Our team of instructors provide a professional and friendly place to learn freestyle karate and kickboxing. The team ranges from contracted class instructors to voluntary roles. All classes are lead by a head or senior instructor, all of which are qualified to 1st dan black belt minimum, public liability insured and/or has an insured instructor on site, and DBS checked.

All class lead and senior instructors follow Elemental Fitness Ltd procedures, these include company procedures, general risk assessments, young persons risk assessments and COVID-19 risk assessments,. The Elemental Kickboxing Leeds also operates a safeguarding policy and has attended a Safeguarding course for Children and Young People to ensure we provide the safest training environment possible for you and your family.

Founder, Personal Trainer & Head Martial Arts Instructor

Starting the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds club in 2008 David has a wealth of experience working with clients from many backgrounds.

David has practiced freestyle karate and kickboxing since 1998, instructed since 2004 and taught privately since 2006. He graded for his 1^st Dan black belt under Gareth Lloyd Evans (5^th Dan) in 2003, his 2^nd Dan black belt under Tom Hibbert (7^th Dan) in May 2006, his 3^rd Dan black belt under Tom Hibbert (7^th Dan) in December 2009, and his 4^th Dan black belt under Brian Beck (8^th Dan) in January 2014.

David has experience in Karate, Boxing, Kickboxing and Jujitsu. He has competed in numerous British National Championships since 2003 in the minus 80KG weight categories, and attends regular seminars to increase his knowledge in martial arts and fitness.

David is the owner of Elemental Fitness and Elemental Kickboxing Academy. He graduated in Sports, Health, and Nutrition (BSc Hons) at Leeds University and has experience of teaching kickboxing to special needs children and young people.

Qualifications:

Level 6 BSc (Hons) Sports, Health, Exercise & Nutrition

4th Dan Black Belt Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing

Basic First Aid for Appointment Person

Modules:

Psychology of Sport, Active Children, Introduction to Food & Nutrition, Health & Wellbeing, Sociology of Sport, Physiology of Training, Community Nutrition, Food Culture & Behaviour, Research Methods, Nutritional Biochemistry, Interrelationships between Nutrition & Exercise, Community Health & Fitness, Biopsychology of Stress & Health, Sports Injury, Eating Disorders, Physical Activity & Health Trainer, Nutrition & Health Policies, Sports Therapy, Gender, Age & Nutrition.

Other Experience

Business Concept Finalist Regional Enterprise Awards 2009

Business Concept Winner Local Enterprise Awards 2008

Sports & Outdoors Activity Coach, New York, 2007-2009 (special needs)

WKC Competition Medallist National English Kickboxing Championships 2004 - 2011

WKC Competition Medallist European Kickboxing Championships 2004 - 2011

Interclub Competition Medallist 1998 - 2006 (local)

Karate 1994-1996

Profile

First Name: David | Surname: Kenyon | Date of Birth: 03/07/87 | Date Joined: 2008 | Belt: 4^th Dan Black Belt | Weight: 78kg | Height: 1.78m | Location: Leeds | Hometown: Leeds | Fighting style: American Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing |

David says,

'I am passionate about Health and Wellbeing, in particular nutrition and human physiology. I have a keen interest in human biology, biopsychology of stress and health, human psychology and physics. My main interest would be freestyle karate and kickboxing which I have practiced since 1998 and incorporate into my full time profession as a personal trainer.

I have personal trained since November 2008 but my teaching experience expands to September 2003. I graduated in Sports, Health, Exercise and Nutrition BSc (hons) at the University of Leeds and practiced freestyle karate and kickboxing since 1998 and instructed since 2004. My most recent grading was Forth Dan black belt under Brian Becks (8th Dan) in January 2014.

I have experience in Karate, Boxing, Kickboxing and Jujitsu and competed in a number of British National Championships, European Championships and interclub competitions since 1998 in children's and men's under 80KG weight categories.

My current objectives are to continue building Elemental Fitness Ltd in Leeds, through improving facilities and training standards of the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds and at Elemental Fitness Ltd.

Outside of work I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. I enjoy meeting up with friends, trips out, movies, theme parks and the occasional night out. I have an keen interest in cars and like to keep up to date with world events and science. I have travelled in the past and hope to do this again in the future.

Head Personal Trainer, Martial Arts Instructor & Online Fitness Coach

Joining in 2014 James is our head personal trainer, martial arts instructor and online fitness coach.

James has trained with the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds since 2012. He is a 2nd dan black belt in freestyle karate and kickboxing and level 3 qualified personal trainer.

James has trained with the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds since 2012 and graded for his 2nd Dan black belt under David Kenyon (4th Dan) since 2009.

James has excellent form and technique, he is a patient and well-rounded instructor with a wealth of experience. His dedication for kickboxing shows through his hard training ethics and passion for the sport. James is a committed member of Elemental Kickboxing Leeds he is always focused on improving his own ability as well as the ability of the members he teaches

He has over 9 years of experience working full time in the industry as a martial arts instructor and personal trainer. James instructing approach is combined with his personal training experience making his routines incredibly effective and extremely varied keeping lessons fun and educational.

