Instructors

Stephen O'Brien

My martial arts journey started at the age of seven when I joined a judo club in Hackney. I progressed to boxing then discovered Wado Ryu karate and kickboxing at sixteen years of age. A shoulder injury ended my brief kickboxing career with the Professional Karate Association. Over the years, I've had the good fortune to meet and learn from some excellent instructors. I've trained in weapons arts such as jo staff, samurai sword and knife. My experience is not just limited to the Japanese fighting arts. I travelled to Thailand to learn Muay Thai and studied Tai Chi, MMA, Wing Chun and Escrima here in the UK. Karate has always been a big part of my life and I've learned the styles of Kyokushinkai and Shotokan, alongside Wado Ryu. I have worked in primary and secondary schools running after-school clubs since 2011. Teaching karate is not just my job, it’s my passion.