INSTRUCTORS

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.