Paul Lockyer

Paul Lockyer and Martine Niven the instructors have been studying Martial Arts for a collective 20 years. Training began in their youth with Karate, Wing Tsun Kung Fu, and then
2 years of Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple UK; Studying with Shifu Shi Yanzi. For 6 years they trained full time with Shifu Liu of The Tai Ji Circle, who specialised in Buddhist healing qigong and Chen style Tai Chi. Now they continue their learning with Chen Style Tai Chi Master, Shifu Wang Hai-jun
Paul and Martine began their teaching with The Tai Ji Circle instructing from young to seniors. They taught regularly on Cruise ships, took various private and corporate workshops and now have their own school in Bournemouth.

They work with performers in training, bringing together their knowledge and experience of Tai Ji, movement and Acting. During this time Paul has choreographed Martial Arts for various theatre projects.

Martine is an ITEC qualified Holistic therapist and trained privately with her master, learning Chinese medicine for the past few years. In addition to running the other part of Natural Healing, helping people with the use of these therapies, she is also studying for her degree in Chinese Acupuncture. As an addition to his martial knowledge Paul holds an ITEC Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology.

As practitioners of Martial Arts they are BCCMA British Champions. For the Tai Ji Union of Great Britain they hold Gold medals for Hand and Weapons forms, and several others over the National and British Championships. In 2007 Paul won Gold Medal for Tai Ji Hand Forms at SENI - London Wushu Open. This was judged and awarded by GrandMaster Chen Zhenglei
19th Generation successor of the Chen family and 11th Generation direct line inheritor of Chen Style Tai Chi.

Both Martine and Paul have worked closely with children as resource workers from group projects through to 1-1 supervision. Many of these young people have been within the “Hard to place” bracket. They have also designed and worked with a number of schools on Tai Chi & Kung Fu Workshops. They feel that the journey one goes through to attain a high level of Martial arts skill is invaluable to any person of any age, any ability and any background. It is the process that counts. Their ethos; to help people realise, understand and nurture this potential within themselves. All of this through hard work (“Gong Fu”) and fun practice.

Tai Ji, Kung Fu and Qi Gong help to develop fitness and well being, improve core strength and discipline, internal balance and calm the mind. Skills learnt can not only be used for self defence but also, and most importantly, to help find focus in life. Practise brings awareness and clarity to the practitioner.