Our Rich Heritage
Four decades of excellence, tradition, and community. Discover the journey that shaped Kazen Kai Martial Arts Club into the martial arts institution it is today.
eventJoin Our LegacyOur Journey Through Time
Trace our path from day one to a flourishing martial arts community, and see the milestones that made us who we are.
The Beginning
Sensei Simon Kidd begins teaching martial arts at the Barking & Dagenham Karate club.
starKey Achievements
- First dojo established
- Traditional Karate curriculum introduced
- Community partnership with local schools began
- 1977 - Sensei Kidd wins British Karate junior kata championship
Growing Roots
Sensei Simon Kidd founds the Brentwood Ishinryu Karate Club under Sensei Ticky Donovan's guidance.
starKey Achievements
- Started Brentwood Ishinryu Karate Club
- Began teaching Karate and Self-Defence to the pupils at the Bell House School
- Karate/Self-Defence Program becomes a part of the Girls curriculum from the age of 6 to 16 years at the Bell House School
- 1983 - Sensei Kidd is the English Karate junior and senior middle weight champion
World Championships
Sensei Simon Kidd was a member of the Great Britain team that won the World Championships in Karate in Egypt
starKey Achievements
- Great Britain wins World Karate Championships in Egypt
- Sensei Kidd is the Portuguese Open Karate Champion
Championship Success
The mid-90s marked our golden era of competition success. Our students began winning regional and national championships, putting Kazen Kai on the map as a premier martial arts institution.
starKey Achievements
- Sensei Simon Kidd is a coach to the Ishinryu Karate Association Team, which won the English Championships and the British Championships multiple times
- 4 members of the Brentwood Ishinryu Karate Club join the English Junior Team
- Keith Morton joins the British Senior Karate Team, winning Individual European Silver Medals at both junior and senior levels; and a Gold Medal in the 1993 British Championships (Heavyweight)
- Lee Clark (English Junior Karate International) wins Gold medal in the 1993 British Championships (Middleweight)
Expansion
Sensei Simon Kidd expands his teaching to additional locations in Essex, increasing accessibility for students across the county.
starKey Achievements
- 1990 - Founded the Danbury Ishinryu Karate Club
- 1992 - Founded the Chelmsford Ishinryu Karate Club
- 1993 - Founded the Billericay Ishinryu Karate Club
- Sensei Simon Kidd becomes a senior instructor within the International Ishinryu Karate Association
South Africa
Sensei Simon Kidd lives in South Africa, founding the South African branch of the Ishinryu Karate Association.
starKey Achievements
- Johannesburg Ishinryu Karate Club established
- Cape Town Ishinryu Karate Club established
- Port Elizabeth Ishinryu Karate Club established
Kazen Kai Martial Arts Club Founded
Bringing together our various dojos under one banner, Kazen Kai Martial Arts Club is officially established, symbolizing our commitment to excellence and community in martial arts.
starKey Achievements
- 2001 - Kazen Kai Martial Arts Club officially founded
- 2003 - Sensei Kidd opens the first dedicated Kazen Kai facility in Brentwood
- Eastenders star, Ross Kemp, attends the opening ceremony
- Racecar driver, Perry McCarthy, attends the opening ceremony
Kazen Kai Expansion & World Championship Success
Kazen Kai athletes achieve remarkable success in regional and national competitions, showcasing their skills and dedication.
starKey Achievements
- 2010 - Kazen Kai expands to North East England
- 2011 - Kazen Kai opens a new full-time dojo in Chelmsford
- 2015 - Ian Wilson is the WUKF Veterans World Karate Champion
- 2016 - Kazen Kai opens a new full-time dojo in Harlow
- 2016 - Ryan Lambert wins Silver at the WUKF World Karate Championships
- 2019 - Kazen Kai opens a new full-time dojo in Maldon
Digital Transformation
The global pandemic challenged us to innovate. We quickly adapted with virtual classes, online seminars, and hybrid training programs, ensuring our community stayed connected and continued their martial arts journey.
starKey Achievements
- Training sessions over Zoom
- Continued timetable throughout lockdown
Four Decades Strong
Today, Kazen Kai stands as a testament to the power of dedication, tradition, and community. With a legacy spanning 40 years, we continue to evolve while staying true to our founding principles.
starKey Achievements
- 40 years of continuous operation
- 4 disciplines taught: Karate, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Many European and World Champions trained
Through the Years