James has competed in numerous British National Championships since 2014 in the plus 90KG weight categories which include achieving silver in 2016.

James currently runs our Saturday adults class.

Qualifications:

Level 2 Gym Instructor

Level 3 Personal Trainer

Level 3 Exercise Referral

Level 4 Lower Back Specialist

2nd Dan Black Belt Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing

Modules:

Exercise for Fat Loss, Circuit Training, Behaviour Change Coaching, Nutrition & Weight Management Coach, Advanced Resistance Training, Functional Training, Core Training.

Profile

First Name: James | Surname: Clark | Date of Birth: 13/03/1991 | Date Joined: 2012 | Belt: 2nd Dan Black Belt | Weight: 97kg | Height: 188cm | Location: Bradford | Hometown: Leeds | Fighting style: American Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing

James says,

'I joined Elemental Fitness Ltd, Leeds in April 2014 and have practiced Freestyle kickboxing for the best part of 5 years. I have a keen eye on technique which has taught me unique ways of implementing my style of kickboxing into my personal training sessions through enjoyable and intense sessions.

My main goal with Elemental Fitness Ltd is to help people meet their personal targets through the use of fun martial art work outs, which are aerobically challenging. My work outs are designed to keep you motivated and eager to learn more, whilst improving fitness in the process. By getting people to enjoy exercise, will help them to stay active for longer with my tailored kickboxing one to one sessions.

Kickboxing is my passion in life and getting more people interested in the sport, whilst working up a sweat, is something I pride myself on.

Outside of Elemental Fitness Ltd I love outdoor pursuits including fell walking, camping and cycling. When I’m not on the move I’m usually socialising with friends and playing online gaming.

I am the senior personal trainer at Elemental Fitness and a lead instructor at Elemental Kickboxing Leeds. I have personal trained with Elemental Fitness since April 2014 yet my instructing experience expands back to June 2012.

I am a level 3 qualified personal trainer and second dan black belt in freestyle karate and kickboxing. My most recent grading was under David Kenyon (4th Dan)'

For more information about James please visit

Personal Trainer, Martial Arts Instructor & Social Media Coordinator

Joining in 2019 Ryan is our Personal Trainer, Martial Arts Instructor & Social Media Coordinator.

Ryan has trained with the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds since 2013. He is a 2nd dan black belt in freestyle karate and kickboxing. Ryan has graded under David Kenyon (4th Dan) to date.

Ryan is a talented martial artist. His technical ability is impressive which is complemented by his genuine and honest nature. Ryan's KATA forms appear effortless when performed whilst his pad work and partner work is fast and furious. He is an inspiration to the younger club members in the classes and is admired by adults due to his flexibility, leg strength and all-around top form. He is consistently wanting to improve and better his technical ability and we look forward to what he achieves in the future.

Ryan runs our children's classes.

Qualifications:

Level 2 Gym Instructor

Level 3 Personal Trainer

2nd Dan Black Belt Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing

Modules:

Cardiorespiratory System | Musculoskeletal System | Lifestyle Management & Client Motivation | Axis/Planes/Joints | Nervous System | Energy System | Health and Wellbeing | PAR-Q’s Questionnaires | Nutritional Questionnaires | Short & Long term effects of exercise | Endocrine System | Nutrition | Exercise Techniques | Session evaluations

Profile

First Name: Ryan | Surname: Butler | Date of Birth: 17/06/2003 | Date Joined: December 2013 | Belt: 1st Dan Black Belt | Weight: 70kg | Height: 174cm | Location: Leeds | Hometown: Leeds | Fighting style: American Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing

Ryan says,

'I am currently a 2nd Dan Black Belt in freestyle karate and kickboxing. I am a qualified NVQ level 2 fitness instructor and training towards my level 3 in personal training.

At school I studied BTEC sport, so I have a general understanding of what I need to do for this course. At the end of the BTEC, I came out of school with a Level 2 Distinction - it’s safe to say I surprised myself!

I think the main reason why I want to become a PT is because I want to be a part of the success that David and James have created in this business. When I first started kickboxing, the club was nothing compared to what it is now. David has transformed his business into something special, and me seeing what you can do with a limited amount of staff and a floor space is inspiring - I would like to help improve the business even further.

I am the lead instructor of the children’s classes here at Elemental Kickboxing and I have completed my level 2 fitness and instructing apprenticeship. Currently I am completing my level 3 personal training apprenticeship through Elemental Fitness Ltd and on track to be qualified by June 2022.

For further information about Ryan please visit

Martial Arts Instructor

Joining in 2023 Josh is our freestyle Karate & Kickboxing instructor.

Josh has trained with the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds since 2023. He is a 1st dan black belt in freestyle karate and kickboxing. Josh graded under David Kenyon (4th Dan) for his 1st dan black belt in freestyle karate and kickboxing, a style he now teaches. Josh has also graded for his 1st dan black belt in kickboxing at previous clubs outside of the Leeds area.

