In Loving Memory of Tony Kelly Sensei, 3rd Dan
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony (Tony) Kelly our highly respected and much‑loved instructor of the Swinton dojo, where he guided and inspired students with dedication and kindness. Tony Sensei sadly passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday 10th March after a short but brave battle with cancer. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
Sensei Tony was more than an instructor — he embodied the spirit of karate: discipline, humility and perseverance. He was a mentor and a role model to so many both in and out of the dojo. Above all he the most wonderful, selfless and loyal friend. Always there with some wise words of encouragement or a funny story to tell.
We have trained alongside Tony Sensei for decades. We met at GKR karate back in 1998 and trained alongside each other under Paul O’ Donnell Sensei. Tony Sensei earned his Shodan Black Belt at the same time as Rachael Sensei back in July 2003. He trained alongside us and in the KUGB for many years and helped to introduce Heian Kata’s. Tony Sensei spent his whole career as a dedicated Police Officer. He had so many stories! Some serious, some sad, but most were absolutely hilarious! There was always a tale to tell and you always knew it would end in you belly laughing.
Countless students will have been inspired to start their karate journey because of Tony Sensei who has spent the last few years travelling around Greater Manchester with Sensei Paul. He spent part of his well-earned retirement training and volunteering his time to do School demonstrations. Tony had a deep passion for karate and wanted to inspire as many young people as possible to take up the sport. There will be hundreds of your children who took up karate because Paul Sensei and Tony Sensei came into their School. I know they shared so many great times together travelling to and from Schools.
Tony Sensei was such a dedicated and gifted karateka. He always used his wealth of experience to further the development of others. He would do anything to help the people and the Club. He would cover classes and always enjoyed passing on his knowledge and meeting new students from all areas of the Club. Whether teaching beginners or refining advanced techniques, he always brought patience, passion, and encouragement and would stop and help anyone. I am sure many of you will have stories of times he helped you in classes or on courses. He always knew the right words to say to anyone who was having any difficulty with their karate. He trained alongside his lovely Grandson Duke at the Darwen Dojo and was the most devoted and patient Grandad.
He was always there behind the scenes helping us in every way; from sorting demo letters, to helping to collect mats for the Championships, setting up and putting away at gradings. He saw it as duty and we saw it as kindness. It never went unnoticed and he was always appreciated.
Tonys passing has touched all of the Instructor team deeply with many paying tribute to him once the news was shared. So funny, incredibly selfless and gone too soon. Tony was at training as late as November last year so this will come as a shock to many. He was well known and much loved in all the dojos he attended including the Swinton class, Senior class, Darwen class, Day training, Sale senior class and Tottington Friday class. He always looked after himself so well and was an inspiration to so many older karateka. I always used to say you are the only person I know who’s still got a 6 pack in their 60’s! He used to give absolutely everything in every class and was incredibly disciplined. This is something we can all learn from him and is the way we should all train hard and try to improve at every single session. Never let anything stop you achieving what you want to and enjoy the journey.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelly family at this sad time and we will be doing his favourite Kata - Bassai Dai and completing a 1 minute mokuso at the classes he attended.
Rest easy Tony Sensei, we will miss you and always remember you. Thank you for everything. Oss!
