First of all thanks for taking the time out to give this interview I know you are a busy man these days.
Can you tell us a bit about your History in the Martial Arts?
I started training in 1975. I had boxed and wrestled in my youth but the training was a bit crude. I started in a system of kung Fu called Pak Mei before moving to Tae-kwon do. Neither of these arts was really what I was looking for. I switched to traditional Ueshiba Aikido and trained for around 6 years. I decided to leave and progress to Ju Jutsu but there was little available in the Southwest at the time. I travelled to London and Southampton with my wife Tina and friends to train under my first long-term instructor Mike Marshall who taught Close Quarter Combat to the armed forces. Mike headed up the GB All Styles Self Defence Association that allowed Martial Artists to meet and train in realistic techniques. This was a forerunner for the mixed Martial Arts Associations we have today. During this time I met the great Dave Turton, Mick Upham and Dave Vincent who were first class combat Ju Jutsu guys. After obtaining my 2nd Dan with Mike Marshall I started to travel up to Liverpool to train with Mick Upham. Mick is one of the best Combat Ju Jutsu instructors in the UK. I learnt a lot about mixing boxing and wrestling with Ju Jutsu techniques under Mick and eventually gaining my 4th Dan under him. I later obtained my 5th Dan under Mick’s partner Dave Vincent. I have always kept an open mind about training an d this approach led me to the British Combat Association with Geoff Thompson and Peter Constandine. In the last 5 years I have trained and competed in Vale Tudo and Submission Wrestling. I currently train in and teach as well as Combat Ju Jutsu.
You have trained with some big names over the years from Dave Turton, Geoff Thompson and Peter Constandine to Renzo Gracie and John Machado. Is there anything in particular that sticks in your mind?
I have had some great experiences with these guys. They are all very humble people with time for everyone and respect for other. Dave Turton is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. Geoff has helped me develop as an author as well as an artist and remains a constant inspiration. Peter Constantine is an awesome Martial Artist with tremendous power and skills. Renzo Gracie and John Machado were both highly skilled and so smooth and powerful. Again two humble and honest guys. I will remember grappling with John Machado for a long time; it was a real pleasure to get such an opportunity.
You once mentioned how you trained with Eyil Yanilov and the Israeli Anti-Terrorist squad. Have you been able to use these experiences to influence your own training?
I have trained with Eyil on a few occasions and the Israeli Anti-Terrorist squad. These people teach real no nonsense tried and tested techniques developed from a country that has seen conflict for many years. These guys’ drills were simplistic and straightforward but very real and very effective. I have certainly used this influence to develop my own Ju Jutsu training methods both physically and mentally. These guys proved how real self-defence is, a world away from dojo Martial Arts.
You have made no secret for your admiration of Geoff Thompson, Peter Constantine and Dave Turton. Have they inspired and influenced your own system?
I have great admiration for Geoff, Peter and Dave and also my good friend Jamie O’ Keefe. These men and people like them have brought self-protection into the new millennium and have dispelled many of the myths that surrounded Martial Arts. There approaches are sometimes a little controversial but that is because they tell it like it is and sometimes that is just too violent and too real for the average martial artist. If you are prepared to accept the truth and train for it you must seek these guys out. A lot of my training has been taken from their teachings and ideas of these men.
You are known primarily as Combat Ju Jutsu man and Reality trainer. However you have made a name for yourself lately on the Vale Tudo and Submission Fighting Circuit. How do you keep the balance between the two sides of you training?
In recent years I have got involved in the Vale Tudo circuit. I have found a lot of people wanted to pressure test and this has been a good way to do it. However not everyone wants to do this and some prefer the self-defence side which is still a big part of what we do. For those that want to compete we now have established classes and training to allow them to do this. To keep the balance I try to keep the Vale Tudo separate from the Ju Jutsu. We have learned from competing that Vale Tudo is an art itself and whilst it helps to have a grounding in say Ju Jutsu you have to train in Vale Tudo format and cross training principles to compete in it. you have not got to be afraid to step outside of your own system. We are successful at catering for anyone we even have some 50 plus guys training specifically for self-defence who are with us week in and week out.
You have competed in various forms of competition. Can you tell us a little more?
I have competed in various forms of Vale Tudo type competitions but Combat Ju Jutsu and Reality training is still my first love. I am a big believer in pressure testing and competing has given me the opportunity. For many years there was no outlet for this sort of competition but the last few years have seen development of some good Mixed Martial Arts competitions. Competing above all else does build spirit and is a good way of testing what does and doesn’t work. My instructors and senior students have also competed in various formats and have become better Martial Artists as a result. I have personally fought in the ring and the cage. I have reached the Amateur Nationals two years in a row and won gold and silver medals in Ju Jutsu Kumite and Brazilian Ju Jutsu competitions.
You last competed at forty-three years old, which is some achievement?
At the age of 43 it was an achievement because the older you get the harder it becomes. It is as much a mental battle to keep going as it is a physical one. Unfortunately the MMA scene came about 10 years too late for me. It was still nice to have a taste of it.
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