With Professor Jeff Speakman
Jaki is a proud member of his
Association: American Kenpo Karate Systems [AKKS]
http://www.jeffspeakman.com/
Jaki McVicar 7th Degree Black Belt and Senior Professor of American Kenpo Karate
Jaki began her training in the Martial Arts in 1965 firstly in Judo then in Shotokan before taking up Kenpo in July 1979 she was awarded her Black Belt in 1983. Instructed and Ranked by 10th Degree Black Belt Ed Parker the founder of Kenpo Karate.
Awarded her 7th Degree Black Belt by Senior Professor Jeff Speakman at his International Training Camp, Las Vegas, Nevada in June 2008, she is the proud UK Director for Jeff Speakman's American Kenpo Karate Systems (A.K.K.S).
Born in Torquay, a full time professional instructor Jaki runs the Torquay Kenpo Karate Academy which she founded in 1981. From 1997 she worked for seven years as a SIA Registered door steward (citizen ejection technician!!) in one of Torquay's biggest night-clubs. Considered to be one of the top American Kenpo Karate instructors in Europe she has taught at Kenpo training camps throughout the UK and Europe as well as Las Vegas, USA.
- Has 32 years of experience in American Kenpo Karate, 30 years teaching.
- Has during the years won numerous competitions and has held British and European titles in Fighting, Team-Fighting, Kenpo Forms and Kenpo Self-Defence Techniques both within the Kenpo world and in Open Competition.
- Has featured in Martial Arts Illustrated, Combat and Fighters Magazines.
- Is the highest ranking female A.K.K.S Instructor in Europe.
- Is a founder member of the Senior Council of The British Kenpo Karate Association (B.K.K.A).
Jaki takes great pride in teaching a tough but achievable adult program that contains the perfect mix of theory and sweat. Her classes are fast paced, gratifying and always educational. Very detail oriented, which shows in the demonstration of techniques, forms and sets. Her insights and experience are evidenced by her ability to effectively demonstrate the principals of Kenpo. Her priority is to help students gain a better understanding of their current skill level and beyond.
Jaki’s forte is Techniques, Forms and Grafted Motion [taking bits and pieces of techniques and grafting them on demand]. The difference being not thinking a specific technique but rather going with the basics you have learned and creating a continious flow of motion. Of course from a street situation we know that if you hit your initial moves the opponent would not be there for the rest but as we always say what if he is? You need backup, you have to continue your action if he is still active which is where the multiple movement comes in, as Mr Parker used to say "It’s not overkill its over skill". Jaki really enjoys the freedom of movement, its pure geometry in motion, look at the universal pattern, Kenpo should be fun, that’s what she tries to put across.
Mr Jon Hill, 3rd Degree Black Belt
"Jon started training in 1989, he helps to train any new senior students in the Academy, his forte is his strong basic fundamentals which provide a solid foundation for beginners to build on. His continued study, fuelled by his passion for Kenpo is what makes our students strong, knowledgeble martial artists. His timing when executing Self Defence Techniques is excellent often causing gasps from the other students in the Academy. Jaki says "Jon has been with me for 21 years, in my opinion he is one of the finest movers in Kenpo that I have ever seen I count myself lucky to have him with me and bless the day he walked through the Kenpo door". Jon is also a Brown Belt in Rapid Arnis with Master Pat O'Malley.
Mr Francis Hadley, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Francis started at the Academy in 1995, very quite and unassuming with a very dry sense of humour, he needs it as Jaki very often uses him as a dummy!. Jaki says " A very talented martial artist in his own right he has demonstrated an unwavering loyalty to the Academy and myself giving up much of his personal time to aid me in teaching both in the Junior and Senior Classes.He makes every effort to carefully break down everything he teaches so that the students are able to understand and duplicate. Francis is an invaluable assent both to me and the Academy.".
Jaki Says:
"I would never be able to run the Academy effectively without the superb efforts of Mr Jon Hill, and Mr Francis Hadley who between them have been with me 35 years! also our newest Brown Belt Mr Laurent Zammit who is brilliant in teaching the children. At the drop of a hat they are always there to support me in any way they can. What can I say ! , I consider myself to be privilaged to have such, humble and talented students their unwavering loyalty and dedication is humbling, I am extremely proud of them".
Torquay Kenpo Karate Academy
Mr Laurent Zammit, 3rd Degree Brown Belt
"Laurent started in 2006, he enjoys teaching the value of hard work while making it fun for the young students he teaches. Hailing from France his manarisms and way of doing things is a constant delight to the rest of the students. Very diligent in the way he works wants to get it right, very admirable."
About Instructors
The Exchange of Knowledge is the Key
Under the direct instruction and supervision of Jaki McVicar, our lead instructors are a major channel for the principals of Kenpo instruction.
All Instructors are Fully Insured, Enhanced CRB checked in addition Jaki McVicar & Francis Hadley are First Aid trained
