Matthew Handley, Secretary, English Karate National Governing Body

BKF Para Karate National Coach

Head of Kempo Karate Association

5 ^th Dan Black Belt, Martial Arts Coach & Former England Representative.

Matthew Handley began karate at age nine under England representatives Colin Crowther (4th Dan) and Angie Webb (3rd Dan). He earned his black belt in 2000 under their guidance and that of world champion Vic Charles MBE. Throughout his career, Matthew trained with some of the greatest names in British karate from the 1990s, including Mervin Etienne, Augustus Paul, William Thomas, Wayne Otto OBE, and Ticky Donovan OBE – as well as multiple World and European champions from around the world.

Specialising in kumite, Matthew represented England internationally as a senior, competing at the Dutch Open, the Venice Cup, European Championships, and Regional European Team Championships. In 2006, he received a wildcard to the prestigious 10K Karate Clash, broadcasted on Sky Sports. In 2009, he helped lead the Shindo Kai Karate Association to a British Championship title before turning his focus to coaching.

As founder of Halifax Sport Karate, est 2005, he developed one of the UK’s most successful karate clubs, producing Yorkshire, English, British, and world medallists. He became the first-ever England National Para Karate Coach and British Para Karate Coach, earning recognition as Coach of the Year in 2013 at the Calderdale Sports Awards. His credentials include 5th Degree Black belt in karate, WKF-certified Kumite Coach (since 2016) awarded by WKF president, Antonio Espinos, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt (one stripe), Level 3 Mat Glider catch wrestler, and England Boxing Level 1 coach.

Now Head of the Kempo Karate Association, Matthew is a UK Coaching and Disability Ambassador, championing inclusion in sport and karate. His lifelong contribution to martial arts and karate was honoured in 2025 with an invitation to Buckingham Palace for a Royal Garden Party with His Majesty the King.