Our Team

Classes at E.S.K.K® Martial Arts & Fitness are overseen by a group of dedicated individuals, who are both passionate and committed to learning, exploring and teaching the disciplines we love to share.

Our group would not be such a success without the unwavering support and assistance from our instructors and assistants who all take great pride in openly sharing their experience with others. Indeed, it is this friendship, camaraderie and mutual support that makes what we do so very special.

All of our members can be assured of top quality, professional and safe tuition. Our instructors are fully qualified within the strict guidelines of our association coaching programme, carrying a wealth of knowledge and experience. They are professionally insured, hold approved first aid and safeguarding qualifications. If teaching children, they also undertake regular enhanced D.B.S clearance checks.

Head Instructors

Chris Denwood

Founder & Chief Instructor

Chris Denwood is a professional karate teacher, fitness trainer and writer who has been studying martial arts since childhood and specialises in the practical application of karate's traditional principles for civilian self-defence, personal development and life integration.

Internationally acknowledged in his field, Chris has been a regular contributor to the UK's leading martial arts magazines and his popular books and DVD's have been sold in countries across the globe. He teaches seminars in both the UK and abroad, having been inaugurated into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of his dedicated work.

Chris' enthusiasm for continued study has also taken him numerous times to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, in order to train with some of the most distinguished masters on the island and pay respects to his historic lineage.

As an adjunct to his martial training, Chris is also a nationally qualified fitness instructor, advanced level kettlebell lifting coach and second degree Reiki practitioner. The knowledge and experience gained from these disciplines, alongside many years of personal research and development has paved the way for E.S.K.K® Martial Arts & Fitness.

Find out more about Chris at www.chrisdenwood.com

Jenny Denwood-Ling is a nationally qualified personal trainer, exercise instructor and nutritional advisor, having worked within the fitness industry since 2002 and gained valuable experience through various roles (including key management positions) within local leisure centres.

Recipient of a post graduate certificate of education, Jenny also holds qualifications in training specialist groups including the elderly and children. She has spent time sharing 'The Foundations of Fitness' with teenage groups and actively helped to promote the government backed scheme called 'M.E.N.D' (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition and Do-it), which focuses on educating the whole family in good nutrition and exercise habits.

Heading the fitness section of our group, Jenny has used her experience in weight management, exercise to music, Boxercise, Pilates and resistance training to create some of our most popular fitness classes.

Jenny is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and can be contacted direct by emailing jenny@eskk.co.uk or calling 07729 334944.

Jenny Denwood-Ling

Fitness Manager & safeguarding lead

Club Instructors

John Smallman

KARATE INSTRUCTOR

John began training with us in 2008 with prior experience in other martial arts. He is one of our most committed instructors and passionate about sharing our karate.

Lewis Cullen

KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Lewis joined our dojo back in 2012, having gained years of prior experience in another other style of karate. He has grown to become a very trustworthy teacher.

Kelvin McDonald

KARATE INSTRUCTOR

Kelvin began his journey in 2011 and is one of our most dedicated members. He has progressed well to become a popular and very thoughtful instructor.

Garet Mair

KARATE INSTRUCTOR

A former British Taekwondo champion and MMA practitioner, Garet joined our group in 2013. He has developed quickly and has lots of experience to share.

Simon Chilton

Karate Instructor

Simon has been practicing karate since 2007 and was successful in sport competition before turning his attention to more traditional aspects.

Shaun McBain

KARATE INSTRUCTOR

A practitioner of karate since childhood, Shaun first joined our dojo in 2013 and has become a skilled and valued member of our instructor team.

Peter Hinde

Fitness Instructor

Warm, passionate and dedicated, Peter has been with the group since 2005 and over the years has helped in may ways to grow us from strength to strength.