I started karate when I was just three years old, training under my dad, Sensei Mark Heaton, in Carlisle and Brampton. Growing up around the dojo really shaped me – I fell in love with the art from a young age and found I had a knack for competition, whether it was kata or kumite, at club, national, and even international events.

I’ve always enjoyed sports in general, too – gymnastics, long jump, pole vault – you name it. I began helping out in classes from Purple Belt onwards, and I’ve been involved in developing the Little Dragons programme. You’ll usually see me at Winter and Summer Courses, senior trainings, fun days, and other events throughout the year, supporting students of all ages.

When I turned 18, I worked as a door supervisor. It was tough at times dealing with challenging situations and aggressive individuals, but the experience gave me a lot of perspective that I bring into the dojo.

I’m also a qualified joiner, but I now dedicate almost all my time to teaching karate full-time across Carlisle, Warwick Bridge, Brampton, Wigton, and Penrith, as well as in schools through PE lessons and after-school clubs.

I train every day, travel regularly to learn from some of the UK’s top instructors, and have recently started practicing judo to add new skills and insights to my teaching.

I currently hold 3rd Dan—the youngest in the association—and I’m always pushing myself to grow, both as a karateka and as an instructor.