Our Karate Instructors

Brian Jarvis Sensei is the chief instructor at Samurai Martial Arts.

Studying the art of Karate since 1978, Brian has accomplished many achievements , his latest being promoted to 5th Dan by Master Kunio Murayama chief instructor of Shito-Kai Mexico.

Brian now leads a team of enthusiastic instructors and assistants, striving to maintain high standards of instruction for all ages and abilities.

Barry, the most senior grade student in the academy, has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Barry began his karate training in 1985, training under Sensei Chris Mileham in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, which was then part of the Shukokai Karate Union (SKU). He graded to 2nd Dan in Shukokai karate in 1992 by Sensei Stan Knighton. During this time he also had brief introductions into Aikido and Jujitsu.

After a few years away from the martial arts Barry began training in Taekemkwan Kickboxing (Taekwondo, Kempo and Tae Boxing techniques) with the Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, Maindee, South Wales. He trained under Mike Ahern for approximately 3 years grading to Blue Stripe.

Barry restarted his karate training in 2003, and regraded at 2nd Dan level in Shito-ryu Karate-do. Still actively competing and has enjoyed recent success in both kata and kumite competitions. Currently training and assisting at the Ross on Wye and Cheltenham Dojos, he continues to develop both his technical and teaching skillset

Danielle is the youngest member of our teaching staff and assists Sensei Brian during our very busy Saturday morning childrens karate classes"The Little Ninjas" and "The Karate Kids".

"My name is Danielle Lee, I have been training with Sensei Brian since October 2001, aged 10. I currently train three times a week at either the Gloucester or Cheltenham dojos along with my sister and mum. Since April 2005 I have been assisting on Saturday mornings at the Gloucester STR dojo, which I thoroughly enjoy. I was selected to attend the Copa Murayama tournament in Monterrey, Mexico in October 2005, where I won silver medals in both kata and kumite events. In my spare time I am studying for my GCSEs at the High School for Girls, Gloucester!"

Dona has been training since 1998 and was awarded a black belt in 2004.

Dona has been an active competitor and balances her busy training and teaching schedule with her family life.

Now assisting Sensei Brian on a full time basis in Gloucester and Cheltenham, Dona continues to develop her skills and maintains a high level of fitness.

Penny has been training in Karate with Samurai Martial Arts since 2002 & has been assisting in classes at the Cheltenham dojo for the last 2yrs. She will be running the Tewkesbury dojo in September 2010 with classes on a Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.
 
Penny is currently a 2nd Dan, Shito-kai certified instructor and an English Karate Federation qualified judge.

I initially started karate because I wanted to learn how to defend myself. I felt a need to build my self confidence in order to stand up against school bullies and thought martial arts was a good start. After a few months of training I also found it improved my flexibility, coordination and balance not to mention controlling my temper under pressure as a loss of control, whether physical or mental is not tolerated in the dojo!!

Having started karate as a hobby, as I progressed through the ranks I found my interest in it also depend and now I have included it in my GCSE P.E studies. Since achieving my black belt I have become more involved in teaching and coaching as an assistant to my instructor. This has again further developed my self confidence as I try to help people of all ages and ability improve their skills.

In addition to my training and teaching I have also competed both nationally and internationally. To date I have achieved a number of medal placing' in both kata and kumite and have travelled to Canada and Mexico. I have also learned a great deal by watching and competing against other international athletes as well as experiencing their different cultures