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.