About Us

The E.S.K.K® is a martial arts and functional health & fitness group located on the very edge of the beautiful Western lake District in Cumbria, England. We offer regular classes, workshops and personal training in the four areas of traditional karate, self-protection, functional fitness and health & well-being. Our aim is to inspire and support those who join us to work hard so that they may enjoy the very nature of human development through these disciplines.

"How we express ourselves through physical forms such as karate, kettlebell lifting or meditation are mere tools used to express, refine and reveal your true self through the transmutation of energy. There should be no separation. This is not something you do, but rather something you are. Where all things come from and where all things go. Very fundamental and at the same time, excitingly limitless." - Chris Denwood

The Team

The E.S.K.K® would simply not be a success without the support from a number of key instructors and members who not only love what they practice, but also take great pride in passing on what they have learned to others. Since the group was conceived in 2004, many individuals have taken it upon themselves to develop so that they can help perpetuate the principles that we adhere to. Below is a list and brief biographies of the key members that together make up the E.S.K.K®.

Participants in our classes and events can be assured of top quality, professional and safe tuition. All E.S.K.K® instructors have a wealth of knowledge and experience, are fully insured, have up to date first aid qualifications and CRB/child protection certification where required.

Chris Denwood: Founder & Chief Instructor

Chris has over twenty years experience in martial arts and functional fitness training. Currently ranked 4th Dan by both the English Karate Federation (EKF) and the Amateur Martial Association (AMA), he is also a senior teacher with the British Karate-Do Chojinkai (BKC), a nationally qualified fitness coach and advanced level kettlebell instructor. Specialising in the pragmatic application of kata (forms) and the functional training principles of traditional karate, Chris has written over fifty articles and is a key writer for a number of national/international periodicals including 'Combat', 'Traditional Karate' and 'Jissen' magazines. He is also the author of the internationally acclaimed kata bunkai DVD set 'Acorns to Oak Trees' and has teaches seminars and workshops throughout the UK.

For more information about Chris, you can visit his website at: www.chrisdenwood.com

Jenny Ling: Senior Fitness Trainer & Nutritional Advisor

Jenny has been actively involved in the health and fitness industry since 2003. She is a nationally qualified personal trainer and dedicated in various areas that include weight management, exercise to music, Boxercise, Pilates and resistance training. Jenny also has extensive experience in lifestyle management and motivation through her work with specialist groups such as children and senior citizens. Jenny is the main instructor of our Enduro-Strike™ classes and also looks after various administration roles within the group.

Jonathan Roll: Karate & Functional Fitness Instructor

Jonathan is currently ranked 1st Dan with the E.S.K.K® under the direct tutelage of Chris and has been with the group since its infancy in 2005. He teaches weekly karate clases to the junior section of the group and assists at the senior dojo when required. Jon is also a nationally qualified advanced kettlebell instructor, currently leading the weekly workouts and induction courses at our Whitehaven branch.

Roy Lewis: Functional Fitness Instructor

Roy has been a member of the E.S.K.K® since January 2007 and previously has had some experience in both Thai boxing and freestyle karate. He is also one of the group’s nationally qualified advanced kettlebell instructors and assists the weekly workouts at the Whitehaven branch.

Stuart Graham: Assistant Karate Instructor

Stuart is curently ranked 1st Dan and is one of the youngest senior members of the E.S.K.K®, having been with the group since March 2008. He is also a senior student of the British Karate-Do Chojinkai (BKC) and has been practicing martial arts since the age of eight. Stuart now works alongside Jon at the junior karate dojo and assists in the senior classes when required. He is also responsible for junior reward badge system.

Peter Sempie: Senior Student

Peter has been a close student of Chris since he began practicing karate in 1995 from the age of eight and thus, had a major influence in the conception and early development of the E.S.K.K®. He also works as an experienced door supervisor and thus has gained a wealth of experience in the pragmatic application of the self-protection aspects within the group. He currently shares his knowledge with the members of the senior dojo.

Peter Hinde: Functional Fitness Instructor

Peter has been a member of the E.S.K.K® since 2005 and has a real passion for martial arts and fitness. He is a nationally qualified fitness and kettlebell instructor, currently leading the workout classes and induction courses at our Workington branch. Peter is also the groups 'key events' organiser and looks after our annual training camp, seminars and social celebrations throughout the year.

Koen-Kai (Support Group) 援会

To help support the general day to day running of the group, the E.S.K.K® is privileged to benefit from an enthusiastic support group made up of a selection of key members. They meet regularly, where issues and new ideas for development are discussed and considered for inclusion. The current membership of the koen-kai is as follows:

Jonathan Roll: Chair, junior dojo and marketing representative

Roy Lewis: Functional fitness representative

Peter Hinde: Main events and gasshaku representative

Heather McGowan: Media representative and videographer