Tokon Tigers

Instructor

Barry Tullett Sensei, 4th Dan

I have always been very interested in all aspects of the Martial Arts, I knew Sensei Mick Bussey through work so when he mentioned that Sensei John had started his own club it seemed the right way to go.

I was quickly proved right as Sensei John’s Teaching style and beliefs struck a chord with me straight away. With the support of “Grandad” John Ebury who always took the lower grades and beginners to show and teach them the basics as well as teaching them the correct Dojo etiquette I quickly felt very at home.

As my training increased and I learned more about karate than just the physical practice we both agreed that Juniors are the future for any club so when the opportunity arose to help teach at our first Kids only class at Upton School, I jumped at the chance to help.

On that first night Sensei John and I both thought there would probably only be about 5-6 Juniors there, we had a shock when nearly 30 turned up and the school hall was a tad cramped to say the least. We eventually moved to Hereson School needing the extra space.

Sensei John and Charlie also opened a club at Palm Bay School so when they asked if I would be happy to take over the running of the club, I said yes straight away. The club grew over the years, and we have been very fortunate to gain several Black belts from those early beginnings.

Due to issues from Covid and the sudden jump in rent at the school we took the decision to move the club to our main Dojo in Ramsgate late in 2020 where we renamed ourselves Tokon Tigers (Tokon meaning fighting spirit ) this fitted perfectly with our clubs beliefs that even when you are struggling always having a fighting spirit will see you through.

Tokon has a healthy range of students from beginners to 2nd Dan Black Belts and we are very fortunate to have Rhys, Caleb and George helping and encouraging all our students at all lessons.

OSS Sensei Baz