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News

Pembrokeshire karate school under investigation by national governing body over ‘irregularities’

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A MARTIAL ARTS school in Pembrokeshire is being urgently investigated by a national governing body, after it came to light that it has been operating unlawfully.

Milford Haven Karate School, run by 6th Dan instructor Kevin John, is being probed by the top UK authority in karate for issuing dodgy certificates – and for failing to ensure that pupils were licensed and insured for the Japanese – now Olympic – sport.

Irregularities came to light after certificates, which cost parents £30 each, were issued with identical serial numbers – even to the same pupils at different times.

INVESTIGATION

An investigation by this newspaper has revealed that the certificates were fakes and not issued with permission of NAKMAS, the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools, nor had any funds been passed to NAKMAS for their issue – raising questions as to where funds have gone.
NAKMAS said that any mention of their organisation or use of their logo on certificates must be approved, but to date no approval has been given, they said.

Parents thought their children were getting official gradings in Karate – but the certificates are just photocopies of an original – going by the old-style logo – from at least ten years ago. Names of recipients and their grades were filled in with what looks like a black Sharpie marker pen.

However, parents were none-the-wiser, and kept paying. Some paid over a number of years, for more and more certificates as their children achieved new grades in the Wado Ryu type of Karate.

Reverend Joe Ellis, National Chair of the NAKMAS National Governing Body, whose photocopied signature appears on the certificates, said that they are fakes, and that he is “alarmed” by their issue.

Some pupils have been receiving the fake certificates as far back as 2019, despite parents forking out for each and every one. Without proper certification the belts that students have worked towards would not be recognised outside the school.

Rev. Joe Ellis said that he hopes work with the club to ensure that the pupils can keep their belts they have worked so hard to achieve.

Asked if pupils could lose belts they were recently awarded he said: “I will do everything in my power to see that this does not happen.”

NO INSURANCE

Parents at Milford Haven Karate School have told this newspaper they have paid between £25 and £30 per year for licences for the children, but NAKMAS has confirmed that no money has been recevied from Milford Haven Karate School – and therefore the pupils ‘shouldn’t be training or grading’ they said.
“Where has the money gone?” some parents have asked.

Other parents have said they have not received receipts for money paid, nor have they seen copies of the licences paid for – being told that the school is keeping the certificates ‘in case the kids lose them.’

NAKMAS said that although they believe that the school’s instructors may have a current employer’s liability insurance certificate, the children are not covered by any insurance policy as the club was operating as unlicensed.

NAKMAS said they were aware of the school, but had not been informed that it had re-opened post-covid.

The school re-opened last year in May, parents said.

Rev Joe Ellis: Karate boss says Milford Haven Karate Club is under investigation (Image NAKMAS)

SEVERAL IRREGULARITIES

As well as insurance, NAKMAS has explained that – especially where young children are concerned – their organisation provides governance and safeguarding. This, however, is not in place if the club is operating outside of the National Association. There are also implications for the club’s organisers under The Children’s Act 1989 if best practice when running the club is not adhered to.

Reverend Joe Ellis said: “It has been brought to our attention by The Pembrokeshire Herald, that several irregularities appear in the running of the Milford Haven Karate Club.

“We are alarmed by these and have, today, set in motion a full review and investigation of these issues.

“We will remain supportive of any adults and children in the club who have been adversely affected”

He added: “I am now writing to Kevin John informing him of how to resolve this urgently and to ensure legal and NAKMAS compliance. I am expecting a call from him soon to confirm urgent resolution.”

UNABLE TO COMMENT

Kevin John of Milford Haven Karate School told The Herald: “We are not able to get a meeting with NAKMAS to get to the bottom of this until later today.

“Their legal team has informed us we are not allowed to comment at present.”

Probe: Kevin John runs Milford Haven Karate Club (Image: Facebook)

Charity

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

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THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.

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Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

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THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ

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Community

Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

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THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

Ongoing training and backlash

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

Community protection notice issued

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.

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