LEEDS SOUTH INSTRUCTORS

Your AEGIS Instructor Team

MASTER KARA MITCHELL

Owner & Chief Instructor
4th degree AEGIS Black Belt

I began my AEGIS journey in 2012 as a student at the West Leeds AEGIS academy. My original goals were to improve my confidence, maintain my fitness levels and also know I had the skills to defend myself should the need ever arise.

I quickly discovered I had a passion for the martial arts and after 3 years of training as a student, I was invited to join the AEGIS Certified Instructor Training program and train as an instructor. I've now been a full time Instructor for 7 years, with the first 4 years as Program Director then Chief Instructor at the Leeds West academy.

I have been running the South Leeds AEGIS academy since September 2019, where we have a growing community of AEGIS students of all ages. Martial arts has changed my life for the better in so many ways and it's my goal to pass those same benefits to all my students, no matter their age or ability.

MASTER CHRISSY FOULDS

Owner & Guest Instructor
4th Degree AEGIS Black Belt

I began my martial arts journey with Family Martial Arts in Liverpool in 2009, with a primary goal of learning self defence. I instantly loved it, it gave me self-confidence and a sense of achievement in a way I had never felt before. I moved to Leeds in 2010 following a job change, and after a recommendation from my FMA instructors, my AEGIS journey began.

After receiving my 1st degree Black Belt in 2014, I joined the Certified Instructor Training program in 2016 and began learning all about the academies business side and the details of how an academy runs. I realised this was my passion, this was what I wanted to do, and so I began to put plans into place to one day open my own full-time academy.

In November 2016 I started setting up the Leeds East AEGIS Academy. The academy opened its doors in January 2017 and has grown from strength to strength from then. Since September 2019, I have also shared part of the ownership of the academy here at Leeds South, alongside Master Mitchell. My passion has now become my career, and I’ve never looked back.

MS JENNIFER PATTERSON

Program Director | Trainee Instructor

I have always had a keen interest in martial arts as my brothers used to practice Kung Fu. My favourite film of all time is a martial arts film (talk to me at the academy to find out which one!). My AEGIS journey started with my eldest son joining the Leeds West AEGIS academy in 2017. Watching him progress gave me an interest and initially I tried out the BEATBoXX Online Fitness program, which led to me being lucky enough to train with Chief Master Higo and Master Ben Higo.

In October 2021 I took up my role as the Administration Assistant at AEGIS Leeds South. Watching students of all ages start their martial arts journey and grow as individuals truly solidified my love of AEGIS, so in June 2022 I joined the Instructor Training Program, alongside my promotion to Program Director. My whole family are now training together at AEGIS Leeds South and we love every minute of it.

MS ALICE BIRLEY

Trainee Assistant Instructor (AIT)

I joined AEGIS in Summer 2021 as something to do with my family. I didn't have any previous experience so I was excited (and nervous)! From the minute I started, I loved it. Everyone here is really kind, supportive and friendly.

I knew I wanted to help people and training to be an instructor is such a good opportunity, Seeing other trainee instructors in the academy and at gradings really confirmed that this is what I wanted to do.

I had my mind set on this from a low belt and 2 years on, I am now official an AEGIS AIT. Training at AEGIS has honestly taught me so much, from self defence to having the right attitude all the time, both inside and away from class. I can't wait for what's to come in future for me at AEGIS!

Mr Da Silva

Certified Instructor Trainee (CIT )

I joined the AEGIS community at the end of January 2022, after being amazed in the taster session. My nephew had been training for 7+ months and begged us to take him as often as possible, since he absolutely loved it!

After deciding to try out the family class with him, since it'd be a great bonding experience; I quickly discovered that martial arts is my passion. I had previously already trained in boxing briefly and trained with my friends irregularly, so joining an academy was a no-brainer (especially when they ticked many of my boxes).

Between 6 to 12 months or so of training, I heard they were looking for more instructors and I immediately became obsessed with that notion. I had done much ruminating and soul searching in my life, so it truly felt as though I'd found my purpose.

When the time finally came I jumped at the opportunity, and now I've committed to an art I love and I'm deeply delighted to embark on the Certified Instructor Training journey.

GUEST INSTUCTORS

SENIOR MASTER M GILBERTSON

6th degree AEGIS Black Belt Instructor

MASTER A GIBSON

4th degree AEGIS Black Belt Instructor

MASTER D OUGHTON