Senior instructor profiles
About Shihan P. Conaghan
I first got involved with martial arts at the age of five. My first art was Judo, I did this for two years however as I progressed I realized Judo was not for me.
After Judo I tried Shotokan karate, but it was not to be, I gave up after six months. I continued to try and find something that would challenge me. Finally I heard of a club that trained in a martial art called Kenpo Ju Jitsu. This was based in Manchester and called the Manchester Kenpo Ju Jitsu Association. I had a look at what was being taught and decided this was definately for me. When I began, I had a bit of an attitude which was soon sorted out by the class Instructor.
Studying Kenpo Ju Jitsu has made me into the person I am today, not for one minute did I think it would effect me the way it has. I get immense pleasure out of teaching what I know, it is a great feeling to see my students attain their grades.
I have been training for 30 years now and have not looked back since, I have been teaching for over 20 years and I still get as much pleasure now as I did when I first began teaching.I am totally dedicated to the promotion of the Arashi Kenpo Ju Jitsu system.
My favourite film; Rush hour 1 & 2 not just for the martial arts,
but because it's funny.
My favourite food; Roast dinners
My dislikes; Bullies and people who have a total disregard for other
people.
About Shihan W. Foulkes
Shihan Foulkes began martial arts training in 1970,
studying Chinese Kenpo under Joe Schmidt. Master Schmidt (9th degree) was
stationed at Burtonwood US Air force base. Master Schmidt held classes at the"
Martial Arts Centre" near the Apollo theatre, Ardwick, Manchester.
The centre was owned by the late Danny Connor.
Shihan Foulkes attained Black belt level in 1974 after completing the now legendary 7 hour plus examination and has been training and developing techniques since then.
Shihan Foulkes's philosophy regarding the martial arts is simple, the martial arts are for effective self-defence, they have many other superb benefits but at the end of the day they were plain and simply devised for self-preservation.
Shihan Foulkes has studied many different systems or styles over his 35 year involvement with the arts and has attained the qualifications listed below
- 9th Degree Arashi Kenpo
- 6th Dan Juko Ryu Ju Jitsu
- 6th Dan Hakko Ryu Ju JitSu
- 4th Dan Aiki Jutsu
- 3rd Level Pa Kua Kung Fu
- 5th Dan Spirit Combat
What do you like most in the martial arts: I get loads of bows!!
Favourite food: All foods, but lots of fruit and veg
Favourite film: Shaw shank redemption and Sound Of Music
Favourite Martial Artist (on Screen): Bruce Lee, Jim Kelly, Steve Seagal
Worst moment: Going to the loo and no toilet paper!!
Final thought: Respect everyone (within reason) treat people how you wish to be
treated, smile!! When you smile someone else smiles with you. Keep and open mind to
everything ... be nice
Other instructor profiles
About Sensei A. Booth
I joined one of the original Kosho Ryu Kenpo clubs, at the Labour Club in Wythenshawe and passed my black belt test in 1991. I did stop training for a while, but I missed it so I began to look for a club to join. I really wanted to start training again, but could not find a club i liked. When Shihan Wayne told me Shihan Pete was still training in Ashton, I jumped at the chance of coming back and bringing my kids. Since returning, I have never looked back. My daughter abbie is now also a black belt.
The thing i like most about teaching is seeing students come on their first day unsure what to expect and a bit shy, but they go home with a big smile on their faces saying how much they enjoyed it. To me, thats what it's all about.
Favorite food is: Chocolate
Favorite film is: Kick boxer or any Van Damme film, I also like scary films
My dislikes: I hate bully's, no person should have to deal with bully's
About Sensei E. Bates
I started training in martial arts when I was five years old under the tuition of my uncles Sensei Peter, Tommy and Steven. The style back then was called Kosho Ryu Kenpo which means Old Pine Tree style, law of the fist. I knew I loved martial arts from a very early age its something that my dad and uncles taught me and that I will pass on to my children and family
I have studied kenpo for over fifteen years and have never looked back. I hope to be able to teach and study Arashi Kenpo Ju Jitsu for as long as Shihan Peter and Shihan Wayne and if I become a teacher half as good or as dedicated as them, I'll be happy.
The thing I like most about Arashi Kenpo Ju Jitsu is being an instructor and being able to pass down the style from generation to generation and seeing the children and adult students pass their gradings.
Favourite foods: Sunday roasts
Favourite film: Rob Roy and Blade
Favourite quote: It will stop hurting when the pain goes
Dislikes: Bullies of any description and chavs
About Sensei R. Irwin
After watching the first karate kid movie I bugged my dad into taking me to the local Dentokai Karate school. I trained there happily for a good few years, until the club moved to new premises. My parents decided the new place was too far away, so I was forced to quit.
I was bitten by the martial arts bug again when I over heard friends talking about their training in Tori Ju Jitsu Ryu. I studied this for over two years, but was once again forced to quit when my instructors closed their club. Whilst studying ju jitsu, I also studied Jin Sei Kai karate. I would of liked to continue studying Jin Sai Kai, but I moved to new town where there was no club in this style, so instead I tried a Shotokhan karate school. Things went well until out of the blue, the instructor stopped showing up.
I began to feel like the grim reaper of martial arts clubs and took a break from training, until I saw a poster advertising Kosho Ryu Kenpo Karate. From the moment I stepped through the door I knew it was for me.
Favourite food: chocolate, roast potatoes, spaghetti, burritos ...
Favourite Martial Artists (on Screen): Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Stephen Seagal
Favourite quote: "If you think you can do a thing, or think you can't do a thing, you're right" (Henry Ford)
Current Association Instructors
P. Conaghan 8th Degree
R. Irwin 5th Degree
A. Booth 3rd Degree
E. Bates 3rd Degree
P. Gilchrist 1st Degree
G. Palmer 1st Degree
A. Bates 1st Degree
L. Byrne 1st Degree
The junior black belts, help out regularly, at the clubs
Regular Visits by W.Foulkes 9th Degree