8 Arena Karate athletes have been selected to represent Team GB at the WTKA World Championships in Italy.

Our Instructors

GRAND MASTER BILLY BRENNAN - 9TH DAN KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Billy Brennan founded Arena Karate in 1975 at the Former NAAFI Club (The Arena) at the Garrison, Colchester, giving the club its name and laying the foundations for what has become one of the region's longest-established and most successful karate clubs.

A 9th Dan and founding member of the English Korean Karate Association (EKKA), Billy has dedicated more than five decades to the development of karate. Internationally, he is recognised as a World Karate Federation (WKF) Referee, Judge and Commentator, and in July 2026 was appointed Acting President of the Commonwealth Karate Federation (CKF).

Despite his international commitments, Billy has remained an integral part of the Arena Karate family. He is a familiar face at our gradings, regularly presiding over the grading panel, where his knowledge, experience and encouragement continue to inspire students of all ages. Whether offering guidance to beginners or sharing his wealth of experience with senior grades and instructors, Billy's presence is always valued.

We always look forward to welcoming Billy back to the dojo and catching up on his latest travels around the world. His stories, insight and continued passion for karate remind us that, although Arena Karate began in Colchester over 50 years ago, its influence reaches far beyond our own dojo.

Arena Karate is proud to have been founded by Billy Brennan, and we remain committed to upholding the values, standards and spirit that he established in 1975.

SENSEI JAN STRZELEC - 7TH DAN KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Sensei Jan Strzelec is a highly experienced martial artist, awarded his 7th Dan in karate in August 2023. Alongside this, he also holds a 6th Dan in ju-jitsu, reflecting a deep and well-rounded knowledge across multiple disciplines.

Jan's extensive background and commitment to high standards support students in developing strong technique, discipline, and confidence in their training.

RENSHI STEFANIE BARNES - 5TH DAN KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Renshi Stefanie Barnes is a 5th Dan black belt in karate and a highly experienced martial arts instructor with over 27 years of training and teaching experience.

She began her martial arts journey at the age of four, training in Judo, boxing, Wing Chun, and kickboxing, before discovering karate at 20 after watching a class and deciding, “Yeah, I can do that.”

Stefanie trained under Billy Brennan at the Arena in Colchester, achieving her 1st Dan in 2007 and her 5th Dan in 2023. Alongside karate, she also practises Kyūjūtsu and kickboxing and teaches nunchucks, bringing a broad and practical skill set to her instruction.

In 2012, she took over Arena Hadleigh from Billy Brennan, continuing a legacy spanning over 50 years, and later established Arena Coggeshall in 2017. Over her teaching career, she has produced multiple black belts and coached students to success in English and European competitions, while also competing herself across the UK and Europe and teaching at seminars nationally and internationally.

In December 2025, Stefanie was awarded the title of Renshi by Billy Brennan in recognition of her dedication, technical ability, and contribution to the continued development of students within the association.

Outside the dojo, she is a cat lover and draws on her early dance background to bring rhythm, balance, and precision to her teaching.

SENSEI NINA HALL - 4TH DAN KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Sensei Nina Hall is a 4th Dan black belt in karate with over 30 years of training experience, having begun her karate journey in 1993. She achieved her black belt in 2006 and has continued to develop her skills across both training and officiating.

She runs Arena Needham Market, delivering two weekly classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30pm–6:30pm. Nina provides structured and supportive sessions, helping students of all ages and abilities build confidence, discipline, and strong technical foundations.

With a background in multiple sports and a commitment to continuous learning, Nina brings experience, energy, and dedication to her teaching, supporting students in reaching their full potential.

SENSEI MARK STRINGER - 4TH DAN KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Sensei Mark Stringer is a 4th Dan black belt in karate with extensive experience both as an instructor and official within the martial arts community.

He teaches at our Tattingstone venue and is a qualified English Karate Federation referee. Mark is also a familiar face on the examiner’s panel at Arena Karate gradings, where he regularly supports and assesses students’ progression.

With a wealth of experience, Mark plays an important role in maintaining high standards across training and gradings, helping students develop strong technical ability and confidence.

SENSEI ANDREW CORNISH - 3RD DAN KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Sensei Andrew Cornish is a 3rd Dan black belt in karate with a wealth of experience across multiple martial arts disciplines. In addition to his karate background, he holds a 6th Dan in ju-jitsu, demonstrating a deep and well-rounded understanding of martial arts.

