About Us – The People Behind Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence

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Ed Hodgson

Chief Instructor Ed Hodgson

Founder and Chief Instructor at Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence and Trinity Self Defence Training

Classes Taught:
  • Kids Kickboxing (5-12’s)
  • Junior KAPAP Krav Maga Self Defence (8-12’s)
  • Adult & Teen KAPAP Krav Maga Self Defence (13+)
Qualifications:
  • IKA-UK Level 3 Instructor – KAPAP Krav Maga
  • Black Belt – KAPAP Krav Maga
  • 1st Degree Black Belt – Kickboxing
  • BTEC Level 3 Advanced Award in Self Defence Instruction
  • NFPS Level 3 Self Defence Instructor Accreditation
  • NFPS Personal Safety Awareness Training Accreditation
  • NFPS Situational Awareness Training Accreditation
  • BMABA Level 2 Instructor Qualification
  • BMABA Covid-Aware Martial Arts Instructor Certification
  • IIHHT Advanced Diploma in Sports Therapy
  • IIHHT Advanced Diploma in Health and Fitness Studies
  • DBS Enhanced Check
  • Safeguarding Qualified
  • First Aid Qualified
  • PI & PL Insured
Summary:

With over 30 years experience in Martial Arts and Self Defence training, Ed brings a level of knowledge and expertise to his classes and courses that nurtures the personal development of students and course delegates of all ages along their martial arts journey and self defence education.

Passionate about self defence, Ed believes that this is a core life skill that everyone should have some knowledge of.

Achieving Black Belts in both KAPAP Krav Maga and Kickboxing, Ed has trained in numerous other styles, including Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu (Great Britain All Styles Self Defence Association), Muay Thai and Yang Style Tai Chi.

The KAPAP Krav Maga self-defence survival system taught is a working doctrine, philosophy and a concept, used around the world by civilian, military, police and special forces. 

Ed studied this system under Shihan David Whiteside, 6th Dan Ju-Jitsu and 4th Dan KAPAP Krav Maga under the International KAPAP Association, United Kingdom. The Director of the International KAPAP Association is Moshe Galisko, based out of Be’er Sheva, Israel.

Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu and Yang Style Tai Chi were taught to Ed by the late Sifu Nigel Keen, who in turn was taught by Master Ji Jian Cheng, a Director at Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China. Master Ji Jian Cheng is recognised in the top 100 Masters of China and a 9th level Master.

Ed also holds a BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Self Defence Instruction and is an Approved Self Defence Trainer with the National Federation of Personal Safety. 

His Self Defence Instructor, Personal Safety Awareness and Situational Awareness training was carried out with ex-SAS British Military personnel.

DBS Enhanced checked, First Aid, Safeguarding, Level 2 Martial Arts Instructor qualified, Covid-Aware Readiness qualified, PL & PI insured.

Sifu Drew Alpine

Instructor

Classes Taught:
  • Wing Chun Kung Fu & Kali (Adults. 13+ supervised by accompanying adult.)
  • Kids Kickboxing (5-12’s)
Qualifications:
  • 5th Degree Black Sash – DMAS Leong fu’s Elephant Fist Kung Fu
  • 3rd Degree Black Sash – DMAS Wing Chun Kung Fu & Escrima
  • 2nd Degree Black Sash – DMAS Hung Gar Kung Fu
  • Southern Chow Gar Praying Mantis Kung Fu – Instructor Qualification
  • Bakbakan Ilustrisimo Style (Kali) – Associate Instructor
  • Consultant Fight Scene Film Choreographer
  • BMABA Level 2 Instructor Qualification
  • DBS Enhanced Check
  • Safeguarding Qualified
  • First Aid Qualified
  • PI & PL Insured
Summary:

Starting his martial arts journey studying Wado Kai Karate (an offshoot of Wado Ryu), Drew achieved his brown belt at the age of 12.

Skip forwards a few years, and Drew started to study different kung fu styles including Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu, eventually meeting his current teacher Master Phil Dandridge in 1998 and becoming completely obsessed with martial arts.

Under Master Dandridge’s teachings, Drew learned different Chinese and Philippino styles of martial arts and gained a 1st Degree Black Sash in 2001. Then in 2002 a 2nd Degree Black Sash specifically in Wing Chun Kung Fu & Master Dandridge’s blend of Eskrima/Kali.

Over the years Drew has added to his knowledge by training with many different martial artists in many different styles but still regards Master Dandridge as his main influence/teacher. In late 2023 he was awarded a 5th degree Black Sash by Master Dandridge.

Drew has taught many students over the 25+ years of teaching classes, private lessons and seminars. Several of these students have themselves reached black sash and become instructors.

He is also an instructor in Southern Chow Gar Praying Mantis Kung Fu under Sifu Peter Orum and studied extensively in the art of Bakbakan Ilustrisimo stye of Kali under Punong Guro Peter Lewis & Master Rey Galang, gaining Associate Instructor status.

Along with the above Drew has trained over the years in Thai Boxing, MMA and JKD to name but a few. Drew’s belief is that all styles of martial arts have something to offer if you approach them with the correct view and he constantly seeks to improve his knowledge/skillset and meet some great friends along the way.

Drew has also been a consultant within the film industry, directing fight scene choreography. 

DBS Enhanced checked, First Aid, Safeguarding, Level 2 Martial Arts Instructor qualified, PL & PI insured.

Raj Hodgson

Club Manager

Qualifications:
  • DBS Enhanced Check
  • Safeguarding Qualified
  • First Aid Qualified
Summary:

Raj is the Club Manager at Trinity Martial Arts & Self Defence, carrying out an administration role and ensuring that our students have a safe and supportive environment in which to progress through their journey of martial arts and self defence.