Tony Dent
- Style: Wado Ryu
- Association: Wado UK
- Region: Northern
- WKF Kumite Referee 'B' (Expires: 31 Dec 2028)
- WKF Kata Judge 'A' (Expires: 31 Dec 2028)
Tony Dent's journey into the world of Wado Ryu karate began in 1974, at the tender age of 12, under the tutelage of Sensei John Moreton. Even in those early days, as part of Suzuki Sensei’s UKKW, Tony's dedication to the art of karate was unmistakable. A landmark moment in his karate journey was in 1977 when he received his Shodan grade in Ramsgate, an achievement certified by a document bearing the signature of Hironori Ohtsuka Sensei, a treasured accolade that today holds a place of pride on the wall of his office.
In 1991, Tony's path took an unexpected turn when he attended a kata course led by Terry Pottage. Initially unbeknownst to him, this course was designed for competition officials, marking the beginning of a dual pathway in karate that would see him excel not only in practical training but also in the realm of competition officiating. Tony achieved his first European qualification in Maribor in 2008, followed by his World qualification in Dubai in 2017, underscoring his commitment to excellence and depth of knowledge in both domains.
The year 2010 marked another significant milestone for Tony when Dale Gamble took on the role of EKF Chief Referee. Tony became an integral part of Dale's team, dedicated to delivering education to prospective competition officials and coaches. This role not only allowed him to refine his own expertise but also ignited a passion for mentoring the next generation of karate professionals.
Following Dale Gamble’s retirement at the end of 2023, Tony assumed the prestigious role of Sports Coach Education Lead within the EKF. He views this role as a culmination of his life's work in karate, providing a unique opportunity to ensure that the EKF maintains a robust program of knowledge sharing with coaches, drawing from the rich tapestry of international events he and his colleagues attend. Tony is immensely proud to lead a department renowned for its comprehensive and innovative coach education courses, which are considered among the best in the sport. His leadership not only reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence but also a dedication to nurturing a supportive and progressive community within the EKF.
As Tony Dent embarks on this new chapter, he is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of karate education and development. Embracing the start of a new year and a new regime, Tony sees this as an exciting time not only for personal growth but also for empowering those he has the honor of guiding. Building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, Tony is eager to steer the EKF and its coaches towards a dynamic and promising future.
