INSTRUCTORS
Sensei Phill Sedgmond 4th Dan
Chief Instructor
Sensei Phill Sedgmond is the Chief Instructor of Barry Kyokushin Honbu Dojo – the very club where his Kyokushin journey began at the age of 11 under the guidance of Sensei Richard Males.
Over the next 20 years, Phill trained diligently under Sensei Richard, developing not only his technical ability but also a deep understanding of the principles and spirit of Kyokushin Karate. When Sensei Richard retired, Phill, then a Senpai, assumed the role of Chief Instructor at just 33 years of age, taking on the responsibility of leading the dojo and developing the next generation of karateka.
His grading journey reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence and perseverance. In 2008, Phill achieved his Shodan (1st Dan) and was appointed Assistant Instructor. He went on to earn his Nidan (2nd Dan) in 2013 before travelling to Japan in 2017, where he successfully graded to Sandan (3rd Dan) under Kancho Matsui at the sacred Mitsumine Shrine. Continuing to lead by example, Phill achieved his Yondan (4th Dan) in March 2023 before the So-Kyokushin UK grading panel, becoming the first person in the history of Barry Kyokushin to attain this prestigious rank.
In March 2021, Phill made the significant decision to leave the IKO, believing its direction no longer reflected the values and spirit of traditional Kyokushin. He joined So-Kyokushin UK under the leadership of Shihan Mac Robertson, where his dedication, leadership, and organisational abilities quickly earned him appointment as Secretary General and Executive Committee Member. Under his stewardship, Barry Kyokushin was recognised as the Headquarters of So-Kyokushin UK, a testament to the dojo's high standards and the respect Phill has earned throughout the organisation. He also serves on the National Grading Panel for So-Kyokushin UK.
Phill's contributions have since been recognised with further senior appointments. He was appointed Secretary to Europe, acting as the principal liaison between European member organisations and So-Kyokushin headquarters in Japan. In this role, he facilitates communication on behalf of the European organisation, helping to strengthen international relationships, coordinate initiatives, and support the continued growth of So-Kyokushin throughout the continent.
More recently, Phill was appointed UK Branch Chief, serving as the second-in-command of So-Kyokushin UK under Country Representative Shihan Mac Robertson. This position reflects the trust and confidence placed in his leadership, experience, and commitment to the development of Kyokushin Karate across the United Kingdom.
Aimee 2nd Kyu
Assistant Instructor
Aimee is an Instructor at Barry Kyokushin, where she plays a key role in developing both young and beginner students.
She has been an integral part of our Little Spartans program, taking a leading role in teaching and mentoring other staff members to follow in her footsteps. Her natural ability to engage and inspire has made her a driving force in the success of the program.
Building on this, Aimee now leads instruction within our Beginner Kyokushin classes and our intermediate classes, where her students continue to progress to a high standard, with many successfully achieving their first gradings under her guidance. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students are evident in every class she leads.
Alongside her teaching, Aimee is also a committed competitor. Since achieving her Orange Belt, she has consistently competed in Kata, placing in every Kyokushin tournament she has entered. She has recently begun her Knockdown career, gaining valuable experience on the mats as she looks to challenge herself further. Aimee has set her sights on representing So-Kyokushin UK on the World Stage in Japan in 2027.
In addition to instructing and competing, Aimee is making her mark in refereeing. Following her excellent work at recent organisation events, she was promoted to Associate Referee, a recognition of her knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the art. She is now focused on achieving international judging status from 2026 onwards, continuing to broaden her contribution to Kyokushin karate both on and off the tatami.
Aimee’s journey from student to instructor, competitor, and official is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and passion. She is a role model within the dojo and a shining example of the spirit of Kyokushin.