Andy is also a qualified British Karate Federation (BKF) Kata Judge and English Karate Federation (EKF) Referee, bringing a high level of technical knowledge and competition experience to his teaching.

He teaches at our Tattingstone venue, where his expertise and attention to detail support students in developing strong technique, discipline, and confidence in their training.

STUART COLLIER - 3RD DAN KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Stuart Collier is a highly experienced martial artist with over 30 years of karate training and more than 20 years of experience in boxing. He began his journey at Arena Colchester at the age of 14 and has since developed a strong background across multiple disciplines.

He holds a 3rd Dan in Korean karate and a 2nd Dan in kickboxing, and is also a Level 2 England Boxing coach. Stuart has coached at Colchester, Harwich, and Castle ABC, and has spent over 15 years teaching karate and 10 years teaching kickboxing.

Throughout his competitive career, Stuart has competed in karate for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of experience and practical knowledge to his instruction.

Outside of martial arts, Stuart works as a paediatric nurse and is an animal lover, caring for a range of exotic animals.

CHRIS HODGKINSON - 1ST DAN ASSISTANT KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Chris Hodgkinson is a 1st Dan black belt in karate who has trained under Stefanie Barnes and served as her assistant instructor for many years.

He has a wealth of experience in competition, having competed nationally and internationally, including events such as the English Karate Federation Kyu Grades and the British Karate Federation International Open, achieving success on the medal table.

Chris began his karate journey alongside his son, Jamie, and has developed into an experienced instructor with a strong competitive background and commitment to student development.

JAMIE HODGKINSON - 1ST DAN ASSISTANT KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Jamie Hodgkinson is a 1st Dan black belt in karate and an assistant instructor at Arena Karate. He trained under Stefanie Barnes and began his karate journey at the same time as his father, Chris Hodgkinson. They both progressed through their grades together and achieved their black belts at the same grading.

Jamie has competed at a high level, representing and fighting for Britain, and has also competed internationally. His experience across competition adds valuable insight to his training and instruction.

He is a firm favourite with younger students, bringing a great balance of fun, knowledge, and skill to his classes.

OLIVER WILSON - JUNIOR LEADER - LITTLE DRAGONS

Oliver began his karate journey with Arena Karate in March 2021 and has developed into one of the club's most promising young athletes and leaders. A Brown Belt, he has demonstrated dedication, determination and an outstanding work ethic both in training and competition.

In 2026, Oliver became an English Karate Federation Children & Kyu Grade National Champion, winning Gold and Silver medals in Kumite. His continued commitment earned him selection to represent Great Britain as part of the WTKA GB Team at both the European Championships in Barnsley and the Unified World Championships in Carrara, Italy.

Alongside karate, Oliver also studies Kyūjūtsu (Japanese Archery), helping him develop focus, discipline and precision, while his gymnastics training enhances his balance, flexibility and coordination.

From September 2026, Oliver joins the Arena Karate coaching team as a Junior Leader, where he helps lead the Little Dragons programme. He enjoys introducing young students to karate by teaching fundamental techniques, lefts and rights, basic stances and fun games that build confidence, coordination and a love for learning.

For Oliver, the greatest part of karate isn't just the medals or competitions. It's the friendships. He believes that although karate is an individual sport, the friendships and support within the Arena family last a lifetime.

LACIE-MAE ROSE - JUNIOR LEADER - LITTLE DRAGONS

Lacie-Mae began training with Arena Karate in July 2021 and has become a valued member of the club through her enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitude. Currently a Blue Belt, she continues to develop both her technical ability and leadership skills while encouraging those around her.

In 2026, Lacie-Mae was selected to represent Great Britain as part of the WTKA GB Team at the European Championships in Barnsley and the Unified World Championships in Carrara, Italy, recognising the hard work and dedication she has shown throughout her karate journey.

From September 2026, Lacie-Mae joins the Arena Karate coaching team as a Junior Instructor, helping to deliver the Little Dragons programme for the club's youngest students. She enjoys encouraging children to grow in confidence while making karate fun, engaging and rewarding from their very first lesson.

Away from the dojo, Lacie-Mae enjoys baking and singing. She especially values being part of the Arena Karate family and enjoys the friendships, support and sense of belonging that the club provides.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse