LEARN MORE

MARTIAL ARTS FOR EVERY LEVEL

ABOUT

MEIJI KICKBOXING LONDON

GROW WITH US

We’ve been growing for 35 years. There’s always more to learn, and that’s what’s so exciting about genuine, progressive, martial arts.

Our founder, Denise Bailey, BA (Hons) Philosophy, trained originally with Mugendo, the system pioneered by Meiji Suzuki. We honour him to this day for his inspiration.

Denise, 7th Dan, European & World Champion kickboxer, is ‘mother’ to an expanding group of young, dedicated kickboxing and martial arts instructors of outstanding merit. Whatever your level, from beginner to seasoned martial artist, from 4 – 80 years old, you’ll be welcome and looked after at Meiji Kickboxing in London.

SENSEI DENISE'S STORY

Sensei Denise Bailey shares her journey in life - taking her from her Bajan roots, to growing up in 70s King's Cross to today and the Meiji Kickboxing dojo...

WATCH THE MEIJI KICKBOXING STORY

IN THE DOJO, SO IN LIFE’S JOURNEY

Proper martial arts is part of life’s journey, integrated with everyday activity, both mental and physical. There are so many parallels, all of them positive...

SPEED

Faster movement increases the ability to surprise your opponent and avoid being surprised yourself.

STAMINA

Regular exercise and training will quickly build your stamina, enabling you to outlast and out-perform those around you.

SKILL

Acquire skills most people don’t have.

STRENGTH

Increase mental and physical strength without the use of weights or machines.

STABILITY

Correct stance gives you balance, making you always ready for your next move.

SUPPLENESS

Proper stretching and controlled movement will make you flexible.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Respect, self-respect, camaraderie and honour establish the mark of good character.

SUSTAINABILITY

Solid, tried-and-tested curriculum ensures you build from a stable base, and what you learn stays with you forever.

JOIN US

OUR LONDON KICKBOXING DOJOS

HENRIETTA BARNETT SCHOOL DOJO

Group classes available from £10.40 per class.

Private 1:1 and Small Private Groups (1-4) available from £40 per class.

HENRIETTA BARNETT SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

ST. JOHN'S WOOD DOJO - OPENING EARLY 2021

Group classes available from £16.25 per class.

Private 1:1 and Small Private Groups (1-4) available from £40 per class.

ST. JOHN'S WOOD MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

STUDENTS

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

★★★★★

"So delighted this #kickboxing club has opened. Such a great atmosphere and fantastic skilled instructors. Great club for the whole family. 10/10"
PHILIP GREEN

★★★★★

"The Meiji team has a fantastic group of instructors that hold numerous different skills from diverse backgrounds. I can highly recommend Meiji and its team."
MARK TOBIAS

★★★★★

"This team of instructors are diamonds; great kick-boxers, fantastic teachers and impeccable in their approach. I could not recommend them more highly."
NILI NEWMAN

★★★★★

"These guys are highly professional trainers. I can only give the highest superlatives and recommendations. Try and you will not be sorry!"
AMIT KRAUS

★★★★★

"I love seeing my grandson enjoy himself at these classes, the staff are fantastic. It’s such a pleasure to watch and see the amazing results!"
FIFI GEORGESCU

★★★★★

"Highly experienced, friendly, passionate about their art, and an excellent range of lessons – I cannot recommend these Senseis highly enough."
SIMON NEWTON

SPORTSMANSHIP
Respect, self-respect, camaraderie and honour establish the mark of good character.

HENRIETTA BARNETT SCHOOL TIMETABLE ST. JOHN'S WOOD TIMETABLE

ADULT CURRICULUM CHILDREN'S CURRICULUM

GROW WITH US
Whatever your level you’ll be welcome and looked after at Meiji Kickboxing.

SENSEIS

MEET OUR KICKBOXING INSTRUCTORS

Denise Bailey

Gibson Ariza

James Guerrero

John Ruocco

Joshua Rees Ivey

Matteo Sileno

Radha Castellino Dominguez

Volodymyr Havdyda

SENSEI DENISE BAILEY

7th Dan

Sensei Denise has a lifetime of kickboxing behind her, a 7th Dan World & European Champion, international judge & referee. She’s the guiding light to our team of exceptional instructors, whilst always being in the dojo herself, teaching and inspiring.

Sensei Denise Bailey with kickboxing and martial arts trophies

YEAR

EVENT

PLACE

1987

Mod-Ka Invitational

2nd

B.M.A.F

1st

A.K.A National Championships

1st

A.M.A National Championships

1st

1988

B.M.A.F

1st

Mod-Ka Open

1st

A.M.A National Championships

1st

1990

W.A.K.O European Championships (Venice)

2nd

W.A.K.O World Championships (Madrid)

2nd

1991

A.M.A International (Spain)

1st

British Championships

1st

W.A.K.O World Championships (London)

1st

1992

British Championships

1st

W.A.K.O European Championships (Bulgaria)

2nd

1993

British Championships

1st

1994

British Championships

1st

W.A.K.O European Championships (Portugal)

3rd

1995

British Championships

1st

W.A.K.O World Championships (Germany)

3rd

1996

A.M.A International (Spain)

1st

British Championships

1st

W.A.K.O European Championships (Venice)

1st

1997

A.M.A Open - Tournament Organiser

W.A.K.O World Championships (Dubrovkic) - Women's Team Captain

1998

W.A.K.O European Championships (Germany) - Women's Team Captain

1999

W.A.K.O World Championships (Venice) - Women's Team Coach

SENSEI GIBSON ARIZA

Black Belt

My martial arts journey began in the Philippines when I was 9, for about 3 and a half years. After taking a break to focus on my studies, I began training in boxing and Brazilian jujitsu, and had 2 successful competitions. Then my mother moved us to Blackpool, UK in 2011 for a better life.

