Sensei Tom Smith started training in Kyokushin at the age of 15. Sensei Tom has many honours to his name and has been known in Kyokushin circles for many years having successfully competed both nationally and internationally at Knockdown, Clicker and WUKO events. Sensei Tom’s first dojo was with the BKK in Sutton were he came under the wing of Shihan Grant Kinnard who trained many successful fighters and who identified Sensei Tom’s potential early on. His training with Shihan Kinnard was a strict regime and he was sent to experience other dojo’s training all over London and the South East with Sensei’s Pete Kisby and Orlando, Shihan Claranino and Hanshi Arneil to name but a few. Sensei Tom has pure pedigree as a Kyokushin fighter and as a coach. He lives and breathes the art and his enthusiasm for Kyokushin knows no bounds. This is evident in his teaching and is proven by the popularity of the dojo’s he runs with classes growing all the time and demand becoming greater by the week. The original students who started training with Sensei Tom some years ago now are all developing into senior grades having stayed the course. This is an achievement in itself considering Sensei Toms training regime and steadfast refusal to compromise on standards with some sessions ranging from traditional Kyokushin training to somewhat more diverse and original sessions! However his motivational skills come to the fore here and he in turn, as he was taught, is producing Kyokushin practioners that he can be proud of. Having successfully fought for England and Great Britain in Europe Sensei Tom  turned to coaching and in the late 90’s set up his own dojo’s with Sensei Alan Cleary. They helped form the Kyokushin Schools of Karate which is now a national organization of which Tom was until recently the Head Coach and Referee. Work commitments have meant a scaling down of these roles although he still maintains his referee post and assists with the coaching at national level. Tom is a 4th dan instructor and never one to shy away from a challenge!! Recently he attempted, and completed a 50 man Kumite test.