Club Instructors

Sensei Kevin John achieving 4th Dan.

Wado Ryu characters in Japanese which translates as "the way of peace and harmony."

Club Instructor Profile

Kevin John - 4th Dan,

Personal profile written by Kevin John.

I started karate back in 1986, a young 11 year old under the guidance of Sensei Colin Harding.

I was mesmorised by all of the karate films at that time, Bruce Lee, Jean Claude Van damme which inspired me to take up martial arts.

When I took part in my 1st karate lesson I really enjoyed the physical side of it and the techniques that were being used.

I also Enjoyed the competition side of Karate, and at an early age of 14 I was sparring against a lot older students from the club. Most in their late 20s and proven international team members, I could comfortably hold my own against them.

I competed in my first tournament when I was just a yellow belt at Port Talbot and continued competing there for a few more to gain experience.

I won the Welsh Grand Prix title in 1996 and runner up in 2000 and 2001.

I also achieved bronze medals in 1995, 1999 and 2003!! I had lots of other podium finishes in other tournaments.(too many to mention)!!

One of the biggest highlights was being selected to fight for the AKA Great Britain team in 1996 against a top Italian team. The British team finished first and I won second in the individual fighting!

Also, I have competed in Kata (forms) along the way and enjoy that aspect of karate.

I have competed against European Champions, Welsh champions, international team members, gaining incrediable, invaluable experience.

I really enjoyed attending seminars all over the country to gain more knowledge from other teachers. This aided me in progressing my karate development.

I achieved 1st Dan Black in 1994 in Devon under a panel from the amateur karate association. 2nd Dan I achieved in 1999, 3rd Dan in 2005 and most recently I have been awarded honorary 4th Dan in 2009 for the work I still do within Karate.

We are a big part of the community, doing big demonstrations for events in the town, organising tournaments etc!!

I took over the club when Sensei Colin Harding retired from the teaching side, in 2004. Being born and bred from the club, I wanted to continue the excellent standard that the club had achieved under Colin.

Wado Ryu 4th dan and 2nd dan Sensei's Kevin John and Jamie Phillips

Sensei's Kevin John (4th Dan) & Jamie Phillips (2nd Dan)

I took the role without hesitation. I want Milford Haven Karate club to continue competing at the highest level.

After taking a 5 year break from competing to focus on teaching, I gained a bronze medal at the British open in 2010 in Birmingham!

I have A vision of where I want to take the club. I am a great believer in hard work and what you put in is what you get out.

As an instructor, I want students to enjoy the lessons whilst learning the art of karate, discipline and respect.

I want to produce more welsh champions and team members within the club. Black belt Dan grades is the ultimate goal!

I want to carry on the work that the club has achieved and hopefully this will be for another 30 years or so!!

See Kevin in our Local Paper - Click Here

Club Instructor Profile

Sensei Jamie Philips 2nd Dan

Milford Haven Karate Club training is at, Milford Haven Leisure centre, Priory Road, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, West Wales, SA732EE on Tuesdays and Thursdays.