Phoenix Martial Arts

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An instructor with Hexham-based Phoenix Martial Arts (PMA), Nik Chapman, has become one of the best qualified coaches in the area. He has passed exams under the British National Martial Arts Association for martial arts instructing, martial arts coaching, first aid, child protection and health and safety. Nik started training at PMA in 2001, received a black belt in 2006 and has been an assistant instructor for two years. He has also trained at the Gracie Barra Brazilian Jui Jitsui Academy in Brazil during August 2006 and gained Level 8 (equivalent to a black belt in other arts) in jun fan gung fu under guru Ron Balicki from Los Angeles.

He also assists with children’s taekwondo classes at Wentworth Leisure Centre. Instructors at PMA are continually developing their abilities by attending seminars that are given by internationally acclaimed martial artists in Newcastle. The Phoenix Martial Arts syllabus was developed by head instructor Simon English and is based on Bruce Lee’s jeet kune do concepts. Various arts have been integrated from jun fan gung fu – Thai boxing, kick boxing, boxing, kali, escrima and shoot fighting, as well as various Filipino and grappling arts.

All ranges of fighting are covered, including weapons such as single/double stick, knife, fighting sarong, combative whip and six- foot staff. Nik (left) and Simon also utilise their martial arts knowledge to enhance circuits classes run by Wentworth Leisure Centre by incorporating techniques and drills from kick and Thai boxing. PMA classes are held at Wentworth Leisure Centre on Mondays (8-9pm) and Fridays (6-8pm). For further information on classes please contact Simon English on (01434) 606736 or visit the PMA website at http://phoenixmartialarts.tripod.com