
Sensei Henry Francis started karate in 1975 in Ealing. He learned the art of karate under the direction first of Barry Barnett then Sensei’s John James and Eamonn McKinney.
Henry was a keen competitor, he started competing as a yellow belt and quickly advanced its status in the competition circuit, wining numerous titles, as he progressed up the grades he became a formidable fighter wining an increasing number of national and international competitions.

In 1980 Henry Francis and Peter Harris took over and become the new senseis of Ealing karate club, when sensei’s James and McKinney had decided to leave the area.
This challenge was taken by Sensei Francis as an opportunity to develop his skills and those around him, as joint leader of Ealing karate club he set himself the task of pushing the club into a leading position within the UK karate scene, through attending karate courses and summer schools demonstrating his commitment to further himself as a kareteka.
Ealing karate club and has been successful in training a high number of students to achieve black belt status and compete successfully at national and international levels
During the next ten years Henry and Peter saw the club grow and develop. This growth lead to success both nationally and internationally.
Maintaining his commitment to the development of his students Henry continued to compete both nationally and internationally. During this time Henry branched out and started another karate club; eventually leaving Ealing to focus on Heiwa Karate Kai.
He currently holds the following qualifications
- 6th Dan Wado-ryu Karate
- 5th Dan Sankukai Karate
- 5th Dan Kenshokai Karate
- 1st degree black belt – Tae Kwon Do
- 1st degree black belt – Wing Chun
- 1st Dan Shotokan Karate Black tag Kung-Fu
Henry is an instructor affiliated with Higashi Karate Association. Henry became the squad coach for the Harrow team in the London Youth Games in 2004. Building the borough team to give harrow a wining karate team.
Henry has opened another club in Harrow, following his commitment to karate he continues to train his students to compete at national and international level. Henry also provides tailored courses for schools and clubs
As well as helping to train elite students, Henry focuses on giving students self-defence skills that will be useful throughout their lives. Training and self defence classes can be provided to students at all levels between the ages of 5 to 80, regardless of experience, fitness or background. Numerous students also come from other disciplines who want to explore and expand their knowledge of martial arts into new and exciting area.
