Bio
In 1971 I first slipped into my frst Judo suit and the start of my martial arts career. I trained at a wonderful Judo club run by Sensi Gilbert in Sherborne, Dorset. Sensei Gilbert was a great instructor, modest, supportive and committed to Judo. These first few years of training were formative and were the start of a 30 plus year career in martial arts. During that time I trained for varying periods in a wide range of martial arts eventually settling in Wing Chun for 14 years This enabled me to really learn a system and become accomplished within my sphere. But it was then I found quite clearly that Wing Chun did not have all the answers. I later added JKD and some Philipino systems to my CV.
As a Martial Artist I was not a natural. What I lacked in natural ability I made up with commitment and work. This is not quite as virtuous as it sounds. I loved the training so it was not an effort. I started to overtake more able martial artists through practice and commitment.
Over the following 30+ years I gained 3 Black Belts, 4 teaching certifications and 20 plus years experience in a range of 'challenging' environments. I was dealing with a wide range of violence and aggression in a professional capacity or teaching others to do so. I worked as a Psychiatric Nurse, Nurse manager, Control and Restraint trainer and team leader. I have also worked as a Clinical auditor specialising in auditing the use of restraint, and as a consultant to organisations dealing with conflict on a regular basis. This gave me a terrific insite into how ordinary people react to real life situations and the opportunity to analyse the outcomes from training.
To this day I remain a white belt, (a novice), at heart, always learning, open to new training, new concepts and new approaches.
Our philosophy
We create a high standard of fitness and self protection ability in the shortest time possible. No short cuts, no elaborate techniques and no obsession with grades.
About Krav Maga Training
We provide tough and realistic Krav Maga training for students of all abilities - not just the most able. Whilst training is demanding its also inclusive and achievable.
Inspite of recent claim by individuals trying to emphasise the Military aspects of Krav Maga, Krav Maga was always meant to be accessed by everyone - not just the most able.
Krav Maga training is always focused on achieving a positive outcome - achieving your best. Consequently we reject a "Macho" or competitive ethos - prefering instead to train hard but as a Krav Maga Family.
We demand intensity and commitment. We offer structure, professional coaching and a supportive environment. The results are personal growth, fitness and and an extra ordinary group of people.
We have forged a tight community of like minded individuals. All understand that the only easy Krav Maga lesson was yesterday and that each new lesson brings its own demands and challenges. The result has been the development of a community of highly motivated, commited students with none of the egos and one upmanship found in many clubs.
The vast majority of those walking through our doors understand the real value of this type of training. The investment is inevitably sweat, occassionaly courage and always physical effort. Like many other more combative forms of training, our accomplished trainees are typically modest, hard working and humble in their own abilities.
If you would be interested in joining us, we'd love to hear from you. Book a free session and see if Krav Maga is for you?
'So that one may walk in peace'
Paul Grey
