Chief Instructor and Training Director Sensei Ken Culhane

Ken has a military background as a sergeant in the Parachute Regiment. This has helped him develop a unique style of instruction and coaching that brings out the best in his students - instilling confidence and a “can-do” attitude, along with a sense of fun.

Sensei Ken is a Qualified Instructor and Senior Coach in both Ju Jitsu and the Open Circle Fighting Method (OCFM) and Instructor with the BCA. With Master Stephen Kelly (OCFM National Coach), Ken conducts seminars around the UK.

In March 2008, Ken was asked by the military to teach fighting skills to the Army and it was at this time that the Kensa brand was established, with Ken’s co-director, Sarah Thompson. Since then, Kensa has established an adult class, a children’s club - the Cougars and Kensa Egypt (Cairo) where Ken travels to trains club members in self defence. Ken has also run successful self defence courses, ju jitsu demonstrations and private self-defence training sessions.

Kensa Martial Arts is also the primary provider of conflict management training to Joint Contract Bodyguards. Ken is CRB certified for training under 16’s.

Gary Cowan

Gary has 30 years’ military experience and has attended army martial arts seminars in combat ji jitsu, tae kwon-do, karate and aikido. He is a member of the Army Martial Arts Association. Gary’s trained under Master Steve Kelly, National OCFM striking Coach. experienced in training children and young adults in martial arts.

CRB certified for training under 16’s.

Kensa Instructor and Assistant Chief Instructor Kensa Cougars Liza Bexon

Liza met Ken as a student on a women’s self defence course in 2004. Having been “bitten” by the martial arts bug,she decided to take up ju jitsu. Liza teaches youngsters aged 5-15 in our Cougars Kids Club and assists Ken with the Women’s Self Defence courses.

Liza is Assistant Chief Instructor for our new Women’s Self Defence Club at Worthy Down.

Liza currently holds a Black Belt in Cougars Martial Arts and is a  Blue Belt in the Kensa adults club. She’s is determined to achieve her Black Belt!