The Worcester Branch of Spirit Combat was opened in January 2004 by Sensei Peter Jones, at the time a 2nd Dan Black Belt. It was the realisation of a lifelong dream.
Master Peter has trained in Martial Arts since aged eleven, amassing grades in numerous styles. He was originally a student of the Shropshire branches of SCI and gained the grade of Shodan Ho in 1997 with them. Moving to University in Cardiff, he studied under Kancho Chris Raven, the head coach for SCI in Wales and gained 2nd Dan in 2001 with him. Kancho Chris encouraged Master Peter to undergo Coach training with a view to opening up a club when the time was right.
In January 2004, the time was right. We’ve never looked back.
Master Daniel soon came to the club, initially just to see how Master Peter differed in his approach to the same art that he had also achieved black belt in. Master Dan remains an invaluable aid to Master Peter.
Master Pete shares Judo founder Professor Kano’s vision of Martial Arts being accessible to all. Anyone over the age of six (an insurance company, not club stipulation) can train, irrespective of race, gender, religion, disability or body size. Prices are kept to a minimum in order that no-one loses out in what Master Peter sees as a valuable life experience. Aside from insurance which is legally compulsory, nothing else is forced on the student.
Worcester Spirit Combat continues to prosper. We are frequently bringing in new ideas to the dojo. In 2005 we opened a Combat Skills class aimed at developing students in sport Martial Arts such as Kickboxing and Combat Jujitsu. We are supported by an international organisation which ensures that its coaches are up-to-date with the law, health and safety and current accepted teaching methods. As Coaches, we have to keep ourselves fresh too and this is all to the benefit of the class.
As 2008 opens, we look forward to a positive year ahead. We hope to have our first Black Belt students in the club this year and hope to expand our classes.
