TKW Staff
All TKW staff are First Aid trained and have Enhanced DBS Checks. Whilst Amanda is the club’s welfare officer, all staff are safeguarding trained.
Jamie Jewell
Jamie is the Head Coach at TKW Karate and one of the most respected Wado Kai instructors in the UK. A 6th Dan black belt certified by the Japan Karate Federation (JKF), he brings decades of high-level experience as both a competitor and coach.
Jamie has proudly represented England at multiple World Cup events and has successfully coached numerous athletes to international standards. Following two silvers at successive World championships, Jamie transitioned fully from competing to teaching. His deep technical knowledge, strategic insight, and passion for developing talent have made him a leading figure in English Karate. Jamie is currently one of the England Wado-Kai Kumite coaches.
He is also one of the few instructors in the UK to hold an official examiner’s license from the JKF—an honour rarely granted outside of Japan. This prestigious qualification reflects his exceptional skill, dedication, and the trust placed in him by one of the world’s foremost karate organisations.
As Head Coach, Jamie is committed to excellence at every level, inspiring students to reach their full potential both on and off the mat.
Brandon Jewell
Brandon is a highly accomplished martial artist and dedicated coach at TKW Karate, bringing a wealth of experience and elite-level success to every student he mentors. Achieving his black belt in Japan at the remarkable age of 13, Brandon has since gone on to build an exceptional competitive record across multiple disciplines.
He is a 7-time national champion, Commonwealth champion, 4-time British champion, and 6-time FEW European champion in Karate. On the world stage, Brandon earned a bronze medal in the Under-21 World Championships and was formerly ranked second in the world at that level.
In addition to his Karate achievements, Brandon is also a former Team GB Taekwondo athlete. His taekwondo accolades include 3 British Championship titles, becoming the only man to achieve British titles in both Karate and Taekwondo.
Currently serving as the England National Youth Development Coach , Brandon plays an integral role in developing the next generation of elite athletes. His blend of international competition experience and coaching expertise makes him a respected figure within the martial arts community and a key asset to TKW Karate.
Amanda Jewell
Amanda has been deeply involved in the world of Karate for over 30 years, contributing extensively behind the scenes before officially beginning her own training journey in 2018. She is currently a 2nd Kyu Brown Belt and continues to train with commitment and enthusiasm.
Since 2005, Amanda has played a vital role in the success of TKW Karate, managing the club’s finances, membership, and communications with professionalism and efficiency. Her dedication ensures the smooth operation of the club and a welcoming environment for students and families alike.
As TKW’s Welfare Officer, Amanda is responsible for safeguarding and supporting the well-being of all members. She is fully qualified through EKF-affiliated safeguarding training, as well as additional certification from the NSPCC, and is always approachable, supportive, and focused on maintaining a safe and inclusive space for everyone at the club.
Kieran Jewell
Kieran is a 2nd Dan black belt in Wado Kai Karate, having earned his first Dan in Japan at just 14 years old. A dedicated martial artist and experienced competitor, he has proudly represented England at two World Cup events, held in Vancouver and Nagoya.
Alongside his martial arts achievements, Kieran holds a First-Class Honours BSc in Physical Education and Sports Coaching from the University of Gloucestershire. He went on to complete his PGCE in Secondary Education, equipping him with a strong foundation in teaching, coaching, and youth development.
Combining his international Karate experience with academic expertise in sport and education, Kieran brings a thoughtful, structured, and motivating approach to his coaching. He is passionate about helping students grow both physically and mentally through disciplined and supportive training.
Graham Leigh
Graham began his martial arts journey in 1971, studying Wado Ryu Karate while living in Southampton. Over the decades, he has continually expanded his expertise, training in a variety of disciplines including Goshin Jutsu, Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Wing Chun, and Krav Maga. His dedication to lifelong learning and martial excellence earned him a 3rd Dan black belt from the Japan Karate Federation (JKF). Graham achieved his 3rd Kyu Instructors licence in 2025, taking his exam in Tokyo.
Since joining TKW Karate in 2011, Graham has not only contributed as an experienced instructor but has also represented the club in competition, including the 2015 World Cup in Japan. His deep knowledge of self-defence is supported by numerous formal qualifications, and he has delivered specialist training to a wide range of groups across England and Wales.
Graham brings over five decades of martial arts experience to his teaching, combining technical precision with real-world application to inspire students of all levels.
Gary Macarthur
Gary began his Karate journey at the age of 21, training consistently for 13 years and earning his brown belt before taking a break from the sport. Although life led him away from training, his passion for karate never faded during the 18 years he was away from the dojo.
In 2018, Gary rediscovered his love for martial arts when he joined TKW Karate. With the expert guidance and support of Sensei Jamie Jewell and the high-quality instruction at the club, Gary quickly progressed—achieving his 1st Dan black belt in 2019 and his 2nd Dan in 2023.
Gary’s story is a testament to perseverance and lifelong passion. He brings humility, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the art of Karate to his training and instruction, inspiring others to pursue their goals no matter where they are on their journey.