Two Clubs. One Purpose.

The Story Behind U.M.A.C

Kato Martial Arts and S.E.S.K noticed a massive gap in East London: there were no local, grassroots competitions specifically designed for white belts and junior grades to safely test the waters. We decided to change that.

Building Confidence on the Mats

U.M.A.C was created to give students a taste of competition in a fun, professional, and beginner-friendly environment. We take the intimidation out of tournament day.

Beginner Friendly:

100% focused on grassroots development.

Professional Setup:

Fully matted, strictly refereed, and organized.

Decades of Experience:

Hosted by fully qualified, expert instructors.

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

Meet The Founders & Organizing Team

U.M.A.C is hosted by local instructors with decades of combined martial arts experience, ensuring a safe, fair, and encouraging environment for your students.

Master Nik Fowden

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR (Kato Martial Arts)

A 4th Degree Black Belt with decades of dedicated teaching and dojo leadership experience. Master Nik specializes in building confidence, self-defence, and personal growth across all ages. He is a driving force behind U.M.A.C, combining high-energy coaching with a genuine passion for uniting the local grassroots martial arts community.

Sensei Nathan Harper

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR (S.E.S.K)

A 4th Dan Black Belt with over 20 years of martial arts and weapons experience. Sensei Nathan has competed at national, international, and world championships. He brings a wealth of real-world competitive knowledge to U.M.A.C, helping grassroots students step onto the competition mats with confidence, technical precision, and strong spirit.

Sensei Robert Soane

SENIOR INSTRUCTOR (S.E.S.K)

A 3rd Dan Black Belt with over 24 years of extensive traditional martial arts experience. Sensei Robert has also competed at national, international, and world championships. He is deeply dedicated to student development, ensuring U.M.A.C divisions remain safe, professionally structured, and focused on building discipline and true competitive sportsmanship.

WORLD-CLASS STANDARDS

What to Expect at U.M.A.C

We are bringing the structure of major international championships to the grassroots level.

Competition Experience

We bring the structure of major international championships to the grassroots level. U.M.A.C is organized by Senseis and Masters who have competed globally—including at WUKF and WKA World Championships. We run our events with that exact same high-level professionalism.

Governance & Safety

Student welfare is our absolute priority. We operate under the strict safeguarding and governance standards of the BMABA, ensuring a fully insured, regulated, and supportive environment for all competitors.

Fair & Safe Matchups

Taking cues from international rulesets, our divisions are strictly categorized by age, grade, and size to ensure every bout and routine is ego-free, fair, and safe. This structure gives beginners the true confidence to compete, while providing instructors with the reassurance of a properly managed environment for their team.

Amazing Partners
& Sponsors:

We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our passion for martial arts. Thank you to our partners and sponsors for supporting grassroots development and helping us deliver a premier tournament experience.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

Our Core Disciplines:

Kumite: Safe, strictly refereed point and light continuous sparring.
Kata: Traditional forms judged on focus, precision, and power.
Kobudo: Advanced traditional weapons routines.