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THE PEOPLE BEHIND ZKS

Meet Our Martial Arts Instructors

Since 1999, ZKS Martial Arts has helped children, teenagers and adults develop their martial arts skills, confidence and abilities.

Meet the instructors and assistant instructors who support our members throughout their training journey.

Our Instructors

Our instructors bring their own experience, personalities and teaching approaches while working together to deliver the ZKS Martial Arts programmes.

Sensei Ben Babbington, Founder & Head Instructor at ZKS Martial Arts

Sensei Ben Babbington

Founder & Head Instructor

Founded ZKS in 1999. Brings a light-hearted teaching approach and a commitment to building a community that supports members on and off the mats.

5th Dan Taijutsu; first-degree BJJ and Aikido Black Belts; ABA boxing coach.

Meet Sensei Ben
Sensei Timothy Gourley, Instructor at ZKS Martial Arts

Sensei Timothy Gourley

Instructor

Teaches children, teens and Adult Taijutsu at Aylesbury HQ, Fairford Leys and Wingrave, with fun, friendship and confidence at the heart of his classes.

Senior Black Belt in Taijutsu; Blue Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Meet Sensei Timothy
Sensei James Stevenson, Instructor at ZKS Martial Arts

Sensei James Stevenson

Instructor

Teaches children, teens, Adult Taijutsu and Havoc BJJ in Watford, helping students build confidence, compassion and trust.

Japanese jiu-jitsu Black Belt; two-stripe Brazilian jiu-jitsu Purple Belt.

Meet Sensei James
Sensei Jim Hey, Instructor at ZKS Martial Arts

Sensei Jim Hey

Instructor

Supports the ZKS Adaptive martial arts programme, bringing a focus on helping members feel welcome and build confidence.

Senior Black Belt in Taijutsu, with many years of judo training.

Meet Sensei Jim
Sensei Louise Babbington, Instructor at ZKS Martial Arts

Sensei Louise Babbington

Instructor

Part of ZKS since its beginnings, combining martial arts teaching with a background in yoga and movement.

Senior Black Belt in Taijutsu; yoga coach; BJJ purple belt under Sensei Ben.

Meet Sensei Louise
Sensei Simon Watts, Instructor at ZKS Martial Arts

Sensei Simon Watts

Instructor

Havoc BJJ instructor at Aylesbury HQ and Watford, teaching fundamentals with a structured, supportive approach and supporting children’s Reviews and competition.

Taijutsu Black Belt · BJJ Purple Belt · Training since 2001

Meet Sensei Simon
Sensei Archie Babbington, Instructor at ZKS Martial Arts

Sensei Archie Babbington

Instructor

Progressed through ZKS's programmes from young beginner to instructor, bringing first-hand understanding of the member journey.

Black Belt in Taijutsu and qualified personal trainer.

Meet Sensei Archie
Dylan Garner-Richards, ZKS instructor

Sensei Dylan Garner-Richards

Instructor

Grew up training at ZKS and now teaches Little Dragons, Mini Ninjas and Junior Martial Arts at Aylesbury HQ.

Taijutsu Black Belt; Level 3 Muay Thai Instructor; four-stripe white belt in BJJ.

Meet Sensei Dylan

Explore James’s Watford academy at Nascot Wood, Havoc Grappling with Sensei Ben or our Adaptive martial arts programme. Your confirmed class arrangements determine who leads your session.

Our Assistant Instructors

Our assistant instructors work alongside the teaching team, supporting classes, encouraging members and helping create a positive training environment.

Isabella Newing, ZKS assistant instructor

Izzy

Assistant Instructor

Supports children and teenagers at Aylesbury HQ and Fairford Leys with a relaxed, encouraging approach.

Black belt · Training with ZKS since 2018

Meet Izzy

Jackie

Teaching Assistant

Supports Little Dragons, Mini Ninjas and Junior Martial Arts in Aylesbury HQ and Fairford Leys.

Junior black belt · Currently studying BTEC Sport Science.

Meet Jackie

Samuel

Assistant Instructor

Supports Little Dragons, Mini Ninjas and Junior Martial Arts in Watford.

Junior Black Belt in Taijutsu · Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Meet Samuel

Sensei James Herring

Assistant Instructor

Full profile coming soon

Sensei Grace Babbington

Assistant Instructor

Full profile coming soon

GROWING WITH ZKS

Developing Future Instructors

At ZKS Martial Arts, progression extends beyond martial arts grades.

Our Leadership Team gives suitable members opportunities to develop confidence, responsibility and communication skills while supporting their own development. For those who demonstrate commitment and ability, this may provide a pathway towards becoming an Assistant Instructor and eventually an Instructor.

  1. 01 →Student
  2. 02 →Leadership Team
  3. 03 →Assistant Instructor
  4. 04Instructor

Progression depends on suitability and development; it is not automatic or a guarantee of employment.

Explore Our Leadership Team

Why Our Teaching Team Matters

Structured Learning

Age-appropriate martial arts programmes with clear development and progression.

Supportive Teaching

An encouraging environment where members can develop their skills and confidence.

Long-Term Development

Opportunities for members to progress through martial arts training and, where appropriate, leadership development.

Read our safeguarding guidance · Explore our programmes · Find a ZKS venue

Start Your Martial Arts Journey

Whether you're looking for martial arts classes for your child or considering training yourself, our team can help you find the right place to start.

Find Your Class