Jane’s Karate journey began in 1968, deeply rooted in her family’s passion for the martial art. As the daughter of Sensei Charles Naylor (7th Dan) and Sensei Dot Naylor (3rd Dan), Karate was more than just a practice—it was a way of life. Growing up, Jane assumed that everyone practiced Karate, as her family, including her brother Mark, and their entire social circle were all immersed in it.
On Friday, May 13th, 1977, Jane passed her Black Belt under the legendary Sensei Enoeda. Rather than rushing through the ranks, Jane took her time, savoring every moment of her training. Her persistence and dedication paid off as she achieved her 5th Dan on October 6th, 2012, and her 6th Dan in May 2021—milestones that stand as testaments to her lifelong commitment to Karate.
Jane has had the privilege of training under numerous Karate masters, but her time with Sensei Enoeda remains particularly special. The close bond between their families, with Sensei Enoeda being a close friend of her father, afforded Jane the unique opportunity to train regularly with him, benefiting immensely from his exceptional teaching and guidance. Their relationship was so close that when Sensei Enoeda married Reiko, Jane served as his bridesmaid, with her father acting as his best man.
Jane’s competitive career is marked by significant achievements. She won her first title as Southern Region Kata Champion in her very first competition in 1974 and consistently placed at the national level in Individual Kata, Kumite, and Team Kata events, including winning a Gold medal in 1982. From 1983 to 1991, Jane was a proud member of the England team and represented Great Britain at the 1990 World Championships for Kumite. Though her international career paused with the birth of her first daughter, Bronte, she later returned to compete and place at national level.
Her passion for Karate extends far beyond her personal practice. Jane is deeply committed to the technical development of her students, both at the Chelmsford Dojo and within the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB). In response to the tragic Soham Murders in 2002, Jane founded a karate class for youngsters, which has since produced numerous Dan grades and National, European, and World Champions. More importantly, she continues to inspire her students to pursue Karate with a focus on high technical standards.
As an active and respected member of the KUGB for over 50 years, Jane has made significant contributions to the organisation. She is one of the few who have competed for both England and Great Britain, and she was one of the first women to achieve the National Referee qualification. Additionally, she has served as an Assessor, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards within the KUGB.
In recent years, Jane managed the KUGB’s social media presence and press releases as part of her role in handling Publicity and Promotions, ensuring that the organisation’s message was effectively communicated to the broader public. Recognising that social media and the website are the windows to the organisation, Jane’s work in this area was crucial in enhancing the KUGB’s visibility and outreach.
Jane has also serves on the international stage as the Publicity Officer for both the European Shotokan Karate Association (ESKA) and the World Shotokan Karate Association (WSKA). Her involvement in these championships allowed her to continually expand her technical knowledge and stay connected with Karateka of the highest calibre.
In December 2018, Jane was honoured at the Active Essex Awards, where she was named Coach of the Year-a fitting recognition of her dedication to the sport. In 2020, following the passing of Sensei Bob Poynton, Jane took on the role of National Administrator, a position she held with pride until her retirement in 2024.
In 2025 Jane became a KUGB Grading Examiner (B), a role she is very proud of. She was one of four highly-decorated female Karateka to teach on the inaugural International Women’s Day Course in 2025 and was proud to be the Guest Instructor on the 2026 Spring Karate Course.
For Jane, Karate has always been a family affair. Alongside her father, mother, and brother, she earned her Black Belt, and she is married to Richard Naylor-Jones (6th Dan). Their daughters, Bronte and Megan, also practice Karate, further cementing the family’s deep connection to the art. Jane believes strongly in the KUGB as a “family” and maintains close relationships with the organisation’s Senior Instructors.
Jane’s journey in Karate is not only a testament to her skill and dedication but also an inspiring example of overcoming challenges – especially considering she was once told that her asthma would prevent her from pursuing sports. Her achievements, both in and out of the dojo, continue to inspire those around her.
