Senior instructor profiles
About Sensei 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 Sensei W. Foulkes
Master 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.
Master 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.
Master 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.
Master 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
Current Association Instructors
P. Conaghan 8th Degree
R. Irwin 5th Degree (Association Secretary)
A. Booth 2nd Degree
E. Bates 2nd 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