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DART Self Protection Instructors

  • Effective physical self defence skills
    Effective physical skills
  • Self defence class safety advice picture
    World class personal safety advice
  • Self defence classes for adults and teenagers
    Self-defence classes for adults and teenagers
  • Photo of self defence scenario training
    World class scenario training
  • Make an impact
    Make an impact
  • Improve Flexibility & Agility
    Improve flexibility & agility
  • World Class Personal Safety Instruction
  • Unique training opportunities

Chief Instructor John Titchen – Founder, DART Karate

John is one of the UK’s foremost self protection and practical karate instructors. He is known internationally for his highly acclaimed safe self defence scenario training and his popular books and blog.

John teaches self protection and karate seminars internationally. He is also an instructor at the DART regular self defence classes in High Wycombe.

John gained his first Black Belt in Shotokan Karate with the English Shotokan Karate Association in 1995 under Shihan Roger Hall 8th Dan. John is a former University and Secondary school teacher, military instructor and co-curricular education specialist. He has over 30 years experience of training in martial arts and self protection and has taught seminars in Canada, Europe and the USA. John’s books on Karate and Self Defence have sold on five continents.

John has a broad range of coaching and instructor qualifications in Self Defence and Conflict Management. He is registered and insured as an instructor with The Combat Group. John has been interviewed by  Combat Magazine and Martial Arts Planet and was a regular columnist for Traditional Karate Magazine and the ezine Jissen. He is also recognised as one of the leading providers of safe scenario training for self defence in the UK. You can read more about John on his personal website here.

John has an enhanced DBS and undertakes regular safeguarding and child protection training. He is one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads with the Practical Karate Association. John is a qualified first aider and is fully insured.

 

Instructor Haaqan Chaudry – 2nd Dan DART

Haaqan with DART Instructors Mik and Mat.Haaqan began training in Karate at a children’s club in High Wycombe, learning sport karate. He switched to training in DART for self defence at the RGS High Wycombe club as a teenager in January 2009.

Haaqan is one of the technique demonstrators in the Pinan Flow System series of Karate books. He has extensive experience of utilising his soft and physical skills in scenario training and enjoys cross-training. Haaqan gained his Shodan in DART Karate in March 2017 and achieved his Nidan in July 2021. He has an enhanced DBS, undertakes regular child protection training and is a fully insured Instructor in DART.

Haaqan is a qualified medical doctor working at a Hospital in London.

 

 

 

Instructor Mateusz Lenczewski – 2nd Dan DART

Mateusz  started  training in DART for self defence at the RGS High Wycombe club in September 2015. He is a teacher at both the RGS Club and the evening classes and has enjoyed cross-training with Instructors such as HAVOC Founder Jay Cooper and HAVOC UK Instructor Simon Sheridan. Mat has also worked with Karate Unity’s Chris Hanson. He enjoys grappling and he cross-trains in BJJ with Scottish MMA fighter Tom Hepburn when he visits.

Mateusz gained his Shodan in September 2020 and his Nidan in DART Karate in December 2022. In addition to his own training he is a fully insured instructor in DART, has an enhanced DBS, undertakes regular child protection training, and is a qualified First Aider.

Mateusz is a student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

 

Instructor Mikolaj Lenczewski – 2nd Dan DART

Mikolaj began training in DART at the RGS High Wycombe club as a teenager in September 2015.

In addition to training in DART Miko has also enjoyed  cross training with instructors such as HAVOC Founder Jay Cooper. He has also trained with UK HAVOC Instructors Simon Sheridan and Lei Bridges. Mikolaj has also experienced some Ju Jitsu with Sensei Alan Murphy. Like his brother he enjoys groundwork and benefits from occasional BJJ training with Scottish MMA fighter Tom Hepburn.

Mikolaj achieved his Shodan in DART Karate in September 2020 and his Nidan in December 2022.  He acts as a support coach for John, Haaqan and Mateusz. Miko has an enhanced DBS and undertakes regular child protection training.

Mikolaj is a student at Manchester University and joins us in the holidays.

Instructor Barney Annetts – 1st Dan DART

Barney joined DART at the RGS High Wycombe club in September 2015.

Barney is a coach at our evening classes. He has enjoyed cross-training with Instructors such as HAVOC coaches Jay Cooper, Simon Sheridan and Lei Bridges. He has also trained with Ju Jitsu Instructor Alan Murphy and Karate Unity’s Chris Hanson. Barney recently enjoyed a unique seminar with Progressive Karate’s Leigh Simms, Bill Burgar, and Graham Palmer. In addition he has also enjoyed attending seminars in BJJ with Scottish MMA fighter Tom Hepburn. He is a keen participant in Sim Days.

