Terry Pottage is one of the pioneering superstars of the English karate scene. Additionally he is (and remains) a formidable kata exponent. In 1980 Terry formed the very successful KenYu Kai organisation and remains its head instructor.  However he is also known as an international referee of some repute. Terry is a softly spoken, self effacing man. As a competitor he was given the epithet "White Tornado" by his first instructor, Steve Powell. As an athlete (he ran for Manchester and was a 5'15"miler); as a motorcyclist and as a karate competitor he was a winner- always striving for nothing less than the best. And yet he is softly spoken, amiable, and has an air of warmth and encouragement in everything he does. This perhaps is the paradox of the martial arts. Certainly Terry's attitude is an example to all of what karate is really about. Terry has made his way up the ladder to the position of English Karate Federation Chief Referee, UKKRO Chief Referee, Commonwealth Chief Referee and a European Karate Federation Referee Commission Member.

Terry is concerned about the development of others. This manifests itself both in the way that he runs KenYu Kai and in the manner that he manages England's referees. Like a good father he is quick to bring the successes of his "students" to the attention of the public, whilst tempering their successes with the right measure of managed encouragement.

To underline this commitment to a higher morality, all his junior students are made to chant a declaration, a Kun of commitment to club, coach and to themselves. Typical of the attitude that karate is for life, Terry said; One of the things I say to the kids when they start with me is; 'Is your bedroom tidy?' and of course the kids say 'What's that got to do with learning karate?' I tell them that it shows respect. If your mum and dad are paying for your lessons then you have to help them in return, by keeping your room tidy. All of a sudden you create respect with the family. There is a discipline. I say 'if you can tidy your room, do your homework before you go out with your mates, even when they are already out playing, that's self discipline'. Sometimes the message sticks. That's why we do the dojo Kun, the oath. And the reason they face the back is so they can declare it with pride to the parents and the public.