Danny Jordan-Land
Chief Instructor
Meet Danny Jordan-Land, Chief Instructor here at Martial Arts East and a 5th Dan in Shotokan Karate.
Danny started training back in 1999 and began teaching part-time in 2003. By 2006, karate had become his full-time profession and passion—and he’s been running his own club since 2014. He founded Martial Arts East with the vision of creating a club where every student matters, and that spirit still runs through everything we do.
Over the years, Danny has competed at every level—locally, nationally, and internationally. A major highlight of his journey came in 2016, after achieving his 4th Dan, when he was invited by Shihan Kagawa (9th Dan) to train at the JKS headquarters in Japan. He completed five intense weeks of training there in 2017, an experience that led to a published feature in Shotokan Karate Magazine (SKM)—a proud moment in his career.
Outside of Shotokan, Danny has trained in Jeet Kune Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, bringing a broader martial arts perspective to his teaching. He holds BMABA Level 1 & 2 Instructor qualifications, NVQs in coaching, and is fully certified in safeguarding, lead safeguarding, and first aid. He’s also DBS checked and fully insured.
Danny has also shared his expertise internationally, teaching students online via the Outschool platform and delivering seminars for other clubs, including Red Tiger Karate in Manchester.
Above all, Danny is a teacher. His passion lies in helping students grow—not just in technique, but in confidence, character, and self-belief. His leadership and experience continue to shape the positive, supportive culture we’re so proud of at Martial Arts East.
Stuart Dunthorne
Senior Instructor
Meet Stuart Dunthorne, Senior Instructor at Martial Arts East and 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate.
Stuart began his karate journey in 2005 and started teaching just four years later in 2009. Since then, he’s played a huge role in supporting students of all ages and abilities as they build confidence, discipline, and skill through consistent training.
One of Stuart’s proudest moments was watching his own son earn his black belt—a powerful reminder of what karate can mean to families. He’s equally proud of every student who steps into the dojo and grows in their own unique way.
He’s a fully qualified BMABA Level 1 Instructor, with up-to-date safeguarding and first aid certification, and is fully DBS checked and insured.
Stuart’s teaching philosophy is simple but powerful: karate brings out the best in everyone—regardless of age, background, or ability. For him, karate means family. And that sense of connection is something he brings to every class.
We’re proud to have Stuart as part of the Martial Arts East team.
Julie Brown
Assistant Instructor
Meet Julie Brown, Assistant Instructor at Martial Arts East and 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate.
Julie began her karate journey in 2017 and became part of the Martial Arts East family when the club was formed in 2021. Since then, she’s been a consistent presence on the dojo floor—training with focus, supporting others, and leading by example.
In 2023, she achieved her 1st Dan black belt, a milestone she’s incredibly proud of. And in 2025, she officially joined the instructor team—currently our newest team member—bringing her calm, thoughtful energy into every class she helps deliver.
Julie holds a BMABA Level 1 Instructor qualification, along with safeguarding and first aid training. She’s also fully DBS checked and insured.
Her teaching philosophy reflects exactly what we believe at Martial Arts East: karate is for everyone, and you get out of it what you put in. Whether it’s for fitness, self-defence, confidence, discipline, or simply the joy of training—everyone comes to karate with their own reason, and we grow together as one team.
We’re proud to have Julie on the team and excited to see her continue to develop and inspire others.