Your Instructors/coaches

By AllThingsScene, 15th January 2016

Sifu Sata Chand D.Hom.med.

Co-Founder Meridian Kung Fu (UK). Head Instructor, Technical Director

My Martial Art journey began in the mid-seventies. Having had some experience in boxing, it was in 1976 at the height of the Kung Fu boom that I was introduced to Wing Chun Kung Fu through my brother and Sifu Jagjit Ram, who was taught by Master Simon Lau. I spent all my time dedicated to my Wing Chun training. It was in 1982 that I opened my first class, teaching in the East London area. I was also an active member of the World Self Defence Federation, where I held a technical position and was on their judging panel. I ran many courses at home and abroad, with students and instructors attending from around the world.

It was in 1996 that I opened a class in the Southend area, which was very successful and has led to many of the students running their own schools. In 1997 we had opened our first full-time school, one of the first in Essex at the time. I was inducted into the ‘Combat’ Hall of Fame 2001, and also a columnist for Combat Martial Art Magazine.

Alongside my Wing Chun studies, I also graduated in Homeopathy, I teach Fei Hok Chi Kung, and also Reiki Healing.

I believe through Wing Chun practice there is a potential for personal transformation, and constant research into the art will allow continual growth. I have the same desire and passion for teaching the art as I did from the day I started.

Sifu Steve Carpenter

Co-Founder Meridian Kung Fu (UK). Senior Instructor, Executive Director.

My Wing Chun journey began in 1996 under the tuition of Sifu Sata Chand. I have extensively studied and researched the art under his guidance and inspiration to date. Highlights in my martial arts career are winning Gold medals in The World Self Defence Federation National Championships, achieving my Black Sash in 2002 and my Black Sash 3rd Degree in 2014.

Sifu Sata and I acquired our full time studio in the summer of 1997.

Almost 20 years on our roots are still in that same location although our school has developed into a National Organisation and our student base has grown from a very humble 40 members to in excess of 1500 members. We now have 7 full time Instructors, 18 assistant coaches and run classes every day of the week. Our 20th branch of Meridian Kung Fu is due to open in 2017.

With 20 years Wing Chun experience under such an outstanding Instructor, extensive personal development studies , cutting edge coaching skills systems and hands on teaching to 1000’s of children and adults over the years, I am proud to play my part in ensuring Meridian Kung Fu (UK) is continually current, growing and striving to bring out the very best from its students

My passion for Wing Chun and teaching this beautiful martial art is as strong today as it was back in 1996. I still cant wait for each lesson to start, be it as an instructor or as a student.

To witness first hand the development in children and adults and see the growth in their ability and confidence still amazes me, long may it continue.

Sifu Craig Paradise

HQ Instructor & Associate Director. Branch Instructor for Basildon & Leigh on Sea.

I have been a practitioner of Wing Chun Kuen since 2000, and I have been teaching since 2008. I currently teach all age groups in Southend, Basildon and Leigh-on-sea. Coaching children in this incredible Martial Art is a passion of mine.

It’s so great to see children build up their confidence, develop the art and reach their full potential – all with a big smile on their face! I also teach 121 sessions, Special Needs groups and Women’s only classes

Sifu Richard Sugden

Instructor Rayleigh

I am a full time professional instructor and have been running Meridian Kung Fu Rayleigh, also known as Dynamic Martial Arts Centre since 2003. I have been training in Wing Chun Kung Fu for over 20 years and I completed my Instructor programme under the guidance of Meridian Kung Fu. I have achieved my 3rd degree and enjoy passing my knowledge onto my students. In addition I have also studied Chi Gung for over 18 years.

The full time centre in Rayleigh opened in August 2004. Being a full time centre it has great facilities for both adults and children to train. There is ample space in the Kwoon, and the centre boasts a smart reception and waiting area along with male and female changing facilities. There is plenty of equipment to help and encourage our younger students learn new life skills along with encouraging self discipline, self awareness and confidence. Likewise the mature students benefit from a nice environment to train in.

Sifu Annette de Florinier

Instructor Meridian Thorpe Bay

I have been training in Wing Chun Kung Fu since 1998, under the tuition of Sifu Sata Chand at Meridian Kung Fu.
I initially booked a four week Beginners Course at the Southend Branch. After previously trying a variety of different martial arts, I discovered that Wing Chun was the martial art for me and I have never looked back.

