Instructors – SEMKA

Chief Instructor 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. Six months later, Paul was introduced to Wado-Ryu Karate at a club in Bisley, led by Mick Rapley (then 2nd Dan), a student of the renowned Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki (UKKW).

After eight years of rigorous training Paul achieved his 1st Dan under Sensei Rapley. He soon took over a club in Horsham, establishing the Horsham Karate Club. He earned his 2nd Dan five years later, under the guidance of Sensei Rapley.

After earning 3rd Dan in 1989 under Sensei Gary Swift, Paul turned professional in 1992, opening clubs in Crawley, Henfield, Horsham, and Southwick, and began teaching Karate and self-defence in schools. Paul founded his own group—S.E.M.K.A. (Samurai Enlighten Mushin Karate Academy)—and became its Chief Instructor.

In 1993, Paul was awarded his 4th Dan, and earned his 5th Dan in November 1998, as well as becaming a registered instructor with the English Karate Governing Body.

In 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). In 2022, he was further honoured with the prestigious title of Shogo Kyoshi, further acknowledging his lifelong dedication to Wado-Ryu Karate.

Read a full history of Sensei Paul Elliott

Ray Brown 5th Dan

After some initial training in karate in Norwich in the 1970s, Ray was re-introduced to karate in 2001 when his son asked to join a karate class. Now living in Horsham, Ray took his son to Horsham Karate Club run by Sensei Paul Elliott. After initially watching from the sidelines, he quickly decided to join in the training.

Sensei Paul encouraged Ray to take his black belt grading and Ray earned 1st dan in 2005. He now assists with training and development of the Junior students.

Hayley Jeffries 3rd Dan

Hayley started training after being inspired by an action film, aged 6. She enrolled in S.E.M.K.A in 2007 and worked from white belt to earning 1st dan black belt in 2012. After initially being one of few girls within the club, Hayley was joined by mum Julie, which inspired other mums and girls to join.

In 2014 Hayley achieved 2nd dan and continued to train and teach until going to University, where she joined the all-styles University karate club, giving an informative insight into other styles and techniques. In her third year Hayley became president of the University karate club.

Julie Jeffries 3rd Dan

After watching daughter Hayley’s progress, Julie started training herself in 2010. Julie believes it is really beneficial for parents to train alongside their children, helping with fitness and learning as well as encouragement.

Julie achieved 1st dan black belt in 2013. She now instructs and trains adults and juniors, and enjoys seeing them achieve their goals.