Sokei Mark Smith Founder and Chief Instructor.
I thank you for visiting our site. I hope that you have also looked at the additional pictures and videos that can be located via our links page. I would also like to thank all of my students for attending my academy. As without students their would be no Academy. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents that support the academy with special thanks going out to Jim and Mary who help out with newsletters and collecting fee’s and sponsorships etc.
Last but by no means least I would like to thank my old mate Sensei Brian Miller my long time training partner, for his additional support since I have opened the Academy. I would also like to thank my Junior instructor Sampei Sydney Killick and
my Latest Kick Boxing Instructor David Aarons for there dedication and loyalty.
Sokei Mark Smith
Senior Instructor Sensei Brian Miller
Brian Miller – Senior Instructor.
Started training in the Karate at age 21 and now at 46 has 25 years experience in the Martial Arts.
Date. Martial Art History.
19-5-88 Awarded a Purple Belt in Shotokan Karate (KUGB).
1995 Awarded a Green Belt in Free Style Karate.
20-7-98 Awarded a Brown Belt in Jui-Jitsu (WOFA).
5-12-04 Awarded a Black Belt (Sho Dan) in Goshin Jitsu.
30-6-05 Awarded a Blue Belt in Judo.
11-12-06 Awarded a 2nd Dan Black Belt (Ni Dan) in Goshin Jitsu.2007 2007 Joined MSASD
2007 Awarded Senior Instructor at MSASD
2009 Awarded a Brown Belt in Judo
Why the Martial Arts?
I had been playing Rugby for many years and while at University I was really looking for something else to do. A friend of mine had already started training in Shotokan Karate; I attended one session, started training and got hooked. So I really just drifted into the Martial Arts by chance.
Why Jui-Jitsu?
I think Jiu-Jitsu is a well rounded Marital Art, it not only teaches unarm striking and grapping techniques, but also a range of defences against weapons. Which unfortunately today seems every more important.
Why Mark’s Academy?
I have known Mark for many years, we trained together through our Kyu grades and I have learned to respect Mark for being a good guy and an excellent Martial Artist. So I was really honoured when he asked me to come and teach at his Dojo, and teaching is what being a Black Belt all is about. Black Belts are really the guardians of Martial Art knowledge, which is something we do not own, but just look to pass it on. Until it is time to pass it onto the next generation, and now at 46 I think it is time.
Brian is a competent Black belt and adds a wealth of knowledge too MSASD.
Having Brian as a training partner from a white belt grade through to brown belt level when we was with W.O.F.A we became good friends and worked well together. Brian has a very good memory and a no nonsense and a traditional approach to training. I was pleased that Brian wanted to join us and was happy to appoint him as my Senior Instructor.
Sokei Mark Smith
David Aarons
Competition and Kick Boxing Instructor
Brief history
I began boxing aged 11yrs old and followed this with traditional karate at aged 14, but didn’t really commit to either art.
I tried my hand at ju-jitsu at aged 17 and again did not settle until i met sensei jim mcallister at age 22 and knew that i had found what i was looking for .
I trained under sensei mcallister for over 15yrs and attained level2 instructor status in full contact karate / kick-boxing and self-defence.
I have ,over the years, trained in various forms of karate and ju-jitsu including tai ju-jitsu with the shadow warrior association also with Sensei mcallister and master bob lawrence in the fudoshin system of traditional karate
I have taught at my own classes of full contact karate and kick-boxing but unfortunately had to give them up due to personal reasons
to extend my knowledge i continue to train and hope to do so for many years to come.
David adds a wealth of experience to the Academy and the students enjoy his versatile training methods. Since joining the Academy David has coached two students to Gold medals at the Malympic World Championships earlier this year.
I was pleased that David wanted to join us. As I feel he still as much more to offer.
Sokei Mark Smith
Sampei Sydney Killick
I have been doing ju-jitsu since I was five; I'm now 12 and have now got my junior black belt after a lot of hard work and good instruction.
My ju-jitsu has given me confidence and helped me keep fit. I do enjoy my lessons and now help with the training of the lower belts under the watchful eye of my sensei Mark.
At my club we also do demonstrations at various places showing off all what we do during our training sessions so other people can watch and if they are interested hopefully come along and join. Our last demonstration was at the Basildon Festival which was fun; we even had a DVD made of it.
Our club entered the European S-Factor earlier this year. We all did well and I gained a silver and bronze medal.
One of my fav things at ju-jitsu is when we get kitted out in our protective gear and do sparring and kick boxing.
We have quite a lot of members in our club. When new ones come along they join in with our session and then decide if they wanted to stay. Some don't ever come back but most of them stay and start training for their belts.
Our club also does self defense for an adult which is a good thing especially if you are female
Sydney is very thoughtful and always tries her best. She is now starting to develop her own unique style of teaching and has a good way with the younger new students. Her aeroplane breakfalls gives the younger students a better understanding of technique.
Sokei Mark Smith