I have a BA (hons) Degree in Humanities with Classical Studies. I enjoy the fact that Wing Chun has a far reaching history, philosophy and lineage.
I am a mother of two children who both started their Wing Chun training at 5yrs at Meridian Kung Fu HQ and continue to share my enthusiasm for the art.
In 2006 I was offered the opportunity to assist in teaching children’s classes at Meridian Kung Fu HQ.
In 2009 I established my own branch of Meridian Kung Fu in Thorpe Bay. It is a genuinely rewarding experience and I feel privileged to be in a position to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of Wing Chun practitioners.

Sifu Darren Donovan

Instructor for Brentwood

Sifu Josh Ingle

Instructor Wickford and Benfleet

I’ve been studying Wing Chun Kung Fu since the age of ten at Meridian Kung Fu. The amount of benefits I’ve had from all my training is staggering, improving my focus, discipline and giving me something really worthwhile to dedicate myself to.

After a number of jobs where I felt no satisfaction I decided to get involved in Meridian Kung Fu’s coaching programme. Teaching for Meridian has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, with the chance to reach out to people, help people learn some real life skills and to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.

I currently run both the Wickford and Benfleet branches and I have never looked back!

Ben Richardson

HQ Instructor

My name is Ben Richardson, I am 22 years of age and I have been studying Wing Chun now for 15 years. I am a Black belt within the martial art and also partake in some of the extra course that Meridian has to offer, the elite training and the coaching course that has helped me to work on many different aspects of my coaching.

Starting when I was 7 years old, little did I know that the martial art would be so good to me and help me peruse my career of teaching plus a whole lot more. The martial art has taught me so many values that I still keep with me today like, confidence, patience, respect and discipline just to name a few, and I am glad now that I can pass these values on to children. I have been coaching Wing Chun in total for 6 years, it is good to pass on spread the art of Wing Chun to youngsters like myself that are hungry to learn, and have a passion for the art like I did at that age.

Thanks to the skills that have been developed through the years of practicing Wing Chun I have achieved a degree in Sports Studies, studying for three years at the University of Essex, and am currently undergoing teaching training to peruse my dream of becoming a teacher.

Martin Onslow

Instructor Hockley, Great Wakering and HQ

I train and coach regularly at Meridian Kung Fu HQ and I’m the Instructor at Meridian Kung Fu Hockley And Great Wakering.

When I joined Meridian Kung Fu in 2011 I didn’t know what to expect.
But it quickly became clear to me that this was an excellent place to learn a Martial art. With expert tuition from Sifu Sata Chand and the senior instructors, plus a general friendly and welcoming atmosphere from instructors and fellow students alike I knew this was the place for me.

I was hooked and my love for Wing Chun Kung Fu quickly grew. I was then given the fantastic opportunity to join the Meridian Kung Fu coaching programme.

The coaching programme has equipped me with all the skills required to teach Wing Chun and run my own branch professionally.

It’s a great privilege teaching Wing Chun to young people, to see them having fun whilst learning this fantastic martial art, which in turn helps them to progress in all aspects of life.

I have worked at various branches within the Meridian organisation both as a coach and at branch management level. I’m very proud to be associated with Meridian Kung Fu and now as an instructor of my own branch I’m committed to teaching and spreading the fantastic martial art of Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Danielle Crosbie

HQ Instructor for Rochford

Leon Thompson

Apprentice Instructor

Meridian Kung Fu Instructor - Sam Carpenter

Samuel Carpenter

Apprentice Instructor

Meridian Kung Fu Instructor - Steve Wright

Stephen Wright

Instructor Meridian Hadleigh and HQ

I train and coach regularly at Meridian Kung Fu HQ, Leigh-on-sea as well as the instructor at Meridian Kung Fu Hadleigh.

I joined Meridian Kung Fu not fully knowing about the Art form of Wing Chun.
It didn’t take long to realise how effective the style of Martial art was, not just in self-defence but also as a life tool,

Under the superb tutorage of Sifu Sata Chand, Sifu Steve Carpenter and the other amazing instructors and coaches I fell in love with the art form, I was hooked and when the opportunity arrived to join the Meridian Kung Fu coaching programme I jumped at the chance.

The outstanding coaching programme is a revelation in teaching; the natural and enthusiastic ways in which you are taught to structure classes, maximize fun and create a fantastic fun learning environment is just some of the many skills it covers.

Building confidence and skills within students. And watching them grow learning this amazing martial art with its core function based around respect is an absolute privilege.