Master Instructor
JDKJN Philip Hinchliffe: 7th DEGREE SENIOR MASTER & SAFEGUARDING LEAD.
I started Kuk Sool Won with my friend John Gravenhall (now also a Master and teaching in the Midlands) in 1984. We wanted to start martial arts training, but could not find anything we both liked. We saw Kuk Sool and fell in love with it. I was taught, and still am taught by Master Philip Holmes who teaches in Eastbourne. I was also taught for many years by Master David (Doc) Williams who now lives and teaches in Canada. I gained my black belt in 1989 and one month later took over running a club from Master Philip. In 1992 I gained my 2nd dan and became the UK Grand champion. The Grand Master invited me to go to the Kuk Sool HQ and train directly under his guidance which was truly an honour and a valuable experience that I still refer back to in my teaching on a regular basis.
In 1990 I joined the prison service and one of my responsibilities was to teach self defence and control and restraint to the prison staff. Over the next few years I won many Kuk Sool titles and medals. In 1995 I gained my 3rd dan and was further promoted to 4th dan in 2000. I opened my 2nd school in Loddon, Suffolk in 2002 and my 3rd club in Cambridge in 2003. I was promoted to 5th dan master level in Korea in 2005, to 6th dan in 2012 and to 7th dan in 2020 by the Grand Master.
I work as a Headteacher running schools in Norfolk for young people needing support with soical, emotional and mental health issues.
I have met some amazing people over the years and made some life long friends. I have been lucky enough to have been taught by some of the best martial artists in the world. My biggest motivation is watching my students learn and do so well.
Master Philip Hinchliffe