Where we come from

At Champions Martial Arts, we believe that you should know where you come from to understand the teachings you are absorbing. Our curriculum is not something invented overnight; it is the result of a direct, unbroken chain of knowledge passing from master to student for over 100 years.

The Foundation: Hironori Otsuka

The chain begins with the founder of Wado-Ryu Karate, Grand Master Hironori Otsuka. He revolutionized martial arts by blending the striking of traditional Karate with fluid body mechanics. His philosophy was simple: move with harmony, use evasion over-clashing, and prioritise efficiency. This was known as the way of peace.

The Bridge: Master Meiji Suzuki

The "Way of Peace" reached the United Kingdom through Master Meiji Suzuki. A direct student of the founder, Master Suzuki was a pioneer who proved that Wado-Ryu’s fluid movement was devastatingly effective in modern combat. He was the root of the Mugendo Karate/Kickboxing era, bringing a new level of fighting skill to the West.

The Warrior: Master Rafael Nieto

The lineage continued through Coach Jon's former teacher, Master Rafael Nieto. As a direct student of Master Suzuki and a world-class three time world kickboxing champion in his own right, Master Nieto refined these teachings into his own system.

Our Place in the Chain: Coach Jon

I am honoured to be a small and humble part of this incredible lineage. As a former student of Master Rafael Nieto, my role is not to claim mastery for myself, but to act as a bridge for the next generation.

I see myself as a perpetual student. While I carry the heritage of my teachers, I have sought to honour their spirit of constant evolution by integrating the practical, close-quarters utility of Kun Khmer (Cambodian) knees and elbows into our Kickboxing practice for balance.

Along with my style of aggressive yet evasive striking; I aim to teach the collective wisdom of the masters who walked before me. My goal at Champions Martial Arts is simply to pass on those lessons with the same integrity and passion that was shown to me.

Why Lineage Matters 

When you train here, you aren't just learning moves; you are connecting to a legacy of discipline and respect. You are training in a system that has been passed down from the mats of Japan, the rings of Europe, and the ancient grounds of Cambodia.