many different schools and I play professionally in a variety of bands and ensembles. I’ll be honest, one reason I started karate was to do something utterly different to my day job, but the more I progress, the more similarities I find between learning an instrument and learning karate, and I love helping people in the dojo just as much as I do on the drums.

MEET PAUL.

MEET FREYA.

MEET AASHA.

Hey I'm Aasha and one of the team leaders here - usually helping out at Friday mixed.

In 2022 I got persuaded to do the Mother’s Day karate session with my daughter who was already signed up, then I was encouraged to do a trial, and well the rest is history!

I've had to overcome a few personal things to get out of my comfort zone and I'm pleased to say the supportive family nature of both the leads and the members of the club have been a huge help. Alongside being a mum I work in digital in the NHS as my day job, I love being outdoors (especially if at a festival!) and I like to advocate for others including reducing stigma around mental health.

I can struggle with anxiety personally and karate has given me both confidence alongside an opportunity to focus on something different while I'm in the dojo! I look forward to further exploring how karate can support this both for myself and others.

MEET HARRY.

Harry has been training in martial arts for about six years, diligently honing his skills and developing his confidence. His commitment to physical education aligns perfectly with his passion for karate, allowing him to channel his energy and enthusiasm into every session.

Harry goes to school and enjoys Physical Education, where he can be active and learn new sports. Although math isn't his favorite subject, he doesn't mind it too much, as it helps him with problem-solving. Outside of karate, Harry loves hanging out with his friends and playing video games on his PS5.

He is part of a supportive team which includes his aunt Tina, uncle Tony, and cousin Sophie, who inspire him to grow both in martial arts and in his personal pursuits.

MEET EDDIE.

Hi I’m Eddie, I have been training in karate for about four years, during which he has developed a strong foundation in self-defence and martial arts techniques.

In addition to his karate practice, he enjoys playing football, which complements his athletic skills and teamwork abilities.

He is part of a supportive team which includes his aunt Tina, uncle Tony, and cousin Sophie, who inspire him to grow both in martial arts and in his personal pursuits.

Eddie's dedication and enthusiasm make him a valuable member of the KAZOKU KARATE-DO family.

MEET MARTIN.

MEET HARVEY.

Hey I'm Harvey and I am a newly graded 1st Dan. I really enjoy training with my family because if I get stuck my big brother and sister, Kieran and Jess, will always help me out. I did a tournament and enjoyed it because I got two golden medals, One for kata and One for sparring. I felt really great and I am now a legend.

In a karate lesson I enjoy the warm up when we are running around the outside and I like the kicks and Kata. I'm looking forward to wearing a new black uniform, so my mum doesn't moan at me for getting marks on it.

MEET DANIEL.

I’m Daniel and I’ve been training with Kazoku since I was 6 years old! I’m now a brown belt and junior team leader. I love working with the younger children, to help them learn and to feel more confident about trying new things, as I used to be a bit scared when I first started. I usually help on Tuesdays and train on Sundays. I’m also like gaming when I’m not in the dojo.

MEET KATIE.

MEET ROBYN.

Hi, I’m Robyn. I’ve been doing karate for 4 years, I started just after my daughter and I caught the bug! Karate is my happy place, my escape from the outside and associated pressures - work, home, parenting etc. It’s my time to focus on me.

I’m a team leader primarily for the ninjas and I love exploring new ways to get them to engage and understand. I also support in some of the mixed classes - depending which classes I can get to in a week.

I’ve enjoyed pushing myself out of my comfort zone and working with lots of different people since I’ve become a team leader and I’ve learnt loads from everyone. outside of karate I enjoy long walks with the family, extended family and associated dogs. I travel a lot for work so I love knowing I’ve always got karate here for me.

I’ve also made some great friends through the club and I now have a better support network than I’ve ever had before! I hope you love karate and club as much as I do!

MEET HENRY.

Hi im Henry.

I have been training for 5 Years now and am loving what i’m doing.

Im currently still in school. the subject I like the most is maths and I always love to try and help others that maybe struggling.

I love playing football outside of school and karate in my free time.

I also like to do model making as well.

Something interesting about me is that I support Reading Football Club.

Somethings I have gained from martial arts is confidence, respect, discipline and leadership skills.

MEET CHERYL.

I'm Cheryl! I started my martial arts journey with Kazoku Karate-Do in September 2021. I joined after both my girls joined to improve their confidence and learn self defence and found it would do the same for me. We've also now got my husband involved so its a whole family thing now. My favourite part of karate for myself is learning the kata routines as I love how good it is for calming the mind. I really enjoy being part of the leadership team, helping out with the kids classes and seeing how much the kids grow in confidence. 

Outside of karate I am a mum to 2 girls who are both on the autism spectrum. I also spend a lot of time reading and crafting. 

MEET JACOB.

MEET DYLAN.

Hi I’m Dylan i have been training in karate for four years, leaning various techniques and developing a strong sense of confidence and discipline. When im in school i love history.

I enjoy playing football and darts and obviously i love training in karate when i can.

I also love gaming in my free time.

I love to unwind by watching WWE, captivated by the athleticism and storytelling of professional wrestling.