Owner and Senior Instructor Steve Merrett
A 6th Dan in Karate he started to learn Karate in 1974. Over the first few years Steve trained in a number of styles of Karate: Kyokushinkia, Shotokan and Wado Ryu.
He taught his first karate class when a green belt in the late 70’s when his instructor then, Terry Barnett travelled to America to train at the Inosanto Academy. When Terry closed his club Steve transferred to the man that was to become his main instructor and inspiration, Guru Bob Breen in 1976. Through him Steve was introduced to Kali around 1978 and was privileged to attend the first visit of Guru Dan Inosanto in 1979. Moving from London to Essex in 1980 he again started practising Shotokan Karate whilst still visiting Bob at regular intervals. He passed Shodan (1st Dan) with the Japanese Karate Association on the 11 September 1981. His first club opened in 1981.
Since then he has trained with many of the finest instructors including many of Bruce Lee’s original students and toured the Midlands in 1990 with Larry Hartsall as his assistant. Over the years Steve has studied and graded in the following arts: Taiho Jitsu (police self-defence) 1st Dan; Atemi Jitsu, 1st Dan; Ju Jitsu, 2nd Dan, 1st Dan Modern Combat System.
For over 10 years Steve was Technical Director for Karate and Senior Coach for the International Budo Federation and was IBF International (European) Kata Champion in 1988.
He has a BSc (Hons) degree in sports science from the University of Greenwich. He has practised first aid from the age of 8 and now instructs H.S.E approved courses. Steve is a REPs Level 3 Advanced instructor and is a qualified Sports Therapist. A qualified Advanced SCUBA diving instructor with the British Sub-Aqua Club, a triathlon level 1 coach, he has ran in three marathons and taken part in over ten triathlons. Now days for fun he takes part in winter and summer Tough Guy competitions, which is billed as the toughest race on earth.
Simon Merrett
Simon now instructs a number of the classes at the Academy, he first started attending classes with his dad as early as three years old! His classes are fast becoming popular due to Simon's passion for strength and conditioning training which is best described by it's popular name of "Caveman Training". Seen first in Worlds Strongest Man competitions and lately in MMA training camps it is a form of functional training that uses lorry tyres, heavy ropes, beer barrels and kettle bells. Simon also attended the same university as his dad and also has a BSc (Hons) degree in sports science, he is a REPs Level 2 Gym Instructor and a qualified Life Guard. Simon also likes to run and has completed three Tough Guy competitions.
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