MEET THE CAN DO MARTIAL ARTS COACHING TEAM
Professor Terry Carling
Terry has been studying martial arts since starting self-defence, kickboxing and boxing in 2008 aged 38. After a year or two and following a sparring session where he was taken to the floor and was helpless under a smaller BJJ blue belt, he decided he had to learn BJJ.
As a white belt, he and a couple of friends started messing about, watching online videos and reading books and a small class formed. Gradually this class grew, and Terry visited other clubs, and attended seminars, taking what he learned back to his class of white belts, and was eventually promoted to blue belt.
Following 14 years of learning and coaching BJJ, travelling to camps and seminars and seeking out other practitioners, Terry eventually received his black belt from Kev Capel, Ben Richardson and Phil Cottingham in November 2023.
David Cavill Sensei
"After I made contact with Can Do in 2021 following a few breaks due to health and careers, I trained without Gi or belt for a few weeks, but I found myself once more captivated by Karate.
Since then I have won over 10 medals and trophies at various local, regional and National Competitions with Can Do and JKS England.
I was selected to be a member of JKS England Kata squad. I won Silver for Kata at the JKS England championships and at the BKF four nations championships.
I was very privileged to be asked to take a teaching role at Can do which I enjoy immensely and hope to pass on some of my experience and knowledge to help other Karate Ka improve their art."
Professor Chris Fensom
Chris is a fun and exciting instructor with a passion for the martial arts. He has trained in Karate, Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai and Wrestling.
Chris is a British black belt Brazilian JiuJitsu Champion and experienced competitor in Jiu Jitsu and British Champion in MMA.
He is the head coach and owner at A1 Martial Arts.
Chris is a second degree Black Belt under Roger Gracie Academy Buckinghamshire, and has been our lead coach for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Can Do Martial Arts since 2015.
Professor Heather Grimes
Heather is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Jeet Kune Do & Kali.
"I have been involved with Can Do Martial Arts since the Dojo opened and have over 12 years experience in martial arts and my real passion is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I have competed and won medals at every belt over the years and was awarded my black belt in December 2024. This was one of the proudest moments of my life and a privilege.
I am particularly keen to get more women into the sport and set up a women's only class in May 2023 which is going strong. I love teaching BJJ and trying to impart some of the passion that I feel for the sport to others.
Although a more 'senior' grappler I still train 2-3 times a week and teach regularly. I look forward to seeing you on mats.
Athony Halsall Sensei
Anthony is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate gaining this at just 21 years of age.
He has represented JKS England in both Kata & Kumite, and the EKF Regional and National Squads for Kumite.
Anthony is a full-time Karate coach at Can Do, and is passionate about his art and love sharing this with all who will listen.
Anthony heads up our own Competition squad and competes regularly both nationally and internationally.
Professor Curtis Manners
Curtis started studying martial arts at 11 when he joined a local judo club, achieving his green belt. He went on to try various martial arts but found a love for kickboxing and achieved his black belt in 2010.
Curtis joined our Brazilian jujitsu class at Can Do Martial Arts around ten years ago and recently was awarded his Black Belt.
You'll find Curt teaching the Sunday "Chill-Jitsu" session. A firm favourite of our students.
Luke Morris Sensei
Luke is a 2nd Degree Black belt and a member of the JKS England Kata Squad. He has competed regionally and nationally winning medals in this discipline.
He is a firm favourite of our KickStart students bringing his energy and enthusiasm to his teaching.
You'll also find Luke teaching the occasional Karate class or on the mat practicing his Kata!
Guro Nicholas Rees
Dr. Nicholas Rees is head of NMR at Oxford University, and also a skilled and longtime student of both Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do and the Filipino Martial Arts.
Nick holds a Black Belt in Jeet Kune Do & Kali and a Black Belt In Kembukai Martialk Arts under Bob Breen, who later along with Ben Richardson ward him his Black Belt in JKD in 2011.
Nick is an Instructor in 4D Combatives and teaches Kickboxing, Kali and kids JKD at our Dojo HQ.
Coach Ben Richardson (Owner & Head Coach)
Ben founded Can Do Martial Arts in 2004 as a second dan black belt in Shotokan Karate. Over the next 20 years he went on to gain his 5th Dan in Shokokan Karate and black belts in JKD & Kali under Bob Breen, and an instructorship in Jun Fan Gung Fu and Filipino Martial Arts under Dan Inosanto, an instructorship in JKD under Paul Vunak, an instructorship in JKD/Kali Combatives under Phil Norman, and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Kev Capel & Chris Fensom RGA Bucks.
