Kidderminster karate instructor honoured with British Empire Medal for community work

A Kidderminster karate instructor who has helped thousands of people build confidence, raised more than £90,000 for charity and supported vulnerable members of the community has received a British Empire Medal.

Justin Thomas, founder and senior instructor of Young Gloves Karate (YGK), was presented with the honour by Worcestershire Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Beatrice Grant on Friday, October 30.

The medal was announced in the 2026 New Year Honours List in recognition of his services to the community.

Justin founded the family-run karate club in 1999 and, over the past 27 years, he and his team have taught more than 5,000 people, with a focus on personal development, confidence and inclusion.

The club's work extends beyond martial arts, with initiatives including anti-bullying education, knife crime awareness, women's self-defence workshops, first aid training and disability karate sessions.

It has also supported people affected by alcohol addiction and mental health difficulties, welcomed blind and visually impaired participants and visited Birmingham Children's Hospital to bring activities and encouragement to young patients.

During the Covid pandemic, the team organised online events to help people stay connected and combat isolation.

Fundraising has also been a major part of the club's work, with more than £90,000 raised for local and national charities. The ambition is to reach £100,000 by the end of 2027.

Justin has taken on a number of personal challenges to support good causes, including half marathons, sponsored cycle rides, the Three Peaks Challenge and running the length of the country.

In 2013, he helped organise a Guinness World Records achievement in which 214 students performed a karate kata together, raising more than £5,000 for Worcestershire Deaf Children's Society.

Alongside his community work, Justin achieved his sixth Dan Wado Ryu black belt in 2025.

Young Gloves Karate members have also enjoyed competitive success, with six representing England at the ICO World Championships in France in 2026. The team returned with 24 medals, including 13 gold, seven silver and four bronze, as England finished second in the overall medal table.

Speaking after receiving his BEM, Justin said: "I'm incredibly proud and humbled to receive this honour, but I see it as recognition of what so many people have achieved together over the years.

"When we started Young Gloves Karate in 1999, the aim was to give people opportunities to learn, grow in confidence and become the best versions of themselves.

"Karate is a great vehicle for that, but the real value is in the people, the friendships, the support and the sense of belonging that can develop along the way."

He paid tribute to the club's instructors, students, families, volunteers and community partners, adding that none of its achievements would have been possible without their support.

Justin's previous recognition includes the Worcester Hero Award in 2015, Hero of Worcestershire in 2018, Wyre Forest Sports Club of the Year in 2019 and the Mayor's Achiever Award in 2021.

He was also invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace earlier this year.

He said receiving the BEM would not mark the end of his work, adding: "I'll keep doing what I've always tried to do by helping people, opening doors and making a positive difference wherever I can."