Josh stands out as a highly skilled martial artist, showcasing an impressive level of technical proficiency that harmonises seamlessly with his genuine and honest demeanour. His mastery is especially evident in points and light continuous sparring, where he excels. When engaging in pads and partner work, Josh's technical prowess is characterised by speed and intensity. His commitment to improvement serves as an inspiration to fellow club members, garnering admiration from adults for his flexibility, spinning kicks, and overall excellent form. With a consistent drive to enhance his technical abilities, we eagerly anticipate the future accomplishments that lie ahead for Josh.

Josh runs our Thursday evening class.

Qualifications:

Junior Black Belt Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club (2011)

1st Dan Black Belt Chuldow Kickboxing Academy (2021)

1st Dan Black Belt Elemental Kickboxing Academy (2023)

BA Music Performance and Production

MA Music Production

Modules:

TBC

Profile

First Name: Josh| Surname: Fawn| Date of Birth: 16/04/1996 | Date Joined: January 2023 | Belt: 1st Dan Black Belt | Weight: 96kg | Height: 172cm | Location: Leeds | Hometown: Grimsby | Fighting style: American Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing

Josh says,

'I have always enjoyed watching all styles of Martial arts since it was first introduced to me as a child in the form of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. After this I found the nearest Karate club and joined on my journey to become a ninja. After a few years of practising Shotokan Karate, competing in Kata and Kumite up to Brown belt level, I moved to the club next door as I thought Kickboxing would potentially improve my kicks. After a few lessons I was hooked!! Only ever wanting to train, always excited to train again. In my martial arts journey at GFKC I achieved my Junior Black belt as well as making it to an Adult brown white stripe belt. Competing in Cimac’s World Cup, Wako British Nationals and many other competitions in Light Continuous and point fighting.

Before leaving GFKC I became the Weapons instructor, specialising in Nunchuku, Bo, Butterfly swords and Tonfa. I was also an assistant lead instructor for the kids classes for light continuous work and helping to train students to compete in their own light continuous fights.

After having a few years off from Kickboxing and all Martial Arts, a friend managed to talk me back into coming back and I instantly was hooked into dedicated my life to the art and sport of Kickboxing again. After a couple of years back getting used to the sport again and preparing my body for the pain again I attempted my 1st Dan black belt and was successful. Due to moving again I had to find a new club and came across EKA. Only starting at the club January 2023, I immediately felt at home when I walked through the building. This will be my place of training. After a few months I managed to prove that I could attempt the EKA Black belt (Which is very hard and tiring) and managed to survive enough to pass and keep my 1st Dan Black Belt.

I hope that I can share and collaborate all the knowledge that I have gained with everyone at EKA. Bringing Point fighting, self defence, weapons and fancy kicks into lessons. As well as getting people to compete to advertise EKA so everyone knows who we are.'

Personal Trainer & Martial Arts Instructor

Joining in 2021 Stu is a Personal Trainer, Martial Arts Instructor & Events Planner

Stu has trained with the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds since 2017. He is a 1st dan black belt in taekwondo and senior grade at the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds.

Stu has trained with the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds since 2017 and has graded under David Kenyon (4th Dan) to date. Stu trained with TBC and graded up to 1^st dan black belt under TBC.

Stu is a technical martial artist with a powerful kicking ability. He is a well-balanced and patient instructor providing positive feedback to build member confidence, whilst concentrating on areas members need to improve.

Qualifications:

Level 2 Gym Instructor

Level 3 Personal Trainer

Kettlebell Instructor

Circuit Trainer

1st Dan Black Belt Taekwondo

Modules:

Anatomy & Physiology | Exercise Welfare & Health | Gym Instructor | Functional Training | Circuit Training Instructor | PT Programming & Coaching | Exercise for Fat Loss | Kettlebell Instructor | Nutrition & Weight Management

Profile

First Name: Stu | Surname: Wright | Date of Birth: 01/08/79 | Date Joined: 2018 | Belt: 1st Dan Black Belt | Weight: 75kg | Height: 180cm | Location: Leeds | Hometown: Lincoln | Fighting style: Taekwondo, American Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing

Stu says,

'I am a 1st Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, an active Kickboxing instructor, Level 3 qualified personal trainer, certified kettlebell instructor and circuit trainer, currently studying towards a Level 4 personal training qualification.

I struggled with my own weight and fitness throughout my 20’s and early 30’s and made the decision to turn this around once my first son was born. I took up Taekwondo, reached black belt, moved into Kickboxing and focused more on my fitness, over this time, I lost over 20kg and immensely improved my fitness, flexibility and mobility, eventually becoming a kickboxing instructor and undertaking my personal training qualification. The changes I made to my own lifestyle improved my health and wellbeing to such an extent I felt compelled to help other people do the same.

Away from the gym I am a keen musician, climber and mountain biker.'

For more information about Stu please visit