Sensei Denise has a lifetime of kickboxing behind her, a 7th Dan World & European Champion, international judge & referee. She's the guiding light to our team of exceptional instructors, whilst always being in the dojo herself, teaching and inspiring.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/958484569
YEAR
EVENT
PLACE
1987
Mod-Ka Invitational
2nd
B.M.A.F
1st
A.K.A National Championships
1st
A.M.A National Championships
1st
1988
B.M.A.F
1st
Mod-Ka Open
1st
A.M.A National Championships
1st
1990
W.A.K.O European Championships (Venice)
2nd
W.A.K.O World Championships (Madrid)
2nd
1991
A.M.A International (Spain)
1st
British Championships
1st
W.A.K.O World Championships (London)
1st
1992
British Championships
1st
W.A.K.O European Championships (Bulgaria)
2nd
1993
British Championships
1st
1994
British Championships
1st
W.A.K.O European Championships (Portugal)
3rd
1995
British Championships
1st
W.A.K.O World Championships (Germany)
3rd
1996
A.M.A International (Spain)
1st
British Championships
1st
W.A.K.O European Championships (Venice)
1st
1997
A.M.A Open - Tournament Organiser
W.A.K.O World Championships (Dubrovnik) - Women's Team Captain
1998
W.A.K.O European Championships (Germany) - Women's Team Captain
1999
W.A.K.O World Championships (Venice) - Women's Team Coach
Head Coach Abel Martinez
Meiji Jiu-Jitsu
Abel Martinez is a national and international Master Instructor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which he describes as the “gentle art”, and is the lead on Jiu-Jitsu teaching at Meiji Martial Arts.
Abel has been an instructor for more than twenty years and has experience in several styles of martial arts including kickboxing, and started his martial arts journey at the age of twelve learning Shotokan Karate. When he discovered Jiu-Jitsu, he knew he has found his martial art and has been teaching ever since.
He describes Jiu-Jitsu as similar to Judo - teaching key principles of self-defence and giving pupils news skills to gain an advantage. Abel is a BJJ British Champion as well as a national and international champion and a black belt (third degree).
"It is definitely the gentle art, but it is such as effective martial art, I love the simplicity of it because it allows the weaker person to beat the stronger person. I love the fact that it is something you are always learning and can always develop.
"I enjoy teaching and being able to pass on the skills to my pupils and to see them grow in their confidence. I have the same love and passion for it that I had when I first walked into a class."
Abel Martinez
Master Mark Roberts
Meiji Krav Maga
Mark Roberts leads on teaching the Meiji instructors the combat art of Krav Maga. Mark has been training in martial arts for 35 years and teaching for 25 years.
Krav Maga is relatively new, and is becoming increasingly popular with both men and women as a very simple but effective martial art.
Mark is a full time Master Instructor in two different Krav Maga systems, and a black belt in five martial arts. One of the leading instructors in the field, Mark is now working with the Meiji instructors to pass on some of his extensive knowledge and skills.
"Krav Maga is not really about medals or points or trophies, it is a very pure and no- nonsense martial art with techniques which empower people.
"It is about learning strategies to protect yourself - it takes from lots of different martial arts but is very stripped back and simple in its approach"
Mark Roberts
Coach Marcia (Moli) De Oliveira Ramos
Meiji Jiu-Jitsu
Known as 'Moli’, she was born in Brazil, and started to practise Judo when she was 14 years old.
In Brazil she participated in several regional tournaments and is a Black Belt 2nd Dan in Judo. She moved to London in 2009 and since then has been practising and teaching Judo at various locations around London.
She is a specialist in working with neurodivergent children and was promoted to Black Belt in December 2022.
Sensei James Guerrero
2nd Dan
Born and raised in London, Sensei James started his kickboxing journey at the age of 4.
His love for the sport began to flourish whilst at secondary school when he was faced with the challenges of being bullied over his weight and height. This was a particularly difficult time for him, and it was with the support of his martial arts family and the confidence that the discipline and adjustment of mind brings that aided his growth, development and true sense of self.
He was so dedicated that he was awarded his black belt and encouraged to begin teaching at the age of 15, and this was the beginning of his passion for teaching.
