Our Team
The Rising Crane team are all experts in their respective fields. They have all trained for many years and are either black sash level or professional martial arts coaches. They are focussed on helping our members achieve their goals and have been handpicked to take our club forward to the next level.
Here is a little bit about each of our team:
Lee
MMA, Junior martial arts, Fighting Fit.
"I'm a Rising Crane member turned full-time instructor. I have trained, cornered and fought alongside the best amateur MMA fight team for nine years. With a background of Kung Fu also learnt here at Rising Crane as a teen, MMA was a natural transition for me. I'm passionate about coaching and getting the best from people. I encourage efficiency and the right to express yourself through martial arts."
Adam
Junior martial arts, Fighting Fit, Strength & Conditioning
“Having completed a level 2 in fitness instructing and completed my level 4 in S&C, my passion has flourished within fitness. At Rising Crane I have really taken to the method of training, and enjoy applying my skills of power training and explosiveness to the martial arts. I am passionate about guiding the younger generation into fitness and the Rising Crane programs are fun and keep the kids interested and progressing.
Connor
Junior martial arts, Fighting Fit.
"I was introduced to boxing at a young age which gave me basic discipline and fitness but it wasn’t until I joined the military when I was given the opportunity to try other disciplines such as BJJ, that I truly gained a passion for MMA. I’m excited to begin coaching at Rising Crane to bring out the most of everyone that walks through the door, improving their fitness and overall health."
Max
Junior martial arts, Fighting Fit, MMA.
“Rising Crane has brought me up from a child to now full-time instructor. MMA has been a big part of my life for many years now both for fitness, coming from an overweight child, and for competition competing in both MMA and grappling tournaments holding the regional lightweight champion title. I am always looking to progress and get better together with my teammates and students.”
Sophie
Junior Martial Arts. Fighting Fit.
“My previous work background is in mental health and wellbeing, however having trained at the Rising Crane Centre for the past 2 and a half years my interest in fitness and in particular martial arts has developed into a big part of my day to day life, leading me to take on the position of full-time coach at the gym. I am passionate about supporting and motivating people to make positive changes in their lives by improving their health and fitness in a welcoming and friendly environment like the Rising Crane Centre provides.”
Cerys
Junior martial arts, Fighting Fit, Kung Fu.
“The Rising Crane Centre has been a major part of my life and I have been training here as a member since the age of 5. Currently, I am an instructor grade in Kung Fu and I am passionate about both the traditional and the modern aspects of Martial Arts. I seek to drive our students to their goals and to progress alongside our adult and junior members.”
John
Tai Chi.
“I have trained at Rising Crane for almost 20 years, first in Tai Chi, then Kung Fu and weapons sparring. I have been teaching Tai Chi since 2008 having achieved my black sash.”
Jenny
Tai Chi.
“I have been involved with martial arts since 1996, first starting from Qigong class, joining the boys for karate lessons and then Tai Chi .My interest and a back injury spurred me on to study Oriental Medicine based therapies. Tai Chi became very special to me as it enhanced my energy levels and kept me healthy .In 2010 I passed as a black sash and now teach and wish to pass on the many benefits of this art to others whilst continuing to study it myself .”
Ian
Tai Chi.
“After many years of training in Shotokan Karate (1st and 2nd Dan Black Belt), I decided to expand my horizons into the field of Chinese Martial Arts. Firstly training in the discipline of Wing Chun and then embracing Tai Chi at the Rising Crane. I firmly believe that the practice of Tai chi has had a beneficial effect on my physical and mental well-being, promoting flexibility, balance and strength together with focus and peace of mind. Attaining a coveted Black Sash in 2010 was a fantastic moment in my training and I hope to be able to pass on the many benefits of Tai Chi to others. .”
Linda
Tai Chi
“I had wanted to try Tai Chi for a while, so when I saw the advert in the local paper, I went along to a class. I really enjoyed it, and in 2010 I gained my Black Sash and in 2017 my Second Degree Black. Now I’m an Instructor at the Rising Crane and I also work with the Stroke Association. My enthusiasm for Tai Chi grows the more I practice and I enjoy passing on the skills I have learnt and am still learning to others.”
Anne
Tai Chi
“I became a member of Rising Crane after seeing a demonstration of Tai Chi at the Bedford River Festival. That was in 2008. I have now been training for almost 10 years, have progressed through grading and am currently working towards my black sash. Becoming an instructor will allow me to pass on the skills I have learned (and am continuing to learn) and also, hopefully, some of the passion I have for Tai Chi.”