A father-of-three and a much-loved karate teacher has died from Covid-19.

Master Martin Mitchell passed away at age 53 on March 8, after a stay at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Born in London, Martin was brought up by his dad, who was one of the first black forensic scientists at New Scotland Yard.

He was proud of his Guyanese and Scottish heritage – and was fortunate enough to go with his dad to the Caribbean when he was younger.

Martin shared his dad’s love for cooking and his family described his curries as legendary.

His wife Alison said: "We met in 1989 at a college party and never looked back.

"Going back to his Scottish roots, we married in Scotland where Martin wore his Mitchell tartan kilt – something he treasured and wore whenever the excuse arose, including to all special occasions."

Martin combined his passions with his career choices.

When he first met Alison, he started working in nightclubs before the couple started working in London and commuted together for years before they married in 1996.

After leaving the city, Martin worked within the motor industry for Nissan, Vauxhall, Ford and Jaguar.

He then decided to follow his love for martial arts and make this his most rewarding career.

Master Mitchell was well known by many in Medway and led the karate and leadership classes for many across the Hoo peninsula.

Zoe Borkowski, 36, of Allhallows, was one of Martin's karate students.

The mum-of-two was also his close friend, she said: "His passion for karate was a love.

"There isn't one bad word you can say about Martin, he had time for everyone, he gave advice to so many people and even helped me through a really tough patch.

"He was a pure and utter gent, he touched many hearts and never had a bad word to say about anybody.

"Martin taught as part of the Karate Leadership UK Academy and was looked up to by all his pupils."

The dad-of-three started learning martial arts in 1979 and for more than 40 years he trained and competed in judo, karate, full contact, kick-boxing and Aikido.

He held blackbelts in karate, ju jitsu and Aikido and he began teaching in January 2000 after being awarded his instructor certificate and listed on the BCA Register.

Martin joined Karate Leadership UK in 2009 and in 2014 the Leadership UK Association promoted Sensei Mitchell to a Master instructor in recognition of his coaching skills, service to martial arts and dedication to developing confident, capable and disciplined students.

At Karate Leadership UK, Master Mitchell founded the Hoo and High Halstow Academies where he taught karate, he also taught Aikido at the Lordswood and Ashford academies.

Zoe said: "Martin was an amazing instructor, he taught me, my eldest daughter, my husband and my youngest daughter was due to start learning with him.

"We referred to him as Sensei, this title refers to someone of Yon-Dan level (4th Degree Black Belt.) It is the most honorable title a student can use when referring to the senior as their teacher."
Martin has had many challenges with his health in his lifetime.

He battled cancer in his early 20s and it was thought the chemotherapy and radiotherapy would make having his own family impossible.

However, although having children wasn’t easy and he and Alison struggled to conceive, in 2005 Alison gave birth to their miracle baby Millie.

And then, in 2009, the couple's twins, Rosie and Pippa, arrived.

Alison said: "His family was his biggest achievement and he was incredibly proud of his girls.

"Those that knew Martin knew him as such a kind hearted, caring, smiling, cheerful, larger than life character.

"His big heart had its own difficulties and he had spent many visits to many hospitals with heart-related illnesses."

Martin was waiting for major surgery before Covid-19 struck the UK and had spent the last 12 months isolating.

He required medical attention at the end of February and during his short stay in hospital he contracted the virus which was too much for his body to cope with.

Millie, 15, Rosie and Pippa, 11, and their mum are currently unwell with Covid-19 which they believe they contracted from Martin after visiting the hospital.

Alison said: "Martin was a truly extraordinary person and he touched the lives of so many, helping them through their own personal obstacles through martial arts.

"He left a lasting impression on anyone he met and had the most contagious smile and loving personality.

"Awesome was his favourite word and his mantra in life."

Due to Martin’s complicated health, he did not have life insurance.

Zoe added: "Because of Martin's sudden death a GoFundMe page was set up to help them with the financial worries they may face in the future.

"Most the money raised will probably help with his funeral costs, it won't bring him back but it will provide support to his family."

A date has not yet been set for the ceremony, but Martin's funeral will be live streamed for those wishing to pay their respects.

Zoe and other members of his karate school are also planning to line his road on the day of the funeral to bow and pay their respects in a socially-distanced manner.

If you would like to support Martin's family you can donate here.

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