MEET THE TEAM.
"WE HAVE BEEN PART OF THE SAMURAI FAMILY FOR 6 YEARS NOW & WE WOULDN’T CHOOSE ANY OTHER COMPANY FOR OUR GIRLS. WE THINK YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!"
All our Instructors are qualified martial artists & have:
Advanced DBS
Paediatric First Aid
Child Protection Certification
Every Instructor is fully trained in the Samurai kickboxing syllabus, which is age group specific to ensure students are taught appropriate to their developmental stage.
Paediatric First Aid
Child Protection Certification
Every Instructor is fully trained in the Samurai kickboxing syllabus, which is age group specific to ensure students are taught appropriate to their developmental stage.
Matt
Founder, CEO & Chief Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Amazon Best Seller - 11 Life Lessons
Matt first got in to martial arts when he attended his University Sports Freshers Fair in September 1998. It was there that he met his Tae Kwon-do Instructor, Master Malcolm Jones (7th degree) & he hasn't stopped training since!
Matt has a Black Belt in:
Tae kwon-do (1st degree - 2001)
Kickboxing WKA (1st degree - 2003)
Judo (1st degree - 2007)
Kickboxing IKF (1st degree - 2016, 2nd degree - 2018, 3rd degree - 2020 & 4th degree - 2023)
Matt lived in Japan for a few years before he set up Samurai Kickboxing in the UK. He moved to Jersey in 2017 & introduced Samurai Kickboxing there, setting up classes in schools & public venues across the island whilst managing the UK from across the water.
Matt loves to eat out with friends, is a big fan of sea swimming all year round & loves to travel.
Matt has a Black Belt in:
Tae kwon-do (1st degree - 2001)
Kickboxing WKA (1st degree - 2003)
Judo (1st degree - 2007)
Kickboxing IKF (1st degree - 2016, 2nd degree - 2018, 3rd degree - 2020 & 4th degree - 2023)
Matt lived in Japan for a few years before he set up Samurai Kickboxing in the UK. He moved to Jersey in 2017 & introduced Samurai Kickboxing there, setting up classes in schools & public venues across the island whilst managing the UK from across the water.
Matt loves to eat out with friends, is a big fan of sea swimming all year round & loves to travel.
"YOU KNOW HOW SOMETIMES IN LIFE YOU, JUST BY CHANCE, MEET AN AMAZING PERSON. MATT IS ONE OF MY FAMILY'S CHANCE FINDS. HE'S KIND, FUN, PATIENT, COURTEOUS, CARING & QUITE SIMPLY, A GREAT ROLE MODEL. MATT & HIS TEAM HAVE HAD AN INCREDIBLY POSITIVE IMPACT ON OUR SON'S CONFIDENCE AS WELL AS HIS KICKBOXING."
Paula
Managing Director
Paula is Matt’s sister & has worked for The Samurai Fitness Group Ltd almost as long as Matt! She works in the UK office looking after every aspect of the business. Without Paula, Samurai Kickboxing would not be where it is today. She has been pivotal to the growth of the business & keeping her brother in check!
Pre-children, Paula worked in an Incentives & Events Agency doing a number of roles ranging from Incentive Specialist to Marketing Manager.
She has 3 boys who have all learnt kickboxing with Matt & is at her happiest by the sea, in the sunshine with her family & Border Terrier, Oscar.
Pre-children, Paula worked in an Incentives & Events Agency doing a number of roles ranging from Incentive Specialist to Marketing Manager.
She has 3 boys who have all learnt kickboxing with Matt & is at her happiest by the sea, in the sunshine with her family & Border Terrier, Oscar.
Emma
Growth & Recruitment Manager
Emma is at the heart of growing our Samurai community across the UK & Jersey. She builds strong relationships with schools, uncovers exciting new opportunities & works closely with our Instructors to build a strong & successful teaching timetable.
Her favourite parts of the job? Hearing the amazing feedback from schools, students, parents & seniors about how our Instructors are inspiring students of all ages to live better, be more confident, stronger & have fun!
With a background running her own recruitment company in Australia, Emma brings expert skills in business development, relationship-building & finding top talent. She now leads our recruitment process & is always on the lookout for passionate people to join the Samurai Team.
Interested in working with us? Get in touch - we’d love to hear from you!
When she’s not at her desk, Emma is a busy mum who loves exploring new places, playing tennis & heading out on long dog walks with friends.
BUCKS, BERKS & HERTS |
Alex
Leadership Team & Senior Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Alex is Spanish & comes from Madrid. He had a very clear vision that teaching was his future - he completed his PE Education Degree & worked as a PE Teacher for a year, before he moved to the UK.
Alex achieved his Black Belt 2nd Degree in Kenpo Karate competing in National & World Championships where he obtained 1st position in the Team Kumite World championships. He then specialised in Muay Thai for 5 years before transitioning to Kickboxing & achieving his Black Belt 1st Degree in 2020 & his 2nd Degree in 2022.
Becoming an Instructor with Samurai Kickboxing in 2016 meant Alex was able to put together his two passions; martial arts & teaching.
Alex achieved his Black Belt 2nd Degree in Kenpo Karate competing in National & World Championships where he obtained 1st position in the Team Kumite World championships. He then specialised in Muay Thai for 5 years before transitioning to Kickboxing & achieving his Black Belt 1st Degree in 2020 & his 2nd Degree in 2022.
Becoming an Instructor with Samurai Kickboxing in 2016 meant Alex was able to put together his two passions; martial arts & teaching.
