About Us

Chief Instructor and Training Director Sensei Ken Culhane 4th Dan

Ken has a military background as a sergeant in the Parachute Regiment. This has helped him develop a unique style of instruction and coaching that brings out the best in his students - instilling confidence and a “can-do” attitude, along with a sense of fun.

Sensei Ken is a Qualified Instructor and Senior Coach in both Ju Jitsu and the Open Circle Fighting Method (OCFM) and Instructor with the BCA. With Master Stephen Kelly (OCFM National Coach), Ken conducts seminars around the UK.

In March 2008, Ken was asked by the military to teach fighting skills to the Army and it was at this time that the Kensa brand was established. Since then, Kensa has established an adult class, a children’s club - the Cougars and Kensa Egypt (Cairo) where Ken travels to trains club members in self defence. Ken has also run successful self defence courses, ju jitsu demonstrations and private self-defence training sessions.

Kensa Martial Arts is also the primary provider of conflict management training to Joint Contract Bodyguards.

Ken is CRB certified for training under 16’s.

Chief Instructor (SJM) Sensei Matthew Culhane 2nd Dan

Matt has studied martial arts since the age of 17, with the main focus being on ju jitsu. He has also studied Judo and has a passion for “cage fighting”. Matt has been fortunate to train with Hoyce Gracie, and during his training was awarded his Blue Belt in Gracie Ju Jitsu. Matt is Kensa’s Assistant Chief Instructor. Whilst our syllabus is taught in a similar way by Sensei Ken and Sensei Matt, they each bring their own style and fighting methods to the classes - which our students really appreciate.

Matt successfully ran the Bear Cave fight club in Winchester, after which he went to Australia for a year. On his return he established the Third Wave Combat Team fight club with Sensei Symon Jenna. Matt has been with Kensa since its inception in March 2008.

Matt is CRB certfied for training under 16’s.

Instructor and Club Secretary Gary Cowan

Gary has 30 years’ military experience and has attended army martial arts seminars in combat ji jitsu, tae kwon-do, karate and aikido. He is a member of the Army Martial Arts Association. Gary’s trained under Master Steve Kelly, National OCFM striking Coach. experienced in training children and young adults in martial arts.

CRB certified for training under 16’s.