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.
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.
MEET PAUL.
MEET FREYA.
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 HARRY.
MEET EDDIE.
MEET ZAC.
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 HARVEY.
MEET tina.
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 KATIE.
MEET JACOB.
MEET HENRY.
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!
