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News

HomeArchive by Category "News"
18 Aug
News

Time required for Martial Arts training

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
August 3, 2025
0
When people think about starting martial arts, one of the first questions they ask is: “How much time do I need to train?” At Phoenix M...
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11 Aug
News

What matters in Martial Arts, Power or Precision?

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
July 5, 2025
0
When students first join Phoenix Martial Arts, one question often pops up: “Which is more important—power or precision?” It's a great t...
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04 Aug
News

Modern Day Martial Arts

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
July 5, 2025
0
Martial arts has an ancient heritage—but today's practice is far from stuck in the past. From self‑defence toolkits to competitive spor...
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28 Jul
News

History of Martial Arts

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
July 5, 2025
0
When you think of martial arts, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a powerful kick, a disciplined stance, or the graceful flow of a kata. B...
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21 Jul
News

10 tips for engaging young women and girls in the martial arts

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
July 5, 2025
0
Martial arts is for everyone — not just the boys. At Phoenix Martial Arts, we believe that every young woman and girl deserves a space...
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14 Jul
News

10 ways that martial arts can help children with Behavioural, Emotional, and Social Difficulties

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
June 14, 2025
0
When your child struggles with behavioural, emotional, or social challenges, finding activities that support their growth and wellbeing...
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07 Jul
News

Martial Arts for therapy program

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
June 14, 2025
0
When most people think of martial arts, they imagine fast kicks, powerful punches, and high-energy sparring. But at Phoenix Martial Art...
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30 Jun
News

When is the right time for kids to start Martial Arts training

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
June 14, 2025
0
If you’re a parent wondering when your child should begin martial arts training, you're not alone. This is one of the most common quest...
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23 Jun
News

10 tips for coaching disabled people in Martial Arts

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
June 14, 2025
0
Empowering Every Body to Train, Grow, and Thrive Martial arts is for everyone. It’s not about being the fastest, the strongest, or the...
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16 Jun
News

Martial Arts Exercises for Speed

Posted by author-avatar Simon Walker
May 30, 2025
0
Speed isn't just about moving fast—it's about reacting faster, striking with precision, and staying one step ahead of your opponent. Wh...
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  • HOME
    • Testimonials | Real Stories of Transformation
  • Classes
    • 3-4 Ninja Tykes
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    • 7-13 Junior Karate
    • Adult Karate
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    • Ladies Only Kickboxing
  • OUR ACADEMIES
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    • SELBY
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Berry - Hemsworth Instructor

Location: Hemsworth 

Job Role: Franchise owner & Chief Instructor

Bio: As the Chief Instructor and Franchise Owner at Phoenix Martial Arts Hemsworth, Dave Berry brings a wealth of experience to his role. In the outside world, he works as the Head of Delivery for a Sustainable Housing Developer and holds a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering, along with being a member of the Association of Project Managers.

At Phoenix Martial Arts, he has trained in kickboxing and karate for six years and holds a 1st DAN black belt. Mr. Berry takes pride in seeing the transformative impact of martial arts on both adults and children, helping them achieve their goals. In his free time, he focuses on creating amazing spaces for people to enjoy in the outside world.

Mr Walker

Location: All 

Job Role: Co- Owner 

Simon Walker is co-owner alongside his Wife of Phoenix Martial Arts, Simon currently holds a 5th Dan in karate and kickboxing, in addition to multiple black belts in various weaponry. He also holds grades in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Kick Jitsu.

Simon’s martial arts journey began in 1984, and since then, he has competed extensively across the country and at the European level. In his earlier years, he competed almost every weekend and earned numerous titles for his remarkable skills.

For over 15 years, Simon has been dedicated to teaching martial arts full-time. His dedication and excellence have earned him multiple awards for Phoenix, including Martial Arts School of the Year, a Business Management Award, and an induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2022.

Simon’s true passion lies in witnessing people’s personal development and growth at all levels.

Mr D'cruze

Location: Hemsworth 

Job Role: Franchise owner & Chief Instructor 

Mr. D’Cruze, the franchise owner and Chief Instructor at Hemsworth Academy, is an experienced martial artist with over 20 years of experience. He holds black belts in karate, kickboxing, and Taekwondo, showcasing his expertise in multiple disciplines.  

Mr. D’Cruze is currently studying towards a Fitness Diploma and holds qualifications in First Aid and has been DBS checked. With a degree in Business Management, he brings a well-rounded skill set to his role.  

The favourite part of his job is witnessing the transformation of his students, as they achieve things they never thought possible when they first joined the academy. 