"There is nothing more rewarding than being a part of someone else's development".
James Guerrero
His commitment and dedication were such that he was awarded his first Dan at 17, and encouraged to participate in several competitions, which led to his 2nd Dan at the age of 19.
Under the mentorship and guidance of Sensei Denise, his perception of life transformed, and he has learned that true and enduring success will always be built upon a solid team and community foundation.
Sempai Vlad Zaremskyi
I have been fascinated with martial arts since childhood. My journey into that world began in Ukraine. Once when I was 25 years old I saw a Taekwon-do ITF competition. I was so impressed by the graceful technique and the speed of the kicking, it led me to Taekwon-do and so determined my future career. I am a Taekwon-do (ITF) coach with competitive experience and 12 years of teaching experience. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and am 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwon-do ITF.
In the middle of 2022, my family and I arrived in London. This was a difficult period in our lives. I started learning a new language and after a while I became interested in martial arts clubs. Once I got to the Meiji Dojo as a student, I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly and hospitable atmosphere as well as the competence of the instructors. This is the place that I wanted to be. I had the honour of meeting Sensei Denise and her wonderful team, which I am fortunate to have become a part of.
Since Taekwon-do (ITF) and kickboxing have a lot in common, I am happy to share my knowledge and skills, but I also discovered a lot of new and interesting methods and techniques in the Meiji Dojo, which provide me with additional and valuable experience.
I am happy that I now have the gift of continuing my martial arts journey with the Meiji team.
Sempai Radha Castellino Dominguez
Black Belt
When I was 9 years old I was fidgety, awkward and a little chubby. I had tried a few sports but found them generally uninteresting and difficult. I have always felt a lot of pressure to be the best at everything I do. At kickboxing, I felt no pressure, finishing every class feeling empowered and satisfied, even though I was a bit ungainly.
Sensei Denise inspired me, and her team have always made me feel safe. I never felt clumsy or useless as I did with other sports. They taught me values (self-control, discipline, hard work) and the self-confidence I gained has positively impacted many areas of my life.
I am currently doing my GCSEs as well as several extra-curricular activities. Kickboxing gives me a safe space to forget any stress, to unwind and refocus in a safe environment, leaving my problems at the door.
Sensei Alex Blomquist
4th Dan
Sensei Alex 'The Sponge' Blomquist started his martial arts training in 1998 at the age of 15 under the watchful eye of Sensei Denise.
After 3 years of training he became a full-time instructor and worked his way towards achieving his 1st Dan Black Belt at age 20. He has competed in numerous martial arts tournaments across the country, winning a Silver medal at the British Championships in 2005 and a gold medal in Barcelona at the Spanish Championships in 2006.
He went on to achieve his 4th Dan Black Belt in 2013. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Dojo, helping to shape and develop the martial arts curriculum over the years. He has a passion for helping to develop students of all ages and ability levels, and is keen to pass on his knowledge to his students and junior instructors alike.
Sensei Jamal Stern
2nd Dan
"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will but the will must be stronger than the skill." - Muhammad Ali
My martial arts journey started when I was 10 years old training in Wing Chun. Progressing into my teens I yearned to develop myself more and began my kickboxing journey. Following various kickboxing styles I found my home when I started training with Sensei Denise in 2006. After receiving my 2nd Dan Black Belt in 2013 I was keen to push myself further and stepping out my comfort zone I took up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which I continue to this day.
Sensei Jamal says "Victory loves preparation and where there is preparation there is no fear".
Jamal Stern
Sensei John Ruocco
5th Dan
Sensei John has been a kickboxer since 1994, bringing comprehensive fighting skills to the dojo. He is a 5th Dan, and will share his knowledge with you on your own journey.
"You can apply Meiji Kickboxing to all aspects of your life."
John Ruocco
Sensei Gibson Ariza
Black Belt
My martial arts journey began in the Philippines when I was 9, for about 3 and a half years. After taking a break to focus on my studies, I began training in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and had 2 successful competitions. Then my mother moved us to Blackpool, UK in 2011 for a better life.
