What others say about us

Our family will always be deeply grateful to Master Lee Banda, who has been an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and role model to our son, Arjun. Arjun joined Master Lee’s class when he was just seven years old—the youngest in the group—and from the very first day, Master Lee took him under his wing with warmth, patience, and genuine care. Over the past two years, we’ve seen Arjun grow from a shy little boy into a confident, disciplined, and thoughtful young person, both on and off the mat. Through boxing, karate, stick fighting, and mixed martial arts, Master Lee has taught Arjun not only the physical skills of self-defence but also the deeper values of restraint, respect, and responsibility. He has instilled in him the principle that real strength lies not in fighting, but in knowing when not to fight. What truly stands out is Master Lee’s personalised attention to every student. He recognised Arjun’s potential early on and made him feel part of the team from day one. The affectionate nickname “Wee Man” and the personalised t-shirt he gifted Arjun are treasured symbols of the special bond they share. We owe so much to Master Lee for his dedication, encouragement, and positive influence. His passion for teaching and his ability to connect with children on a personal level make him a truly exceptional instructor and mentor. Thank you, Master Lee, for helping shape Arjun into the confident young boy he is today. You’ve given him skills and lessons that will last a lifetime. — Poovannan & Bama Poovannan, parents of Arjun (age 9)

Poovannan & Bama Poovannan, parents of Arjun (age 9)

My son has been training with Master Lee for nearly a year. He had tried other schools before but never enjoyed or engaged like he has here. Master Lee is an amazing trainer, he always seems to know the right thing to say to make sense to each student. The emphasis of the class is about building skills to look after yourself ahead of grading or competition. This strategy has really helped my son and he is much more confident and happier nowadays.

Jeremy

I have known Lee for nearly 30 years and he is a man who takes immense pride in what he does. His teaching ability, patience and knowledge is second to none and he has worked extremely hard over the years to create an amazing school which is suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to accomplished martial artists. A truly remarkable man and school!

Ray Betts - Manager Bear Grylls Camp

I needed a place to vent my frustration and learn how to defend myself because I kept on being bullied at school. Then my dad met with Master Lee and arranged the free trial session. I instantly loved it and have gone most weeks, I have noticed a significant change in my attitude and behavior in school.

Keiran

I was in search of an activity to help my son build esteem, confidence, respect, discipline, and active listening skills. we met with master Lee banda, ice black belts school, Master Lee, is a lovely man and totally understood the issues my son was facing, we did our first session, and my son absolutely loved it, and has been going back since. can honestly say that this is the best thing I have ever invested in for my son. He is more disciplined, confident, happier, and doing well in education.

Rebecca

I started my martial arts career with Lee in 2008. I really enjoyed the varied styles that Lee taught but especially enjoyed Thai boxing. This stood me in good stead as I went on to win Gold at the Unified World Championships in Italy in 2014. Courage, discipline and respect are values that I have taken forward in my Military career.

JR

When I moved to Tunbridge Wells, I was looking for best Martial Arts school and teacher who can help my daughter as a Teacher and Mentor. I saw ICE Black Belt Martial Arts system and tried to browse Master Lee Bandas. His YouTube videos and training talks helped me make my decision to take a trial class. After the trial class when we returned my Daughter was so happy, she was given proper chance to do Pad work and the teacher answered her all questions in a lovely soft voice. Master Lee Bandas is a very humbled and respected community asset. I have also taken admission in the school and we are always at an awe whenever Master Lee Bandas shows us amazing skills. He always talk about his teacher Grandmaster Richard Bustilo, and it's so amazing my daughter doesn't have to travel the whole world to learn all this as Master Lee himself is among us. Thank you so much Master Lee Sincerely Ali Shaikh and Sophia Ali (TunbridgeWells)

Ali Shaikh

Besides being a great Martial arts practitioner, coach and instructor, Lee Banda is among the most polite, caring and sensitive individuals that I've ever come into contact with. Proficient fighter-trainers are few are far between and those like Lee Banda who have discovered a balance between fighting and life skills are almost none existent. Bob Sykes: Editor: Martial Arts illustrated magazine.

Bob Sykes

I have known Master Lee Banda many years. I have taught him Muay Thai and did teach many seminars at his Academy. He is so dedicated Martial Arts student and an excellent instructor . I have no hesitation in recommending him. SGMSken www.mastersken.com

Senior Grand Master Sken

I have known Lee since he was 16 so at least 40 years. Consistent, persistent. Reliable trustworthy honest and compassionate. Lee is to be trusted in all that he does as he is driven by morals and ethics not profit or personal gain.

Integrity and Skill

I’ve known Lee Banda since the early 90’s. A passionate martial artist even then as a young man. I’m proud of training him to black belt level. Something I don’t give out easily. His Black belt test was one of the most memorable. Since then he’s gone on to great things. He’s proven himself in competition but even more so as a superb teacher. He’s built an amazing school, a true one off place. One of the best memories i have is of grading his students. Some of the best trained it’s been my pleasure to test. I recommend him as a teacher, he’s passionate, sensitive and empathetic. Someone who can take you to great heights whoever you are and in the process give you a life long passion.

Bob Breen

I have known Lee Banda since we first sat together in our first year at Infant School in 1971 and we have been friends ever since. I left our home town to join the Army when I was 17 and kept in touch with Lee sharing time together during my periods of leave. In his early days as an instructor, Lee gave me some useful advice and fighting and grappling techniques prior to my first operational deployment which supported the Krav Maga training I had been given. I watched Lee’s journey over the years and his time in the far east which ultimately led to him becoming a world champion. As a commissioned officer in the army I value certain personal traits which I demanded from my soldiers; discipline, courage, professionalism, pride, fairness, integrity and commitment; these are the principles which were first described by Field Marshall Slim and still form the basis of Officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Special Forces selection. I see all of those qualities in Lee and I have total admiration for all that he has achieved and his lifetime of commitment.

Major JG

Ice Black Belt Schools has fostered a strong community among the parents and students. The school organizes regular events and social gatherings, providing opportunities for families to connect and support each other. It's a welcoming and inclusive environment that makes us feel like part of a big martial arts family.

Carl D

The facilities at Ice Black Belt Schools are top-notch. The clean and spacious training area, along with the variety of equipment available, ensures that every class is engaging and dynamic. The school also organizes exciting events and workshops that further enhance the learning experience for the students.

Peter K

Ice Black Belt Schools focuses on martial arts training and emphasizes important life skills such as respect, self-control, and perseverance. The values they instil in their students are invaluable and have positively impacted my child's behaviour and attitude inside and outside the dojo.

Craig Mulligan

I can't say enough positive things about Ice Black Belt Schools. The staff is dedicated and passionate about teaching martial arts, and they truly care about the progress and well-being of each student. My child has gained so much confidence and discipline since joining the school.

Rajesh

Ice Black Belt Schools in Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells have been an incredible experience for my child. The instructors are skilled, patient, and inspiring, creating a nurturing environment where my child feels motivated to learn and excel.

Samantha

I've wanted to try martial arts for years but didn't want to join a big class as a beginner, I didn't want to pay out for kit only to find it didn’t like it and I also didn’t fancy the formality of Karate etc. Jeet Kune Do at the ICE school was the perfect fit for me. I signed up for a free trial knowing I could walk away if I didn’t like it but in those first classes I found it friendly and positive. I'm not able to attend every week due to work but I go when I can and feel that I'm learning and getting fitter at the same time. I've been taught by two instructors and would recommend both.

David Mc