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Instructors

Sensei Robert

Name: Robert Garratt

Grade: 5th Dan

Clubs: East Malling

About: Sensei Robert started training in 1985 with Thames Karate International under Sensei Jimmy Patterson and was fortunate enough to be graded under one of the original Karateka's Sensei Ray Fuller. In 1999 he trained under Sensei Roy Howe and Sensei George Neville and this saw his competition years really take off. He regularly visited Nottingham to attend FEKO (Federation of English Karate Organisations) squad sessions and made the FEKO squad in 2000 fighting in competitions such as the EKGB (English Karate Governing Body) national and becoming a successful competitor. along his journey he has been fortunate to attend multiple courses and trained with some of the most highly regarded Sensei's in Karate including Sensei Dave Hazard, Sensei Aiden Trimble and Sensei Scott Langley.

In 2003 Robert took over his own club for Thames at Grove Park. He further went on to become deputy head of Thames Kaizen under Sensei Val Patterson.

In 2021 with Sensei Tina Calvert they founded Kent Michi Karate Association, Their vision is to teach truly traditional karate in an environment that is approachable by all and creating a local Karate community.

Sensei Tina

Name: Tina Calvert

Grade: 4th Dan

Clubs: East Malling, Peters Village, Ditton

About: Sensei Tina is a second-generation karateka, who started her karate journey at the age of 12 alongside her brother, encouraged by her father who has been her inspiration throughout her long career.

She trained from 1985-1989 under Tony Eastwood, and after a break to start her family, she finally returned to Ditton Karate Club, achieving her Shodan in 2006 under Joy Dean. Tina began taking a more central role in the club, keeping it running smoothly under new instruction from Q.H. Le.

Since then, Tina has been nothing shy of unstoppable. Taking her 2nd by force in a spectacular kumite display in 2015, quickly followed by her 3rd Dan in 2018 allowing her to become the lead instructor at Ditton Karate Club. in 2023 she also was able to complete her 4th Dan.

She co-founded Kent Michi Karate Association in April 2020, establishing clubs in East Peckham and Peters Village.

Tina now teaches 5 nights a week, competes in Kata, and ensures the whole association runs smoothly.

Sensei Chloe

Name: Chloe Harris

Grade: 3rd Dan

Clubs: Hermitage Park, Ditton Karate Club

About: Sensei Chloe started training at the age of 6 at Ditton Karate Club in 1998, under Simon Wetherill and Joy Dean. A third-generation karateka, she was the first student within the club to achieve her Shodan in 2003 aged 11.

She started fighting competitively at 15 years old and consistently took gold for her categories in local competitions.

Chloe re-took her Shodan grading as a senior in 2014 shortly after the birth of her daughter, Maisie, who has followed in the footsteps of her parents, grandmother and great-grandfather and is rapidly approaching her own Shodan grading. She received her 2nd Dan in 2018, followed by her 3rd Dan 2022.

She and her husband Jim opened Hermitage Park Karate Club in 2022, which is thriving. She is currently organising extra training sessions solely for women within the association, to improve their confidence in combat and competition.

Sensei Jim

Name: Jim Harris

Grade: 3rd Dan

Clubs: Hermitage Park

About: Sensei Jim started training at 6 years old in Aylesford under Glen Wright, achieving his Shodan in 2002 aged 12.

Jim has attended training courses with Ticky Donovan OBE and has competed in open competition from 8 years old.

Sensei Jim got back into karate after meeting his wife, Chloe. He took his 3rd Dan alongside her in 2022 and together they opened Hermitage Park Karate Club later that year.

Jim is an advocate for Men's Mental Health and believes karate can be pivotal in helping mental wellbeing.

Shodan Grades

The association wouldn't run without the help and dedication of the Michi Team, and the instructors who assist at the clubs each week, on top of being available to help at competitions and gradings.