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Andrew Newstead
Chief Instructor
Andrew has been practicing martial arts since 2002, starting his martial arts journey with Nan Shaolin Wuzuquan (Five Ancestors Southern Shaolin Kung Fu). Andrew trained with Grandmaster Kim Sen Han and achieved his black belt in 2008.
Andrew wanted to sharpen his skills, sparring/fitness and spent several years training at local boxing gyms. He felt that the kicks and grappling techniques learnt in Chinese Martial Arts were a missing vital component and returned to Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing).
After constant requests, in 2012 Andrew started teaching small classes of both Sanda and Nan Shaolin Wuzuquan and ran a club in Watford for several years.
Whilst teaching in Watford, he continued to train with various clubs and met Master Simon Wells from whom he studied Kalabera Arnis and Muay Thai.
Andrew trained extensively with Master Simon Wells and in 2021 was given the privilege of teaching Kalabera Arnis.
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BCCMA accredited Level 2 Coach
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​​World Sport Arnis Padded Stick Gold British light weight champion 2021 & 2023,
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World Sport Arnis Padded Knife British Super Heavy Weight (open weight class) Champion 2023.
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World Sport Arnis 2024 Padded Stick lightweight World Champion
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Competed in K1, Sanda (Sanshou), Muay Thai at Amateur Level.
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Qualified First Aider
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Fully insured
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Melissa Ong
Senior Instructor
Melissa has been practicing Nan Shaolin Wuzuquan since 2000 under the late Grandmaster Kim Sen Han. She has been fascinated with martial arts since she was a toddler when her father trained and practiced the art under the late Grandmaster Han in the 70s and 80s.
Melissa was awarded her 2nd degree black belt in 2009. She is now an Escrimador under Master Simon Wells training Kalabera Arnis and focuses on weaponry (traditional and modern). Having come from a traditional martial art background, Kalabera Arnis has sharpened Melissa’s combative style, eye and timing which she aims to pass onto students.
Melissa assisted with teaching Grandmaster Han’s former London classes for many years, has taught women’s self-defence classes and taught with Andrew since 2013.
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· BCCMA accredited Level 2 Coach
· Qualified First Aider
· Fully insured
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