Britain's only independent National Governing Body for traditional and modern martial arts. Established January 1992

 
 
What's New? - Updated October 4, 2024
Latest news and updates from NAKMAS, external partners and others
The Reverend Joe Ellis - ITV Meridian News - aired on the March 22, 2024
Reverend | Karate | Autism | Anti-Bullying | Kindness
POWER-CUT AT NAKMAS HEAD OFFICE

There is a power cut today at the NAKMAS head office due to overhead cables being taken down and being put underground, so phones that are cloud-based are also down and have been re-routed to the NAKMAS call centre.
BSI AUDIT TODAY

Today, the NAKMAS head office remains closed, with calls handled by either Libby (NAKMAS' press/media officer) or the call centre. The British Standards Institute (BSI) is currently conducting an audit onsite, which is the reason for this closure. Joe and Sandra are currently working alongside Lorna, the BSI client manager (auditor).
DEN JOHNSON

NAKMAS sadly announces the passing of Den Johnson, a highly esteemed and beloved senior karateka who was formerly a member of the NAKMAS National Management Committee. He established and led Denjo Karate Jitsu, a martial arts organisation based in Hayling Island, Hampshire.

NAKMAS has been aware of Den's deteriorating condition for some time, and we offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Den's family and friends.

The Chief Executive of NAKMAS, Reverend Joe Ellis, expresses his nostalgic recollections of Den and says, ‘May God rest his soul.’
NAKMAS BULLYING STATEMENT

NAKMAS issues a NAKMAS Bullying Statement 2024 to all accredited affiliates.

To view and or download the statement via PDF, click here
STATEMENT FROM NAKMAS CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE REVEREND JOE ELLIS 8TH DAN/KARATE RE: ANDY SHERRY 9TH DAN

The news about the outcome of the criminal case involving Andy Sherry, 9th Dan, former chief instructor of the Karate Union of Great Britain, is quite unsettling.

During the unification of English karate in 2006, under the control of Sport England and UK Sport, I collaborated with Sherry. As England's most senior karateka of the highest integrity, I admired his contributions and liked our close working relationship at the time, which grew into a friendship.

Days after Karate England was created, as the President/Chair I received comments about rumours of alleged abuse by Sherry. Scotland Yard's Paedophile Unit, also investigating suspected historical abuse by the National Coach at the time, I forwarded the case as a result. I insisted on Sherry applying for a DBS Enhanced Disclosure right away, and Sherry delivered me a copy of the original DBS cleared certificate a few weeks later. Scotland Yard informed me that they could not further investigate the case due to the lack of a formal complaint. Incidentally, Scotland Yard halted its formal inquiry into the National Coach due to no evidence.

It is admirable that the victims bravely came forward to disclose Sherry's abuse, and we must thoroughly support them in overcoming this terrible moment so they can live their lives to the fullest. They faced Sherry again in an open Crown Court, but their bravery and determination led to a conviction against Sherry. The court will hopefully impose the appropriate harsh punishment on Sherry, allowing the victims to finally put an end to the matter after so many years.

Karate, and martial arts in general, is a safe art (sport), with most bodies putting strong and robost safeguards in place. Unfortunately, as we have seen in Sherry's case, he has used his position to exploit teens and others. We must all be attentive to ensuring that every child and adult involved in martial arts and sports in general are protected and safe, and that any abuse is reported to the police and authorities immediately.

We cannot allow any further abuse cases to arise. We must protect every child and adult, regardless of circumstances. We have a legal and moral duty to do so.
ITV MERIDIAN/ITVX

The NAKMAS chief executive, Joe Ellis, been requested to appear on ITV Meridian South East to discuss karate and clergy work. The news item will be aired this Friday at 6 pm and on ITVX a few hours later. Tune in and enjoy!
NAKMAS SAFEGUARDING POLICIES - CHILDREN AND ADULTS'

NAKMAS has recently uploaded the new Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy and also the Safeguarding Adults' Policy.

To view and or download the policies click here
NAKMAS NATIONAL REGISTER OF QUALIFIED BLACK BELTS

NAKMAS is pleased to confirm that the NAKMAS National Register of Qualified Black Belts has today been updated.

To view the latest updates click here

URGENT NAKMAS NEWS UPDATE - 29 FEBRUARY 2024


An important news update for all accredited NAKMAS chief instructors and secretaries now appears on the secure area of the NAKMAS website and the private Facebook group; links to both are, as follows:


Website:

https://www.nakmas.org.uk/members-area


Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nakmasngb/

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NAKMAS

Longstanding Chair becomes Chief Executive on Martial Arts National Governing Body refresh

The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) has recently appointed a new Chief Executive, The Reverend Joe Ellis, a highly accomplished individual in the field of martial arts. After serving as the organisation's national chairperson for an impressive 32 years, Reverend Ellis has decided to step down from his previous position and take up a new role as a part-time employee.

To read more click here
IMPORTANT PRESS/MEDIA RELEASE

NAKMAS, the leading National Governing Body for Martial Arts in the UK, has recently restructured its senior management team.

NAKMAS was founded in 1992 by husband-and-wife team, The Reverend Joe Ellis, formerly National Chair and Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis, currently Director of Operations.

To read more click here

NAKMAS National Governing Body
PO Box 630, Ashford, Kent, TN23 9AQ
Telephone: 01227 370055 (Monday to Friday 10am until 2pm)
Text/SMS: 07908683134 (24/7)
Email: admin@nakmas.org.uk