It was a new beginning. I discovered a different passion when I became a break-dancer with Freefly crew for 7 years. But although my dancing career took me to many places, martial arts was still my greatest passion. I tried taekwondo but I wanted to integrate my boxing skills, and this led me eventually to kickboxing
Seeking better opportunities, I moved to London where I became Sensei Denise's student. This steered my career as a junior instructor, and with diligent hard work I achieved my Black belt in 2018. I have been privileged to work alongside Sensei Denise and my kickboxing family ever since.
Aimee Muha
Student Relations (St John's Wood)
As a young child, I watched many martial arts films (Bruce Lee was an all-time favourite). The action scenes had my heart racing! I used to beg my mother to let me enrol in a martial arts class and after many years of convincing I was finally enrolled into Karate. I learnt valuable lessons and discipline, boundaries were pushed, and it was a test of self-perseverance and hard work.
Moving across the World in 2020, there was not much room or time to find a Dojo to train in. After a long period away, in 2023 I found Meiji Martial Arts, where I decided to try Krav Maga with Master Mark. The energy and the friendliness of the Dojo were incomparable, and I have been attached to it ever since. I hope to broaden my scope within martial arts in the future.
Kieran Lowe
Partner
Kieran has been in healthcare for over 20 years, working with a range of active and occupational patients. He is a keen sportsman and has been involved with football, dance, martial arts, climbing and endurance sports from an early age.
As an Osteopath and Sports Rehabilitator, Kieran is well placed to manage a range of injuries, whether traumatic or caused by overuse.
"The key to a great recovery is understanding what has caused the issue in the first place. The onset of pain or injury is a bit like a recipe - it has a number of ingredients contributing to the outcome. Our job is to look at the whole of your body and explore all those ingredients, so we can get you back on track."
Kieran is Clinic Director of Active Osteopath, managing a team of therapists at 3 clinics in London. The nearest one to Meiji Kickboxing is his Swiss Cottage clinic in the Better leisure centre.
Nigel qualified as an osteopath in June 2018 via the internationally acclaimed University College of Osteopathy. He constantly strives to keep abreast of the latest research and treatment methods in order to offer his clients his best and most effective osteopathic service. He takes enormous pride in reducing clients’ pain, improving their physical function and general wellbeing, and guiding them through tailored exercise and rehabilitation exercise programmes. He is also a qualified acupuncturist, taping, and sports & therapeutic massage therapist.
Earlier in his career, Nigel was a qualified health and fitness instructor, running a successful private business of group exercise classes for over 10 years.
As well as his osteopathy work, Nigel is Head of Sport & Physical Activity for Camden Council, and recognised nationally as a strategic leader in the field of community sport and physical activity.
In his limited spare time, Nigel loves long-distance road cycling, including his favourite route - London to Barcelona, all 1,000 miles of it.
Kaya Simon
Partner
As a Sport Rehabilitator, Kaya has a wealth of knowledge in all things injury management and rehabilitation. Graduating from the University of Nottingham in 2022, her time here has enabled her to work closely with national and international level athletes across a range of sports including hockey, weightlifting and tennis.
Kaya is also studying to become an osteopath at the University College of Osteopathy, enabling her to develop her treatment and diagnostic skills further. Combined with her current knowledge of exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, this will ensure optimum treatment for her clients.
Pooja Chauhan
Student Relations (Temple Fortune)
As a child, I was always fascinated watching other kids train in martial arts—but it always felt out of reach for me. My first love was dance, and I pursued it passionately until an injury to both my ankles took me away from it. That experience shook my confidence, and for a long time, I didn’t think I’d find my way back to something that made me feel strong and expressive.
In 2023, a friend encouraged me to try a class at Meiji Martial Arts. From the very first class - something shifted. I haven’t looked back ever since. Meiji Martial Arts has become more than just a training ground—it's a community, a support system, and a safe space where every member of the dojo looks out for one another. Training here has given me strength, both mentally and physically. It’s reignited my confidence—not just in martial arts, but in myself.
I’m grateful to be part of Meiji Team as it has brought into my life: confidence, resilience, and a community I can call my own.
