Our Instructors
Sensei Moira Barber: 8th Dan
Chief Instructor, Kaichou Kai Karate Hornchurch, Founder of Kaichou Kai Karate Association
Kaichou Kai Karate Association was formed in 2009 by Sensei Moira Barber, 8th Dan, who has experience teaching both traditional and sport karate. The association developed quickly and soon gained recognition for its professionalism. We are affiliated to the Karate England and The World United Karate Federation. We work closely with these groups, to maintain high standards of karate practice and provide opportunities for students to reach world class status.
Our clubs are based in Rainham, Hornchurch, Upminster and Hackney. Students range from 5 years to adult. Our instructors are DBS checked, first aid trained and covered by instructor indemnity insurance.
The meaning of Kaichou Kai is ‘Strength in Unity’, together we support, encourage and help each other in our goals.
From her very first lesson, Moira found the discipline and strenuous training in karate very challenging, both mentally and physically. Some 40+ years later, it is apparent that these challenges developed into a passion for the art of Karate-do. She also offers personal training and sports massage.
Moira is a highly experienced instructor, who has gained knowledge over her many years of training with some of the world’s top karate-ka. She first opened the Grays dojo in 1979, many years later in 1992 and through popular demand she then opened a second dojo in Rainham.
Through her time as an instructor, she has trained numerous black belts, many of whom still train with her today.
Moira herself received her Great Britain badge and represented the GB at the first ever Ladies European Championships at Crystal Palace in 1982. In this debut international performance, she won a bronze medal in the under 53 kilo category – the first ladies medal won for Great Britain in Kumite. She went on to perform at European and World tournaments and picked up more trophies along the way.
She retired from international competition to raise her children, who themselves began training at the age of 7 years and reached their black belt grades. Her daughter has also represented England at European and World championships.
Following her competition days, she went into coaching and lead her students to further success, boasting English and British champions at junior and senior level. Many of these students held onto their title for 3, 4 or 5 years in a row and also gained international status.
She went on to gain her British Referee badge for both kata and kumite in the early 1990s.
Sensei Moira Barber was awarded her 8th Dan in November 2023.
Sensei David Young: 6th Dan
Chief Instructor Kaichou Kai Upminster
Sensei Martyn Le Breiully: 5th Dan
Sensei Mike Frewin: 5th Dan
Getting restless watching his two sons from the sidelines, Mike decided to start himself and began his training aged 32 under the instruction of Sensei Martyn. Always more challenging starting as an adult but he faced it head on and received his 1st Dan Black belt in 2010. Mike, assists in the running of our Hornchurch club, alongside Sensei Moira and contributes greatly to the student’s progression. In his own words “You are never too old to set a goal”. Mike was awarded his 5th Dan in 2024.
Sensei Kerry Barber: 4th Dan
Chief Instructor Kaichou Kai Hackney
Kerry was introduced to karate from a very young age, accompanying mum Moira to classes and events. Aged 7, she then started her own karate training. Kerry won many national titles, leading to international recognition and representing England at European Championships. Kerry plays a massive role behind the scenes too, helping co-ordinate local and overseas events. She is part of the Kaichou Kai and Karate England coaching team.
Sensei James Young: 2nd Dan
Chief Instructor Kaichou Kai Rainham
Our Senior Black Belts
Sensei Jaden Young: 3rd Dan
“Karate has taught me the values of respect, perseverance and discipline. It has pushed me to pursue my goals both inside and outside the dojo with confidence. Karate has become much more than just a martial art to me; it’s a way of life that continues to shape who I am and helps me grow every day.”
Sensei Rory Armstrong-Smith: 3rd Dan
“Karate has taught me many lessons from discipline and respect to resilience and determination that I have been able to transfer to many other aspects of my life. Karate has played an important role in making me the person I am today. It is more than a sport, fitness or hobby, it’s an art and a way of life.”
Sonny Masters: 2nd Dan
“Throughout the years that I have done karate it has taught me a valuable life lesson, to never give up, and that with hard work and commitment you can achieve any goal you set.”
