Melissa Marques 3rd Dan (Sandan) commenced her Martial Arts Journey in 1993 at the age of 8 where she began studying Judo. Two years later, Melissa, encouraged by her brother Rui Sensei, began training in Shotokan Karate which has been her parent system ever since.

Melissa joined the Fudokan Karate Do Renmei headed by Prof llija Jorga, based on the doctrine of karate defined by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama.

Melissa remained with the Fudokan for seven years during which time she took part in numerous competitions, including the Fudokan World Championships, where she came second place in the world female junior kata division.

In 2000, Melissa began training with Rui Marques Sensei under the Shotokan Karate-Do England. Melissa continued training with Rui Sensei, subsequently training under several associations before joining the British Combat Association and the AKD.

Melissa has been privileged to train with many well known Karate instructors including Sensei Morio Higaonna and Mick Dewey to name a few.

Melissa currently runs our Letchworth dojo. As well as teaching female personal protection classes, she also assists Rui Sensei primarily with the children's Karate classes where she is highly respected and liked, due to her approachable and supportive teaching style.