East Meets West Black Belt Academy

History

Although formally founded in 1995, the academy’s roots stretch way back to 1985 in various training halls around the north east.

Initially the style taught was Traditional Kung Fu (Lau Gar) taught by Tony, a then 1^st degree black sash gained under Master Jeremy Yau.

One of Tony’s first students was Colin, over the years Colin studied and gained his black belt under Tony and together they opened up the academy at Widdrington community centre.

The academy slowly grew in membership in the initial years, however, the new millennium was the turning point for the academy, with the influence and friendship of Master Paul Pearson a high level martial artist in Thai boxing and Pentjak Silat (Indonesian fighting art).

Master Paul’s lineage is impressive as it is long; he is a recognised Master of Pentjak Silat under Guru Richard De Bordes. Master Paul has studied extensively under Master Toddy (Thai boxing) and under Bob Breen (Kali/Escrima).

Needless to say that Master Paul’s influence radically changed Tony and Colin’s delivery of what was taught and how.

The system now taught at the academy is a fusion of all the arts studied, giving students access to a broad range of combat, both empty hand and weaponry. 

Since 2004 the academy became members of United Professionals and Black Belt Schools International.  One of the largest professional martial arts providers in the world, it offers its members professional management tuition and access to some of the worlds top martial artists such as Roland Osborne and Diego Perez.

The academy offers a vast range of weaponry systems including; traditional Japanese, Philippino and Chinese. It still retains a strong traditional ethos but with a modernistic approach.

We pride ourselves in offering students personal development courses both at the academy and at United Professionals UK headquarters in Doncaster.  These courses are a ‘ladder’ for students who wish to pursue either a career in martial arts or improve their current career prospects as the skills are transferable.

We are very much a family centre and we are proud to say that a number of family groups train within the academy at various levels.  We also have regular social events for the whole family, including non training family members.

The classes are high energy, informative and have something to offer to virtually everyone whether a beginner or advanced practitioner with classes to suit all age groups.