Barney gained his Shodan in DART Karate in July 2021. He is a fully insured Instructor in  DART, has an enhanced DBS, takes part in regular child protection training and is a qualified First Aider.

Barney is a student at The University of Birmingham and joins us in the holidays.

Instructor Leo Wiltsher Rose – 1st Dan DART

Leo  started  training in DART for self defence at the RGS High Wycombe club in September 2015.

Leo currently trains and coaches at the evening classes and has enjoyed cross-training with Instructors such as Progressive Karate’s Leigh Simms and HAVOC UK Instructor Simon Sheridan. He has also attended seminars with Bill Burgar, Graham Palmer, and Karate Unity’s Chris Hanson. Leo has also trained with the Scottish MMA fighter Tom Hepburn. He is a keen Sim Day participant.

Leo gained his Shodan in DART Karate in December 2021. He has an enhanced DBS and undertakes regular child protection training. Leo is a support coach for DART Instructors John, Haaqan, Mateusz and Barney.

Leo is a student at the University of Brighton and joins us in the holidays.

Instructor Maxim Dusek – 1st Dan DART

Max began training in DART at the RGS High Wycombe club in September 2016.

Maxim is a coach at our evening classes. He enjoys cross-training and has trained with Instructors such as HAVOC UK Instructor Simon Sheridan and Progressive Karate’s Leigh Simms. He has also attended seminars with Bill Burgar, Graham Palmer and Karate Unity’s Chris Hanson. Max enjoys training in BJJ with Scottish MMA fighter Tom Hepburn and takes part when he visits. Maxim has attended multiple Sim Days.

Max achieved his Shodan in DART Karate in December 2021. Maxim has an enhanced DBS and undertakes regular child protection training. Maxim is a support coach for DART Instructors John, Haaqan, Mateusz and Barney.

Max is a student at the University of Cardiff and joins us in the holidays.

 

DART Dan grades are deemed current as follows:

  • Shodan – 2 years from date of grading or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.
  • Nidan – 3 years from date of grading or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.
  • Sandan – 4 years from date of grading or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.
  • Yondan – 5 years from date of grading or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.
  • Godan – 6 years from date of grading or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.
  • RokuDan – 7 years from date of grading or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.
  • Nanadan – 8 years from date of grading.
  • HachiDan – 9 years from date of grading.
  • Kudan – 10 years from date of grading.
  • Judan – honorary.

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Testimonials …

Fully endorse it

This is my third time visiting with John. Excellent session as ever, development of everybody that comes up here. It is a challenge for any martial artist to come and test what they’ve done through… the years, and see how they cope in enclosed environments and tough challenging situations, wearing the body armour just makes it so much more real for people. Fully endorse it. Thank you John. Read more … “Fully endorse it”

Alan Murphy
7th Dan, Mushin Bushikan JuJitsu
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wholeheartedly endorse

I am the Canadian Director of the Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association and have been involved in martial arts and Law Enforcement for many years now (far too many than I care to mention). John… is someone who I have known for some time now and I wholeheartedly endorse his approach and his teachings. Everyone – especially “seasoned” or experienced martial artists – should train with John any chance they get to see how much of what they know is applicable and more importantly how much isn’t. I don’t endorse many people, and believe me I do get asked a lot; this is one I am happy to offer without being asked Read more … “wholeheartedly endorse”

Sifu Jay Cooper
Canadian Director of the Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association.
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the ‘go-to’ guy

Karate is undergoing a revolution. Not a revolution that uproots the past, but instead one that returns to the past to water the roots of our tradition so that, after decades of stasis, it may… grow and flourish. There is no doubt in my mind that John Titchen is one of the leading lights of this modern revolution (re-evolution?). John is someone who I always enjoy discussing karate and self-protection with. Every time we talk in person or online I find myself reassured by our commonalities and excited by our divergences. John is also someone who, to me, embodies the warrior spirit. Easygoing and thoughtful in nature, but who has a determination and love of what he does that is as infectious as it is inspirational.”
John Titchen and his scenario training is excellent. John would probably be, in the UK at least, the go to guy (for Scenario training). Instructors want to know what they are teaching is realistic, but how can they be sure if they’ve never had been involved in a real situation? Getting involved in real situations is obviously not the answer! So how to we solve the seeming paradox of wanting to gain the vital experience needed without doing anything illegal, stupid or unethical? The answer is realistic simulation training and, for my money, John Titchen is the number 1 guy when it comes to providing such training in a professional, realistic and ego free way
Read more … “the ‘go-to’ guy”

