MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, SUNDAY
THE DOJO, UNIT 2 first floor Westward Point, Barnstaple, EX32 8PA
EMAIL US: combatjujitsuryu@gmail.com
MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, SUNDAY
THE DOJO, UNIT 2 first floor Westward Point, Barnstaple, EX32 8PA
EMAIL US: combatjujitsuryu@gmail.com
We practice Goshin Kempo Jujitsu, our combination of locks, blocks, strikes, throws and various other defensive moves requires us to understand our own art and others, so we have a unique approach in how we train. Rather than focus on one element of Jujitsu we also train in the individual arts that influenced it or that came from it such as Karate, Aikido and Judo. Our amazing team has a wide skillset, treasure trove of knowledge and very valuable experience.
We practice Goshin Kempo Jujitsu, our combination of locks, blocks, strikes, throws and various other defensive moves requires us to understand our own art and others, so we have a unique approach in how we train. Rather than focus on one element of Jujitsu we also train in the individual arts that influenced it or that came from it such as Karate, Aikido and Judo. Our amazing team has a wide skillset, treasure trove of knowledge and very valuable experience.
Name: Sensei STEVE MCNEILL
Rank: 3rd Dan (Chief instructor)
Butokukai Fellowship Trust member
Experience: 27 Years
Sensei Steve has trained in various arts since a young age. He took up Goshin Combat Jiu-Jitsu under Sensei Tim Brennan at 15 years old and earned his Black Belt at 22 under the new club name, Combat Jujitsu Ryu. Standing 6’2″ in height, Sensei Steve is dedicated to using his experience and skill to show you that size and strength are not as important as technique in Jujitsu. His main focus is ensuring all students develop equally but at their own pace and to show them how capable they can be. Sensei Steve became chief instructor and head of Combat Jujitsu Ryu in Birmingham in 2017, later moving to Devon in 2018 and founding a branch of Combat Jujitsu Ryu there.
Now much older and wiser, Sensei Steve focuses on student progress rather than his own and how best to achieve technique with minimal effort and maximum output, with emphasis on those who struggle with mental health, confidence issues and have never done any form of training or exercise before.
Though he still trains in his own time to keep his skills and methods up to date his enthusiasm, empathy and passion for instructing and Jujitsu ensures every lesson is a different and valuable experience for the students.
Name: Renshi RICHARD SMALL
Rank: 5th Dan TAI Europe (Co-instructor)
Experience: 50 Years
Butokukai Fellowship Trust member
Trained in aikido over 45 years, teaching for over 20, awarded the title of Renshi in 2025 bu representatives of the Butokukai Fellowship Trust. Qualified coach with British Aikido Board. Mainly teaching the aiki weapons of O-Sensei and Saito Sensei.
He has practised Tai Chi for about 30 years, teaching for 20. Qualified coach with BCCMA. Instructor member of TCUGB and Longfei Taijiquan Association.
Fully insured with AMAA. DBS checked.
Qualified with further and adult education certificate and post grad cert in training.
Has travelled to Russia and China several times, as well as many other places in pursuit of martial arts.
One of three teachers at the BAB national weapons course in 2019.
Author of the book, Tai Chi and Aikido – exploring pathways beyond choreography.
Web sites:
www.aikijo.weebly.com
www.taichidevon.weebly.com
Teaching his own class outside of ours, Renshi Richard runs mainly private lessons for small groups seeking knwoledge. Lessons or demonstrations are offered to any group or person interested in aikido, tai chi, chi kung or the like. Usually, no fee is asked.
He is currently enjoying Combat Jujitsu classes and helping improve our Aikido and weaponry.
Name: Renshi STEWART COOK
Rank: 6th Dan Karate Jitsu (Co-instructor)
5th Dan Karate-Do
1st Dan Aiki Jitsu
Experience: 50 Years
Technical Director (Butokukai Fellowship Trust)
Chief Instructor BSKA (Rugeley)
“I started my martial arts journey in the late 1960’s with Lau Gar Kung Fu, under Master Yau. I drifted around different styles until I joined BSKA in about 1980 (Shotokan), where I remained as student, instructor and Chief Instructor until 2019. In between, I trained under my spiritual master, who introduced me to the art of Karate Jitsu, Sensei Les McLean. Sensei McLean (Aikido 8th Dan) had a direct line to some of the great Japanese masters and was one of Abbe Sensei’s original students. Sensei McLean founded the Butokukai Fellowship Trust and I took over as technical director after his death. I hold the Abbe Mon in his name.
I have taught in many Karate Jitsu and multi discipline seminars within the U.K. and I o M., judged in Kata competitions and refereed at kumite.
As an instructor I have trained students to 4th Dan level. Some have been British Karate Kata champions and I have trained medal winners at European and World Kata championships.”
Name: Sensei SIMON HOLT
Rank: 3rd Dan Iwama Ryu Aikido (Co-instructor)
Experience: 30+ Years
Sensei Simon Holt began his martial arts journey as a schoolboy, exploring Wado Ryu Karate and boxing.
At the age of 34, he returned to martial arts, initially training in Ki Federation Aikido before discovering that it was not the right fit for him. He transitioned to the Iwama Ryu style, training under Tom Parris Sensei (5th Dan) at the Kokoro Kai Iwama Ryu Dojo in Falmouth. After seven years of dedicated practice, he earned his Shodan (1st Dan) and continued to deepen his expertise by attending international seminars with esteemed instructors such as Saito Hitohira Sensei and Pat Hendricks Sensei. Over the years, Sensei Holt advanced to Sandan (3rd Dan) in Iwama Ryu and earned his weapons scrolls.
He now finds great fulfillment in cross-training and teaching at Combat Jujitsu Ryu, where he shares knowledge, learns from others, and continues to grow alongside fellow instructors and students.