Mr Allsop

Location: Wakefield 

Job Role: Franchise owner & Chief instructor 

Mr Allsop is the owner of Wakefield Academy and a proud black belt in both karate and kickboxing.  

He has spent several years instructing before he decided it was time to open his own location. Mr Allsop balances his time between the academy and his full-time job as a sales leader, and in both jobs he’s main aim constantly showing people how to better themselves.  

Previously, he was a professional musician travelling the world and playing to thousands of people. Then his daughter was born, and he decided to stay closer to home to be with his family. Then started DJing where he spent many years entertaining the people in pubs and clubs across the country.  

Mr Allsop always try to incorporate his passions into his lessons and either starts or ends the sessions with a song.  

Mrs Walker

Location: All 

Job Role: Co- Owner 

Mrs. Walker is a highly dedicated individual who has devoted over 17 years to honing her skills and cultivating her passion for martial arts, under the guidance and inspiration of her husband.  

Her training initially began with kickboxing and subsequently expanded to include karate, which eventually became her strongest style.  

As co-owner of Phoenix Martial Arts, Mrs. Walker derives immense satisfaction from witnessing the personal growth and triumphs of individuals within the community. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment where people can thrive and assist one another is a core value for her.  

Apart from her remarkable martial arts abilities, it is worth mentioning that Mrs. Walker possesses another talent, she can wiggle her ears.  

Mrs Westwood - Martial arts in Selby Trainer

Location: Selby  

Job Role: Franchise owner & Chief Instructor 

Robyn Westwood is the Chief Instructor at Phoenix Martial Arts Selby. By day, she works as a courier delivery driver for Yodel, but by night, she takes on the role of a dedicated martial arts instructor. Robyn Westwood has a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. She spent 6 years in the Royal Air Force before retiring and then worked for 7 years as a mechanical transport control supervisor at RAF Linton in Ouse.  

In terms of martial arts, Robyn has been a Kickboxing student for 2 years, achieving a brown belt, and a Karate student for 1 year, achieving an orange belt. She has won trophies and medals in continuous sparing and point stop sparing, as well as trophies in competition Kata.   

Mr Mensah

Location:  Leeds 

Job Role: Franchise owner & Chief Instructor 

King Mensah is a former pro footballer and American footballer who has transitioned into a fitness powerhouse. He is committed to continuous education and holds various certifications in fitness, including ITEC Sports Massage and Rehabilitation, Advanced Personal Training Level 5, and Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Level 3.  

With expertise in various fitness disciplines such as TRX, Boxing & Kickboxing, VIPR, Kettlebell & Power Bag, and MMA Conditioning, he is a seasoned coach with a deep understanding of Sports Science and Psychology. He also has a USA Scholarship and is skilled in FA Football Coaching Level 1&2 (UEFA A&B) and Matrix group fitness training.  

Mrs Lafferty

Location: Knottingley 

Job Role: Chief Instructor Phoenix Martial Arts Knottingley. 

Janine Lafferty serves as the Chief Instructor at Phoenix Martial Arts Knottingley. In her role, she oversees all lessons and the academy, conducts certified instructor training, runs the Junior Leadership programme, and organises graduations, among other responsibilities.  

With over a decade of experience, she holds 4th dan in kickboxing, 4th dan in Wado Ryu Karate, and has some experience in Jiu Jitsu and Nunchaku. She finds fulfilment in helping students become their best selves and witnessing their growth in all aspects of life. Outside of martial arts, Janine has always been passionate about sport, and qualified for the 1984 Olympics in swimming.  

Mrs Stead - Castleford Instructor

Location: Castleford 

Job Role: Franchise owner & Programme Director 

Stacey Stead started kickboxing to spend more time with her husband, Mr. Stead. However, it quickly became more than just a hobby for her. Mrs. Stead worked hard to earn her first DAN in kickboxing and eventually became an academy owner herself to share her love for the sport with others.  

Her favourite classes include grappling and the controversial “fitness week.” When she’s not at the academy, she enjoys riding her motorbike and cherishing moments with her family. 

Mr Stead - Castleford Instructor

Location: Castleford 

Job Role: Franchise owner & Chief Instructor 

Stuart Stead began his martial arts journey at a young age and earned his first black belt in kickboxing just after his 17th birthday. With a passion for sparring competitions, he even clinched a few trophies along the way. Joining Phoenix Martial Arts in 2016, Mr. Stead made the switch to kickboxing and now holds the rank of 2nd DAN.  

He enjoys energetic training sessions with loud music, intense sparring, groundwork, and high-energy pad work. Outside the academy, you can often find him under a motorbike in his shed or spending quality time with his family.