Instructors

Claire Fitz-Gerald

(Chief instructor, 5th dan)

Practising Ju-jitsu now for 20 years, Claire holds the grade of 5th Dan and is one of the highest graded females in the BJJA (NGB).  She is also a Senior Coach and Weapons Coach for the same body and a National/International Referee in Sport Ju-jitsu.

Mark Fitz-Gerald

(Chief instructor, 5th dan)

Mark has been practising Martial Arts for over 30 years.

Beginning with Judo at school, he then moved on to Wu Shu Kwan Kung Fu and attained the rank of 1st Dan in 1979.

Training in Ju-jitsu since 1983, Mark holds the grade of 5th Dan with the BJJA (NGB).  He is a Senior Coach and Weapons Coach for the same body and a National/International Referee in Sport Ju-jitsu.

Rob Green (3rd dan)

I began my study of Ju-jitsu in 1992 at Mark and Claire
Fitz-Gerald’s Barking club. Within a few lessons the simplicity and power of the techniques and the engaging style of instruction had me hooked and I have remained so to this day. Currently graded Sandan (third dan) in Ju-jitsu, I also hold Level 3 in Ko-Budo (traditional Japanese weapons) and Level 2 Coach with the British Ju-jitsu Association (Governing Body). I have experience of running my own club and frequently assist Mark and Claire by helping to run their clubs during holidays. Outside of Kokoro Kai, I also study the philosophical and meditative aspects of the martial arts and regularly practice these to supplement and balance my physical training.

In working life, I have been a police officer in the Metropolitan Police Service since 1995 and qualified as a Police Trainer in 2002. Currently working in a borough Training Unit, I am responsible for training over 600 police officers and staff.

Mo Oshodi (3rd dan)

I began Ju-jitsu in 1987 at the Croydon YMCA, gaining my white belt in May of that year. Having moved to the East End of London I joined the Dagenham Ju-jitsu club where I still train to this day . I have recently obtained my black belt 3rd Dan and currently enjoy teaching and working towards my 4th Dan.

Sali Walker (2nd dan)

Sali started her Ju-jitsu training at 16 yrs and has belts in Taekwando, Judo and Spirit Combat. She has been a student of Dagenham Kokoro Kai for many years now and is a well respected member of the club (watch your groins boys!). 

Sali particularly enjoys her Ko-Budo training and always does her best to attend the Association's many social functions and have ‘a good laugh!’