Your Instructors
Guiding You Through Your Martial Arts Journey
Whichever Martial Arts Style you train in, you will be under expert supervision. All our instructors are insured and highly trained in martial arts. They have undertaken our Instructors Training Programme. Collectively, they have gained over 40 years of experience.
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Our Instructor Qualification
All Instructors must enter into our Instructor Programme to teach and help in classes. We now use a vocational approach to this programme, rather than having the need to attend courses throughout the year. The programme incorporates the Martial Arts Instructor UK (MAIUK) that is overseen by the Cobra Martial Association. Both criteria must be met to advance through the Instructor Qualification levels.
To see more information about the MAIUK, click here.

Matt Marshall
Founder of Phoenix SMA
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Over 25 years of experience in martial arts
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6th Degree Black Belt in Freestyle TaeKwonDo
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Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Brown Belt 1st KYU in Cobra Kickboxing
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Also trained Japanese Jiu Jitsu, HanMuDo & Karate
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Martial Arts Instructor UK (MAIUK) Level 1 Qualified
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CMAA Certified Referee Grade B
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MAIUK Course Trainer
Mr Marshall owns and operates Phoenix SMA Ltd. He runs/oversee all classes, Gradings & events.
Click here to see full bio

James Godwin
Certified Instructor
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5th Degree Black Belt in Freestyle TaeKwonDo
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Green Belt – 6th KYU in Cobra Kickboxing
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Trained in BJJ, and Karate
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Martial Arts Instructor UK (MAIUK) Level 1 Qualified
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CMAA Certified Referee Grade B
Mr Godwin originally open the Locks Heath classes as a Club Leader. As well as this, he has also trained in BJJ, SDS and Cobra Kickboxing. However, after 10 years of managing and running the classes at Locks Heath, he chose to step down due to other commitments. Mr Godwin is still a key members of our TKD Instructors Team as he attends Grading and Tournaments each year. He also trains along side the other members in our TKD classes.

Abi King
Certified Instructor
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3rd Degree Black Belt in Freestyle TaeKwonDo
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Blue Belt 1 stripe in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Green Belt – 6th KYU in Cobra Kickboxing
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Martial Arts Instructor UK (MAIUK) Level 1 Qualified
Miss King’s primary teaching and training focus is BJJ. Nonetheless, her long-term experience invaluable when teaching our TKD classes.
Miss King is also the Senior Instructor for our Ladies Only BJJ, which has been running for almost 2 years.
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James Dennis
Certified Instructor
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2nd Degree Black Belt in Freestyle TaeKwonDo
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Green Belt – 6th KYU in Cobra Kickboxing
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Trained in BJJ, and Karate
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Martial Arts Instructor UK (MAIUK) Level 1 Qualified.
Mr Dennis joined our Locks Heath classes almost 10 years ago. After progressing through the Colour Belt Ranks, he was the first adult from Locks Heath to achieve Black Belt. Over the years he has also trained in the Cobra Kickboxing, BJJ and SDS classes. He now teaches the classes at Locks Heath alongside Mr Marshall.