Claire Fitz-Gerald

(Chief instructor, 5th dan)

Practising Ju-jitsu now for 20 years, Claire holds the grade of 5th Dan and is one of the highest graded females in the BJJA (GB).  She is also a Senior Coach and Weapons Coach for the same body and a National/International Referee in Sport Ju-jitsu.

For Claire and Mark the Team click here

Mark Fitz-Gerald

(Chief instructor, 6th dan)

Mark has been practising Martial Arts for over 30 years.

Beginning with Judo at school, he then moved on to Wu Shu Kwan Kung Fu and attained the rank of 1st Dan in 1979.

Training in Ju-jitsu since 1983, Mark holds the grade of 6th Dan with the BJJA (GB).  He is a Senior Coach and Weapons Coach for the same body and a National/International Referee in Sport Ju-jitsu.

Rob Green (4th dan)

I began my study of Ju-jitsu in 1992 at Mark and Claire
Fitz-Gerald’s Barking club. Within a few lessons the simplicity and power of the techniques and the engaging style of instruction had me hooked and I have remained so to this day. Currently graded Sandan (third dan) in Ju-jitsu, I also hold Level 3 in Ko-Budo (traditional Japanese weapons) and Level 2 Coach with the British Ju-jitsu Association (Governing Body). I have experience of running my own club and frequently assist Mark and Claire by helping to run their clubs during holidays. Outside of Kokoro Kai, I also study the philosophical and meditative aspects of the martial arts and regularly practice these to supplement and balance my physical training.

In working life, I have been a police officer in the Metropolitan Police Service since 1995 and qualified as a Police Trainer in 2002. Currently working in a borough Training Unit, I am responsible for training over 600 police officers and staff.

Mo Oshodi (3rd dan)

I began Ju-jitsu in 1987 at the Croydon YMCA, gaining my white belt in May of that year. Having moved to the East End of London I joined the Dagenham Ju-jitsu club where I still train to this day . I have recently obtained my black belt 3rd Dan and currently enjoy teaching and working towards my 4th Dan.

Sali Walker (3rd dan)

Sali started her Ju-jitsu training at 16 yrs and has belts in Taekwando, Judo and Spirit Combat. She has been a student of Dagenham Kokoro Kai for many years now and is a well respected member of the club (watch your groins boys!). 

Sali particularly enjoys her Ko-Budo training and always does her best to attend the Association's many social functions and have ‘a good laugh!’

John Ward (2nd dan)

I started Ju-jitsu at the age of 43, which shows that age is no barrier! I am still happily training 10 years on and enjoying every minute. I took my black belt in 2000 and my 2nd Dan in 2004 (I’ve never liked to rush a belt!).

I had dabbled with a number of martial arts but Ju-jitsu was the first thing that I stuck with. I think this is largely because it is actually good fun, you are always training with a partner rather than performing meaningless drills. It is also due to the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that Mark and Claire promote at their clubs.

Over the years of training I have developed an interest in ground fighting in particular. I have complemented my training with some training in Brazilian Ju-jitsu in which I have reached Blue Belt. I was lucky enough to visit Rio de Janeiro last year and train at the famous Gracie Barra Camp with Carlos Gracie Junior. I also managed to compete successfully in my weight, age and belt category at the world masters and seniors championships.

Wayne Campbell (1st dan)

I have been studying Martial Arts since I was 13 years old and began in Wado Ryu Karate in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  I studied for several years before joining the Army. Whilst in the Army I was posted all over the world and when not stuck in a trench continued with Karate. 

I left the Army in the late 80s’ and settled in England. I did a few odd jobs before ending up in the East London Area. Around 1994 I decided to continue with my martial arts training but could not find a decent local Karate club. 

I was aware of Ju-jitsu and what it involved and decided to check out a club in Hornchurch. I watched a couple of lessons and was a bit apprehensive when I saw some of the higher grades throwing each other around, but they always seemed to be smiling and when having a lock applied kept telling each other if it didn’t hurt! Well I was hooked. 

I found the clubs run by Mark and Claire friendly and enjoyable, with both of them taking the time to explain the technical aspects of the art. The syllabus provides an excellent grounding to develop your skills and Mark and Claire demonstrate that this is just a part of what can be achieved with Ju-jitsu.  

I have found Ju-jitsu to be a very effective self defence system and have used it on a number of occasions in my current employment. I also enjoy teaching the juniors and help out as often as I can.

John Leckie (1st dan)

I took up Ju-jitsu in 2002. I have recently been awarded my Shodan black belt. When I was a student (many years ago) I dabbled with Judo & Taekwondo. I found that Judo was geared towards a sport whereas in Taekwondo you needed a degree of flexibility and suppleness that I would never possess.

I first became interested when I watched a class at Hornchurch leisure centre and decided to have ago. I started of on break falls and did some simple but effective techniques.

In my opinion Ju-jitsu is the complete Martial Art and has something to offer everyone from throws, takedowns, locks & holds, defences against knife attacks, kobudo, sparring, ground fighting. The syllabus has a comprehensive array of techniques which are practised over and over again to develop speed, timing and balance.

Ju-jitsu in my opinion is the thinking persons Martial Art because you need a good memory and an awareness of anatomy & detail. People at the club are friendly and we stress the importance of socialising and strengthening inter-club links both locally and internationally. Ju-jitsu is an effective method of self-defence and is fun as well as enjoyable to learn.

Paul Smith (2nd dan)

There are many things I enjoy about Ju-jitsu from self defence to competition.  Personal highlights have been gaining my black belt and training abroad in S.Africa,

Lanzarote and Ireland.  Also, having some success in competition:- Bronze medals in Team Demo/Weapons Kata – Silver in Pairs Demo – S.Africa 2001/03.  Bronze medals in Random Attacks 2003/05 at Jikishin Nationals Southend.