top of page

Sensei Richard Kheder (5th Dan)

KUGB Qualified Instructor

DBS Checked

KUGB Qualified Assessor of Instructors

KUGB Qualified Referee

Sensei Richard Kheder’s Karate journey began in 1983 when, as a Higher Education student in Chelmsford, he joined Chelmsford Karate Club under the instruction of Sensei Charles Naylor and Sensei Dot Naylor.

​

​From his very first lesson, on a cold winter Sunday morning, Sensei Richard was made to feel welcome and at ease. He was immediately impressed by the high standard of teaching, training, and discipline displayed by each karateka at the club. This formative experience inspired him to dedicate himself to Karate, aspiring to succeed within a supportive and successful club, and above all, to be part of a Karate family.

Photo: Sensei Charlie and Richard with the original Shoto The Tiger

Screenshot 2025-05-05 at 20.27.12.png

"It was a very sad day when Sensei Charlie passed away. 

However, his teaching, his principles, and the high standard still remains, and it is still evident today by the number of successful competitions champions that the Club has produced and the high number of Squad selected to represent England and Great Britain in European and World competitions".

Sensei Richard had the privilege of training under Sensei Charles Naylor (7th Dan), whose unwavering support and encouragement left a lasting impact. Through hard work and determination, Richard achieved his First Dan Black Belt in 1991 at Crystal Palace, graded by Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda. In 1997, he qualified as a KUGB referee, a role that allows him to support and be actively involved with the club and the KUGB during competitions.

​

In May 2013, during the National Championships at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, he was honoured with a Long Standing Member’s Certificate in recognition of his enduring commitment to the club.

​

In addition to his own training, Sensei Richard earned his KUGB Instructor Qualification under Sensei Jane Naylor-Jones and Richard Naylor-Jones, and he is always ready to assist with teaching at club level.

 

 

In February 2016, Chelmsford Karate Club welcomed the Mayor of Chelmsford and Conservative MP Simon Burns, who visited to support mental health initiatives and learn about the positive impact of Karate on wellbeing. During their visit, the Mayor presented Sensei Richard with an award from the club in recognition of his outstanding contribution and long service.

 

In 2017, Sensei Richard was appointed one of the KUGB’s Mental Health Ambassadors, reflecting his commitment to promoting the benefits of Karate for mental wellbeing.

​

Photo: The Mayor of Chelmsford presents Richard Kheder with his Award

Screenshot 2025-05-05 at 20.37.44.png
476102451_1174639780686075_144128897524902079_n.jpg

2018 was a particularly notable year for Sensei Richard. In October, he passed his Fourth Dan grading in Bath under three of the KUGB’s most senior instructors: Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan), Sensei Bob Poynton (8th Dan), and Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan). Later that year, in December, Sensei Richard was highly commended as an Unsung Hero at the Active Essex Awards, recognising his tireless support for Chelmsford Karate Club and the KUGB.

​

​In 2023, he became a qualified KUGB Assessor under Sensei Richard Naylor-Jones, allowing him to qualify other KUGB Instructors.

In 2024, Richard successfully passed his Fifth Dan grading under Sensei Billy Higgins, Sensei Frank Brennan, and Sensei Garry Harford.  Sensei Brennan presented Richard with his certificate in front of his Karate family at Chelmsford.

 

Throughout his Karate journey, Sensei Richard has attended numerous training courses under various Masters of the KUGB.

​

Sensei Richard’s dedication to Chelmsford Karate Club spans over three decades. He continues to train and improve his technique, striving to perform the art of Karate at the highest standard. His contributions, both on and off the dojo floor, have made him an invaluable member of Chelmsford Karate Club and the wider Karate community.

18.png

Photo : Sensei Richard receiving his 5th Dan certificate from Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan)

Photo : Sensei Richard representing Chelmsford as an official at Regional and National Tournaments.

Photo: Richard training at the Spring Karate Course in Torbay, Devon

Photo: Sensei Richard with his 4th Dan certificate from the KUGB

"It is important to attend these courses as they develop correct techniques, improves fitness and strengthens mental health."

bottom of page