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At the age of 14 Neil moved home, relocating to Bolton in Lancashire. With 3 years martial arts base already in him, Neil continued his training at the Sitnarong headquarters.

This was a full-time centre, run by one of Master Sken's senior instructors, Sandy Holt, ( a European Champion) , along with Phil Nurse, Rob Sharpley and Ian Thornton.

( Pict Above : Neil performing a Jumping Side Kick, 1991 )

( Pict Below : Neil 1991, lean and fit at 75kgs - 12 Stone )


When Neil was 18 the opportunity arose for him to train full time as an assistant Instructor.

Neil spent just over a year as a full-time live in student, ( uchideshi ), staying at the Bolton gym in a very basic dormatory area situated in the attic area of the club.

It was quite a tough / spartan time in Neils life, however over the course of twelve months Neil made the most of the opportunity. He would train with Sandy Holt on a full-time basis at least twice daily from Monday to Friday, as well as additional supplementary training such as running or weight training ( at Tims Gym ). Neil had never been so fit, and at 6ft 4inches ( 193 cms ) weighed just 75kgs!




Some of the sessions were Private-Small-Group sessions, others were open public classes ( upto 30 people at a time ), Neil also had the added luck of a regular training and sparring partner, Steve Reilly ( European Champion - Head Coach to Horwich Kickboxing Studio ).

Saturdays Neil would have personal tuition, one to one, with Phil Nurse, who had then started his own school at Silvers Gym in Bury .

During this time Neil, who was mixing and learning from several very experienced instructors soon progressed through the ranks from Blue Grade and eventually passed his Brown Grade.

Arjarn, ( Master ) Sken, then began teaching his own private one to one lessons during the mornings at the Bolton headquarters. Master Sken then directly took over Neil's training, and this is what set him on his path towards one day having his own school.

Arjarn Sken then transfered his Sitnarong Muaythai headquarters to a new full-time centre in Stockport, and Neil followed the Master there to complete his training through personal tuition, eventually gaining his Instructor grade ( grade # 10 - RED BAND )

( Click here to see some of Neil's Certificates)

( Pictured above : A traditional Thai ceremony, between a Master and his Student)

Neil is very proud to have learnt the majority of his martial arts skills, be graded and Instructor Certified by one of the Worlds most dynamic Martial Art teachers, Arjarn Sken Kaewpadung', ( see Master Skens early business card details above right ), An International reneown teacher, Master of Muaythai, ( also a 5th degree Taekwondo Master ), that has trained several-- European and World Champions!

At a very early stage in his training Neil was renown for having very good technical skills which is one of the most important attributes for any martial arts teacher, and once Neil passed his senior student rank, (Brown Grade), in 1991 it was not long before Arjarn Sken purposly steered his training in that direction, with Neil assisting Master Sken at two of his Schools, ( Irlam and Eccles ), in Manchester.