History of Sensei Paul Elliott

Sensei Paul Elliott began his martial arts journey in 1972 at a club in Godalming, where he trained under an ex-army instructor in a little-known style of Karate. This system was rooted in military self-defence, incorporating full-contact free fighting.

Six months later, Paul was introduced to Wado-Ryu Karate at a club in Bisley, led by Mick Rapley (2nd Dan), a student of the renowned Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki (UKKW). At the time, Karate was flourishing in the UK, and the club had around 80 active students. Paul trained diligently at the Bisley club, where he also benefited from instruction and grading by visiting Japanese masters.

After eight years of rigorous training—often four to five times per week—Paul achieved his 1st Dan under Sensei Rapley. He soon took over a club in Horsham, establishing the Horsham Karate Club, and became the General Secretary of the South of England Karate Association (SEKA). He earned his 2nd Dan five years later, under the guidance of Sensei Rapley, who had by then achieved 5th Dan. SEKA was affiliated with the Federation of English Karate Organisations (FEKO) and the Martial Arts Commission (MAC).

Paul continued his professional development by attending National Coaching Foundation courses and earning his MAC Coach Award and MAC Self Defence Coach certification. During this time, he taught and mentored many students—both male and female—some of whom went on to achieve Dan grades after five years or more of training. He also judged tournaments at Crystal Palace and helped organize SEKA competitions.

In 1989, Paul transitioned from SEKA to join Sensei Gary Swift’s group (D.K.W.), where he earned his 3rd Dan. A year later, under the instruction of Tony Gumerson and Paul Chadwick (5th Dan), Paul was awarded the MAC Senior Coach title.

By 1992, Paul had turned professional, opening clubs in Crawley, Henfield, Horsham, and Southwick, and began teaching Karate and self-defence in schools. He also led women’s self-defence courses in Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, and Horsham. That same year, he was honoured with the title “Tashi” (expert) by Sensei Swift.

After parting ways with D.K.W., Paul founded his own group—S.E.M.K.A. (Samurai Enlighten Mushin Karate Academy)—and became its Chief Instructor. He affiliated the group with the British Goshin Budo Association (BGBA) under the leadership of Shihan J. Whitehead. Within the BGBA, Paul became a certified referee and coaching assessor.

In 1993, Paul was awarded his 4th Dan after impressively scoring 94% on his teaching syllabus assessment conducted by Soke Jeff Whitehead. He earned his 5th Dan in November 1998, and became a registered instructor with the English Karate Governing Body.

In 1999, Paul left the BGBA, welcomed new clubs into SEMKA, and joined the British Karate Association (BKA) and the English Karate Governing Body. He broadened his martial arts studies by attending courses in Tai Jujutsu (under Sensei Lee Funnel, 5th Dan), Kempo San Karate (with Sensei Dave Parkinson, 4th Dan), and Iaido (Japanese sword art) under Sensei Dave Ansell, 6th Dan Kyoshi.

In 2004, Paul achieved the BKA/EKGB Instructor and Assessor Award. The following year, he earned his 1st Dan in Iaido under Mano Sensei, 8th Dan. In June 2005, SEMKA became an associate member of the Alliance of International Wado-Ryu Karate-Do (AIWa), led by Sensei Gary Swift (7th Dan). Paul was later elected General Secretary of AIWa and, in June 2006, was awarded his 6th Dan (Roku Dan) by Sensei Swift. Later that year, in December, he received the esteemed title of Renshi, recognizing his dedication and loyalty to Wado-Ryu.

Paul became a Coaching Assessor for the English Karate Federation and earned a Level 3 PTLLS Tutor Award. On October 17, 2021, he was awarded his 8th Dan by the President of the British Wado Federation (BWF), European Wado Federation (EWF), and International Wado Federation (IWF). On January 16, 2022, he was honoured with the prestigious title of Shogo Kyoshi, further acknowledging his lifelong dedication to Wado-Ryu Karate.

Paul currently serves as:

• Chairman of the British Wado Federation (BWF)
• Senior Director of the International Wado Federation (IWF)
• Senior Director of the European Wado Federation (EWF)

Alongside Karate, Paul teaches a soft-style martial art known as Tai Chi/Tensho Chi, and regularly hosts workshops for martial artists on cultivating and enhancing Chi (life force energy). He also delivers self-defence courses in various schools and community settings.

His teaching repertoire includes:

• Self Defence
• Tai Chi
• Reiki Healing Programs
• Moving Meditation
• Creative Visualization

Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Reiki and is a certified Master Teacher, recognized by the UK Reiki Federation.

His exploration of Chi has deepened his understanding of Master Hironori Ohtsuka’s teachings, enabling him to perform the fluid, subtle movements central to Wado-Ryu Karate. Paul remains committed to the traditional values and techniques of Wado-Ryu, avoiding any dilution of its principles by mixing with other styles.

A passionate teacher, Paul has dedicated his life to the study and instruction of martial arts. Over the last 15 years, he has immersed himself in the study of Yang-style Tai Chi alongside fellow martial artist Alex McGregor. He now teaches both the short and long forms of Tai Chi at 12 clubs, welcoming students of all ages and abilities.