About Us
Meet the Senseis
Name: Sensei STEVE
Rank: 2nd Dan (Chief instructor)
Butokukai Fellowship Trust member
Experience: 25+ Years
Sensei Steve has devoted his life to martial arts, beginning his journey in Karate, Judo and more before settling on Goshin Kenpo Jujitsu at just 15 under Sensei Tim Brennan. Earning his Black Belt at 22, he became Chief Instructor of Combat Jujitsu Ryu in 2017, bringing his depth of experience and dedication to the forefront of teaching.
Known for his approachable and empathetic style (and humour), he has gratefully received glowing feedback from students and peers alike for his ability to create a welcoming and supportive environment. Standing at 6'2", he follows the philosophy that technique and mindset in Jujitsu far outweigh size or strength.
He is particularly praised for his focus on helping students overcome personal challenges, such as mental health struggles or a lack of prior training, empowering them to discover their potential. His classes are praised for being inclusive, engaging, and inspiring, blending his passion and expertise to ensure every student feels valued and motivated.
With a commitment to continuous growth, Sensei Steve maintains his own training to keep lessons dynamic and meaningful. His reputation for enthusiasm, patience, and an unwavering dedication to student progress makes each session a unique and enriching experience, leaving a lasting positive impact on all who train under him. In his spare time he is an avid gamer (videogames and board games), film fan, amateur photographer for local choirs, loves Dr Pepper, and is currently training to be a counsellor.
Name: Sensei RICHARD SMALL
Rank: 5th Dan TAI Europe (Co-instructor)
Experience: 50 Years
Butokukai Fellowship Trust member
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With 50 years of martial arts experience, Sensei Richard is a cornerstone of expertise and inspiration for our club. A master in Aikido with over 45 years of practice and 20 years of teaching experience, he is a qualified coach with the British Aikido Board (BAB) specializing in the aiki weapons of
O-Sensei and Saito Sensei. His Tai Chi journey spans 30 years, with two decades of teaching, as a certified coach with the BCCMA and an instructor member of the TCUGB and Longfei Taijiquan Association.
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Sensei Richard's dedication to martial arts is unmatched. He has traveled to Russia, China, and beyond to deepen his knowledge and was one of three expert instructors at the BAB National Weapons Course in 2019. As the author of Tai Chi and Aikido – Exploring Pathways Beyond Choreography, his insights bridge tradition and innovation.
A qualified educator with certifications in further and adult education, Sensei Richard offers not only private lessons and demonstrations in Aikido, Tai Chi, and Chi Kung but also invaluable guidance to our club, helping refine our Aikido and weaponry techniques. Fully insured and DBS-checked, he brings unparalleled skill, knowledge, and mentorship to every session, enriching our community and enhancing every student’s journey.
For more, visit:
www.aikijo.weebly.com
www.taichidevon.weebly.com
Name: Renshi STEWART COOK
Rank: 6th Dan Karate Jitsu (Co-instructor)
5th Dan Karate-Do
1st Dan Aiki Jitsu
Experience: 50 Years
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Technical Director (Butokukai Fellowship Trust)
Chief Instructor BSKA (Rugeley)
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Beginning his martial arts journey in the late 1960s with Lau Gar Kung Fu under the esteemed Master Yau, Renshi’s dedication to martial excellence spans decades. In 1980, he joined the British Shotokan Karate Association (BSKA), where he rose from student to instructor and eventually Chief Instructor, a position he held until 2019.
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A significant influence on his path was Sensei Les McLean, an 8th Dan Aikido master with direct connections to legendary Japanese martial artists and one of Abbe Sensei’s original students. Under Sensei McLean’s guidance, he trained in the art of Karate Jitsu and became Technical Director of the Butokukai Fellowship Trust after Sensei McLean’s passing. As a testament to his mentor’s legacy, he holds the Abbe Mon in Sensei McLean’s name.
His contributions to the martial arts community are extensive. He has taught at numerous Karate Jitsu and multi-discipline seminars across the UK and the Isle of Man, judged Kata competitions, and refereed Kumite matches. As an instructor, he has trained students to the distinguished rank of 4th Dan, coached British Karate Kata champions, and mentored medalists who have excelled in European and World Kata championships.
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With decades of experience, unparalleled knowledge, and a passion for teaching, Sensei continues to inspire and elevate the martial arts community through his commitment to excellence.