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

David Aarons Senior Instructor
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.

In May 2011, Sensei David Aarons was awarded the position of Senior Instructor taking over from Sensei Brian Miller.
Sokei Mark Smith

Technical Advisor Sensei Brian Miller

Brian Miller – Technical Advisor.

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                                                                                        2011 Awarded Technical Advisor

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 Technical Advisor
Sokei Mark Smith

Junior Black Belt Instructors

Since completing there Black Belt grading last March 18th 2011.
Luke Walkerdine and Danni O'connor have gone from strength to strength.
They are proving to be very popular with the kids and are finding there own unique styles of teaching the younger kids.
They will now be responsible for running our new Pee Wee section for the younger Kids between 3 - 5 Years old
Five years and above are welcome in the normal Kids Class.
There has also been more interest since the Markhams Chase Sports Centre has shut. As the venue is more accessible to those that used.