"ALEX IS A REAL ASSET TO SAMURAI KICKBOXING. WE ARE FOREVER THANKFUL FOR HIS KIND & THOUGHTFUL APPROACH & HIS GUIDANCE TO HELP NURTURE OUR DAUGHTER."
"INSTRUCTOR ALEX IS AMAZING & MOTIVATES & TEACHES THE CHILDREN SO WELL. IT REALLY IS A JOY TO WATCH."
"THANK YOU ALEX. HE HAS BEEN AMAZING SINCE MY SON JOINED SAMURAI. HE MANAGES THE CHILDREN SO WELL & HAS THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FIRMNESS TO GAIN RESPECT & CONTROL WHILST WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR ENSURING EVERYONE HAS FUN. MY SON WAS UNSURE ABOUT KICKBOXING WHEN HE FIRST STARTED BUT ALEX QUICKLY HELPED GROW HIS CONFIDENCE & HE HAS LOVED IT EVER SINCE."
"THANK YOU ALEX. HE HAS BEEN AMAZING SINCE MY SON JOINED SAMURAI. HE MANAGES THE CHILDREN SO WELL & HAS THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FIRMNESS TO GAIN RESPECT & CONTROL WHILST WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR ENSURING EVERYONE HAS FUN. MY SON WAS UNSURE ABOUT KICKBOXING WHEN HE FIRST STARTED BUT ALEX QUICKLY HELPED GROW HIS CONFIDENCE & HE HAS LOVED IT EVER SINCE."
Mike
Senior Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Mike has been been a student of Samurai Kickboxing since he was 7. He achieved his Young Samurai Black Stripe when he was 11 & recently gained his 1st Degree Black Belt. He has also trained in MMA & Boxing.
Mike started with the Samurai Kickboxing team as an Apprentice but it didn't take him long to become a fully fledged Instructor!
Working & training with Samurai Kickboxing has really helped boost Mike’s confidence & technical knowledge of kickboxing & it's been lovely watching him develop.
Mike started with the Samurai Kickboxing team as an Apprentice but it didn't take him long to become a fully fledged Instructor!
Working & training with Samurai Kickboxing has really helped boost Mike’s confidence & technical knowledge of kickboxing & it's been lovely watching him develop.
"IT'S BEEN SO LOVELY TO SEE HOW MIKE HAS GROWN AS A TEACHER. THOSE WHO HAVE NURTURED & MENTORED HIM HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB. HE NOW HAS THE COURAGE TO STEP UP TO THE DEMANDS OF A FULLY FLEDGED TEACHER & DOES SO BRILLIANTLY."
Instructor
Zain
Instructor
Zain brings a strong sporting background & a real passion for coaching to the Samurai Kickboxing team. He has 8 years’ experience in amateur boxing, competing consistently & developing high-level discipline, fitness & technical skill within combat sports.
Zain studied Sports Coaching at university, where he gained valuable hands-on experience teaching & supporting others in a variety of sporting environments. This education, combined with his competitive background, allows him to deliver sessions that are engaging, structured & motivating.
A huge fan of combat sports, rugby & football, Zain also played both rugby league & rugby union throughout his teenage years, giving him a well-rounded understanding of teamwork, resilience & performance.
Zain’s energy, knowledge & enthusiasm for sport make him a great role model & a positive influence within every class he teaches.
Josh
Instructor - Herts
Josh went to Uni at Plymouth Marjon and studied Sports Coaching. His hobbies include playing golf, spending time with family and friends, going on holidays and watching football and cricket! Previously Josh worked in Primary schools delivering PE sessions, afterschool and breakfast clubs as well as wraparound care.
Josh delivers our Kickboxing classes mainly in Herts which is where he lives. He is also the Instructor for our Senior Samurai fitness classes in care homes.
"I JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SEND A QUICK EMAIL TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THE CARE HOME RESIDENTS LIKE JOSH, THEY THINK HE IS LOVELY!""MY SON ABSOLUTELY LOVED HIS TRIAL KICKBOXING CLASS. JOSH WAS AWESOME WITH HIM."
JERSEY |
Ryan
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Ryan is an ex-competitive Muay Thai fighter & high level rugby player. He has vast experience in many different martial arts & started Kickboxing from the age of 4, moving to Thai Boxing at 11.
Ryan has taught in mainstream schools & with children who have special educational needs where he worked for the past 4 years.
Ryan moved to Jersey from the UK at the end of 2022 to start working with Samurai Kickboxing.
"BIG THANK YOU TO RYAN FOR HIS CLASSES. HE REALLY IS A GREAT ASSET TO YOUR TEAM. I HAVEN'T SEEN MY DAUGHTER SO PASSIONATE ABOUT A CLASS BEFORE - SHE LOOKS FORWARD TO IT EVERY WEEK."
Ryan moved to Jersey from the UK at the end of 2022 to start working with Samurai Kickboxing.
"BIG THANK YOU TO RYAN FOR HIS CLASSES. HE REALLY IS A GREAT ASSET TO YOUR TEAM. I HAVEN'T SEEN MY DAUGHTER SO PASSIONATE ABOUT A CLASS BEFORE - SHE LOOKS FORWARD TO IT EVERY WEEK."
"IT WAS VERY REFRESHING TO SEE AN INSTRUCTOR WITH SUCH CONTROL (WITH COMPASSION) OVER A LARGE CLASS WHICH IS WHAT MADE MY SON FEEL SAFE ENOUGH TO JOIN IN."