Ben competed for many years as part of the KUGB national karate squad and also as a team member for JKS England, winning multiple medals nationally and internationally. He also become assistant coach for JKS England in 2022/23.
In 2012 Ben opened the first Can Do Martial Arts Dojo in Abingdon with the help of his wife Virginia. He now teaches primarily Jiu Jitsu at CDMA's Cumbria Classes.
Virginia Richardson (Owner & Wellbeing Expert)
After achieving a degree in Sport Science, Virginia had a successful career in Sports Event Management before, helping her husband Ben to establish Can Do Martial Arts in 2004.
In 2006 after achieving her Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, she made a career change, becoming a full-time coach at Can Do Martial Arts.
She went on to become a qualified Pilates coach and fitness instructor establishing VR Pilates with both an in-class and online student base for her Pilates coaching experience. To find out about our online pilates classes click here.
In 2016 she went back to University and over 3 years of full-time study qualified as a Nutritional Therapist under BANT,
Virginia has a passion for helping people and offers a unique service to our customers and clients.
For more information on how Nutritional Therapy can benefit you click here.
Coach Jordan Squires (Dojo Manager)
I began training in 'Jeet Kune Do' under Ben at the age of 14. When I was 16, still at college, I began helping Ben teach the children's classes during the evenings after lectures.
Later Ben offered me the opportunity to do an apprenticeship under his guidance as a Martial Arts Coach. During the apprenticeship I trained in 'Karate' and 'Brazilian Jiu Jitsu' as well as doing personal training qualifications.
Four years later, I passed all my courses and gained all my qualifications. In 2014 I got both my black belts in Jeet Kune Do and Karate and I went on to finish my personal training qualifications gaining NVQ Level 3.
I have competed in Mixed Martial Arts, Filipino Stick Fighting and Kickboxing, and was a fighter for JKS England too.
In 2023 I received my Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Stella Vassiliou Sensei
Having started training when I was 9 years old, it is difficult for me to remember life without karate in it.
What I love about karate – in addition to the discipline, respect and the fitness – is the fact that there is always more to learn and it is always possible to improve. I also think that karate is a beautiful art and I love being able to express myself through physical movements that are both powerful and artistic.
These factors, and a desire to inspire my students, motivated me to keep grading and to start competing at the highest national level.
I am currently a 5th Dan (JKS) in Karate and have won gold medals in Kata at multiple National Events as a member of the JKS England Kata Squad.
Coach Scott Witham (TFW Manager)
Coach Scott joined Can Do Martial Arts full time in October 2012 after being the first student to achieve his JKD Black Belt under Ben Richardson & Bob Breen.
Over the past decade he has earned a black belt in Karate and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and become a qualified TFW Coach.
He has competed in many competitions across all three arts and had the honour of traveling abroad to study JKD under guru Dan Inosanto.
More recently Scott has taken over the role of TFW manager where he runs the Training For Warriors fitness program to the highest standards. He flies every year to the international training summits to train with the founder of TFW Martin Rooney, and develop his knowledge of the programme and his coaching skills.
You'll most likely find Scott either on the mats or in the weights area coaching or preparing for a class, be sure to stop and say hello.
FAQS
What age do I need to be to start training in Martial Arts?
Martial Arts can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from beginners to experienced competitors. We offer a variety of classes and programs to meet the needs of everyone, including children's classes.
Do I need to be in Shape?
No, you do not need to be in good shape to start training in Martial Arts. Our instructors will help you get in shape at your own pace. Martial Arts are a great way to get in shape and learn self-defence at the same time.
What do I need to bring to my first class?
When you come to class just wear sports clothes and we will take care of the rest. We have a drinks dispenser onsite for water, but bring a bottle so you can top up. We'd also recommend bringing your debit or credit card in case you want to sign up immediately.
How Much is a Membership?
Our memberships start at just £2.53 per class! We have 4 membership types charged monthly:
Bronze: One training class each week (£10.48 per class).
Silver: Two training classes each week (£6.57 per class).
Gold: Unlimited training classes each week in martial arts (£3.55 per class).
Platinum: Unlimited training in martial arts AND you get full access to our Training For Warriors holistic fitness programme (£2.53 per class!), with a free nutrition meal plan, free weights room access, free body composition analysis AND you get free online access to our training video library for your martial art.
You'll find there is no contract and you can adjust or cancel your membership at anytime with no exit fees either.