Iain Abernethy
7th Dan, British Combat Karate Association.
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physically tough and emotionally challenging

One of the most enjoyable days training ever, after many years of traditional tkd training this felt like the missing piece of the jigsaw! Well constructed with good feedback, a great leveller, physically tough and… emotionally challenging but ultimately most enlightening……. must come back! Read more … “physically tough and emotionally challenging”

Tom Coleman
7th Dan, Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain.
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a fantastic experience

Sensei John delivered a remarkable seminar, leaving us with a deeper understanding of the 5 Shotokan Heian Kata. His knowledge on the subject is staggering, spanning some 25 years of training. His teaching method was… structured and pleasant and kept all of us involved and interested throughout. It was a fantastic experience for all who took part. Truly an amazing experience for us all by a gentleman Sensei who not only shared with us openly an integrated system of Heian applications to make our Karate more complete, but also taught us invaluable life lessons with his example, attitude and indomitable spirit. Thank You Sensei John. Read more … “a fantastic experience”

Sensei James Galea
6th Dan, Malta Karate Federation.
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a true understanding of his subject matter

I have been training in the martial arts for over twenty years and have been fortunate enough to have had some very good instructors. It is not often that I am truly impressed by another… instructor, but John Titchen struck me as being on a different level to most. A true understanding of his subject matter, backed up by a very impressive CV. Since training with John and his students I am keen to expose my own students to his training. Read more … “a true understanding of his subject matter”

Simon Sheridan
Chief Instructor, HAVOC Jeet Kune Do UK.
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Enjoyable and rewarding

My second simday, another enjoyable and rewarding day. It reassured many aspects of my training under pressure. It also showed some weaknesses and areas to concentrate on. Again loads to take away. I highly recommend… John Titchen’s Simday, if you want to test what you think you do. Read more … “Enjoyable and rewarding”

Graham Palmer
5th Dan, Norwich Shotokan Karate Club.
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fantastic

Sensei John was fantastic as an instructor and as a person. His teaching method was structured and pleasant and kept all of us involved and interested throughout.

Sensei Jesmond Schembri
4th Dan, Malta Karate Federation.
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a brilliant system

A brilliant system, school and instructor. Run by a very intelligent, patient and thoughtful martial artist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, able to mix the influence of other arts when necessary, whilst still… retaining very pure karate form when required. I will always encourage others to go and train at any events involving John and these guys whenever possible! Read more … “a brilliant system”

Thomas Vincent
Mushin Bushikan JuJitsu.
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a positive role model

I enrolled my two sons to DART Karate to help my boys gain self confidence and techniques to defend themselves. My sons are now very confident, they carry themselves differently and John gives them all… the support and encouragement they need to progress through the different stages of the Dart Karate curriculum. They really enjoy the simulation days as they put into practice what they have been taught, every lesson is different and I wouldn’t hesitate to to recommend Dart Karate, John is a very positive role model. Read more … “a positive role model”

Ellie
Parent
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safe, fun and effective

DART Karate provides safe, fun and effective self protection classes. I have trained with some great people and have learned loads in the five years I have been training.

David
Student.
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learnt a huge amount

I have been a long-term member and have learnt a huge amount about self-defence and how to keep myself safe anywhere.

Alex
Former Student.
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an excellent club

An excellent club to learn how to defend yourself as well as spot and prevent dangerous situations from escalating. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to improve their fitness, learn an extremely effective (and fun!) martial… art and participate in real life scenarios allowing you to see ow you personally perform under pressure. Read more … “an excellent club”

Robbie
Former Student.
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applicable to everyday life

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at DART. Not only is it fun and good for fitness, but the self defence that is taught is applicable to everyday life (unlike some other martial arts)

Will
Former Student.
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perfect self-defense skills

Sensei John Titchen has been training my son for three years now. John’s sessions are engaging and the drills help perfect self-defense skills for many varied (and dangerous) real-life situations. My son’s self-confidence and defense… technique have grown immensely thanks to John’s advice and tutoring. Read more … “perfect self-defense skills”

Daiva Simaite
Parent
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Excellent class

Excellent class based around practical skills for self defence against likely scenarios that most people would see, (without ending up in prison yourself!) Nobody dressing up and playing “special forces” here 🙂 just sound advice… and sound training. Read more … “Excellent class”

Robert Davis
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very relevant

My son trains with Dr Titchen and from what I’ve seen, his classes are very relevant to the name of the club.

Andrew Pinto
Parent
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really enjoys it

My son has attended for 3 years and really enjoys it. It helps him grow in confidence whilst keeping him fit and off the xbox!

Elaine Rose
Parent
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