Meet the Team

Steve Ashby - Chief Instructor

Steve Ashby is the Chief Instructor and founder of Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo, established in Bristol in 1996.

With over 40 years of dedicated training in traditional Shotokan Karate, Steve began his journey in 1984 at Konjaku Shin Dojo in Grimsby under Sensei Dave Kershaw. All of his grades have been passed under the guidance of Hanshi Shiro Asano, Chief Instructor of SKIF-GB, maintaining a direct lineage to one of the most respected authorities in traditional karate.

Throughout his career, Steve has remained committed not only to his own development, but to the development of others — helping hundreds of students build confidence, discipline and lifelong skills through karate.

His teaching philosophy is rooted in traditional values:

• Respect
• Consistency
• Strong fundamentals
• Personal growth through training

Steve founded Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo to provide high-quality, traditional karate instruction to the Bristol community — creating a dojo that is welcoming, disciplined, and focused on long-term development rather than short-term results.

Steve is also the assistant regional coach for SKIF-GB Wales & Southwest.

In recognition of his contribution to karate and the community, Steve was awarded:

• Wilkinson Sword of Honour (2019)
• Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award (2022)
• BBC Radio Bristol "Make a Difference" finalist (2025)

Today, he continues to teach and develop students of all ages, from complete beginners to advanced grades, passing on the same knowledge and values that were passed down to him.

Nick Bruce-Jones - Senior Instructor

 - Over 40 years of karate experience, combining military leadership with traditional Shotokan training.

Nick Bruce-Jones is a senior instructor at Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo, bringing decades of experience in both karate and leadership.

Nick began his karate training at Newcastle University in 1979 and has continued his practice ever since, developing a deep understanding of traditional Shotokan Karate. 

Alongside his martial arts journey, Nick served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines, where he developed exceptional leadership, discipline, and the ability to bring out the best in others — qualities that are reflected in his teaching within the dojo.

At Kyōtō, Nick plays a key role in supporting students of all levels, combining strong technical knowledge with a calm, structured and encouraging approach to instruction.

He is also recognised at European level within the Shotokan Karate International Federation, holding:

• SKIEF Kata Referee – Grade B
• SKIEF Kumite Referee – Grade C

These qualifications reflect his deep understanding of both kata and kumite, as well as his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of traditional karate.

Nick represents the values at the core of Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo:

• Discipline
• Respect
• Consistency
• Lifelong commitment to training

His journey is a powerful example of how karate can be practiced and developed over a lifetime.

🔹 Professional & Community Roles

Alongside his karate training and instruction, Nick is actively involved in a number of professional and community roles. He previously served as a Governor at The Maynard School and now sits as a Magistrate.

He also volunteers within the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Ten Tors expedition, supporting and mentoring young people in developing resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

These roles reflect the same values of discipline, integrity, and leadership that underpin his approach to karate instruction.

Susan Hula

Sue started training with us in 2012 and is our lead first aider.

Sue attained her Shodan black-belt in 2022 and helps teaching the juniors.