ABOUT US
Jon Hegan
Few other UK martial arts instructors have such an extensive and authentic martial art CV. A former IKMF Expert level, he has trained in the martial arts for over 30 years and continues to train privately with the top instructors in the UK, and abroad.
In addition to the striking arts, Jon is one of the few people in the world to be a full 1st degree black belt Professor in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under UFC legend Royce Gracie. In addition to this, he is also a BJA Judo black belt. This makes Jon one the highest qualified Krav Maga instructors in Europe.
Although anyone can teach martial arts, in order to teach a practical self-defence system like Krav Maga it helps to have some first-hand knowledge in dealing with ‘extreme’ violence. For 20 years Jon ensured this was the case.
After a six-year service in the Royal Marines, serving in an operational commando unit, he then spent two years “on the door” as a bouncer. For 15 years he worked with young offenders in various secure units, experiencing a daily exposure to violence. As well as teaching a regular class, he also teaches Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu at the Metropolitan Specialist Training Centre. There he has taught members of the Public Order instructors, as well as operators from the Special Air Service, and Special Boat Service.
Geoff Prent
Geoff has an impressive martial arts background. He holds Black Belts in Karate and Kick Boxing. He began Krav Maga in 1998 and has attended seminars with the IKMF Head instructor Eyal Yanilov. Geoff has also has attended seminars from notable other instructors such as Jeet Kune Do’s Terry Barnett, and Paul Cudmore. He has also trains in RGJJ. Geoff was part of the team that assisted training the PT staff at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre. He received his brown belt personally from Royce Gracie and is currently a KMFN Expert Level 3
Kevin Connor
Kevin started training in 1988 with Shotokan karate, from there he moved onto Su Tan do kickboxing, Mauy Thai, Kempo Jujitsu and is a fourth generation Master of Lau Gar Kung Fu. Kevin has attended seminars from notable other instructors such as Jeet Kune Do’s Terry Barnett, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion Ronnie Wuest. He is currently an RGBJJ purple belt and KMFN Expert Level 3.
Barry Johns
Barry is one of our specialist grappling instructors. Starting with Krav Maga, he made Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu his preferred art. He has medalled several times in competition, and has trained under a number of high level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts. Barry puts in many hours of additional training on the mat, and has become a very technical exponent. He is currently a RGJJ brown belt.
Keith Whelan
Keith started training in Kempo Gohin Jitsu at university in Bristol. After finishing university, he pursued his training in Jeet Kune Do at Bob Breen’s Academy in London for 2 years. Keith then started Krav Maga in 2004 & joined the instructor team in 2010. He has attended seminars with the IKMF Head instructor Eyal Yanilov, and JKD’s Terry Barnett and Paul Cudmore. He is currently a KMFN Expert level 3.
Paul Cudmore
Paul is a long time friend of the Academy, and regular guest instructor. He brings 40 years of martial arts experience with him in many different disciplines. Just some of his qualifications are:
- Black belt in kickboxing
- Black belt 4D combatives under Guro Bob Breen
- Instructor under Guro Terry Barnett
- Black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Royce Gracie
Paul can be contacted paulcudmore64@hotmail.com