It was a new beginning. I discovered a different passion when I became a break-dancer with Freefly crew for 7 years. But although my dancing career took me to many places, martial arts was still my greatest passion. I tried taekwondo but I wanted to integrate my boxing skills, and this led me eventually to kickboxing

Seeking better opportunities, I moved to London where I became Sensei Denise’s student. This steered my career as a junior instructor, and with diligent hard work I achieved my Black belt in 2018. I have been privileged to work alongside Sensei Denise and my kickboxing family ever since.

Meiji Kickboxing's Sensei Gibson Ariza in action

SENSEI JAMES GUERRERO

2nd Dan

"In real life the hardest aspect of the battle between good and evil is determining which is which" - G. R. R. Martin

Born and raised in London, Sensei James started his kickboxing journey at the age of 4.

His love for the sport began to flourish whilst at secondary school when he was faced with the challenges of being bullied over his weight and height. This was a particularly difficult time for him, and it was with the support of his martial arts family and the confidence that the discipline and adjustment of mind brings that aided his growth, development and true sense of self.

He was so dedicated that he was awarded his black belt and encouraged to begin teaching at the age of 15, and this was the beginning of his passion for teaching.

Sensei James says ‘There is nothing more rewarding than being a part of someone else’s development’.

His commitment and dedication were such that he was awarded his first Dan at 17, and encouraged to participate in several competitions, which led to his 2nd Dan at the age of 19.

Under the mentorship and guidance of Sensei Denise, his perception of life transformed, and he has learned that true and enduring success will always be built upon a solid team and community foundation.

Meiji Kickboxing's Sensei James Guerrero in action

SENSEI JOHN RUOCCO

5th Dan

"You can apply Meiji Kickboxing to all aspects of your life."

Sensei John has been a kickboxer since 1994, bringing comprehensive fighting skills to the dojo. He is a 5th Dan, and will share his knowledge with you on your own journey.

Meiji Kickboxing's Sensei John Ruocco in action

SENSEI JOSHUA REES IVEY

1st Dan

I came to London in 2015 to begin a professional career in the West End and internationally as a dancer and choreographer. With a background of gymnastics, break dancing and hip hop styles, movement is something that came naturally to me.

I always had an interest and underlying passion for martial arts and I was fortunate enough to find the right avenue to express this passion when I met Sensei Denise Bailey. She and the team pushed me way beyond what I ever thought I was capable of, which led to me competing successfully over the last few years. I consider myself fortunate, privileged and proud to be part of the Meiji Kickboxing team. Every day I look forward to what we can achieve together and I enjoy seeing growth and progress in our Students and Instructors.

Meiji Kickboxing's Sensei Joshua Rees Ivey in action

SENSEI MATTEO SILENO

Black Belt

"I first put my feet on the dojo floor back in Italy when I was 12, and practised karate for nearly 2 years. I then took a break until I was 17, when I stepped into kickboxing (American style), and rose to competitor level."

"After several years, I then began to practise krav maga, in the meantime becoming a personal trainer and acquiring certificates in postural gymnastics. I decided to move to London in 2017, where I had the opportunity to continue practising krav maga. I ran classes after earning the Level 3 personal trainer certificate and a blue belt (minimum grade required to be an instructor)."

"I then became a kickboxing instructor after earning a black belt in Niedo Kickboxing, where I had the opportunity to teach people of all ages. After Niedo, I worked in a fitness centre, before joining Meiji Kickboxing."

Meiji Kickboxing's Sensei Matteo Sileno in action

SEMPAI RADHA CASTELLINO DOMINGUEZ

Black Belt

"When I was 9 years old I was fidgety, awkward and a little chubby. I had tried a few sports but found them generally uninteresting and difficult. I have always felt a lot of pressure to be the best at everything I do. At kickboxing, I felt no pressure, finishing every class feeling empowered and satisfied, even though I was a bit ungainly."

"Sensei Denise inspired me, and her team have always made me feel safe. I never felt clumsy or useless as I did with other sports. They taught me values (self-control, discipline, hard work) and the self-confidence I gained has positively impacted many areas of my life."

"I am currently doing my GCSEs as well as several extra-curricular activities. Kickboxing gives me a safe space to forget any stress, to unwind and refocus in a safe environment, leaving my problems at the door."

Meiji Kickboxing's Sempai Radha Castellino Dominguez in action

SENSEI VOLODYMYR HAVDYDA

Black Belt

I arrived in the UK in late 2008 and struggled a lot with the language barrier for the first couple years. Having tried a variety of sports including football, tennis and karate, I was never satisfied with what they had to offer - but I knew with karate that I was heading in the right direction. And then I discovered the sport of kickboxing, which surpassed karate for so many reasons. Since leaving karate in 2014, I have never regretted my decision. My kickboxing experience has been phenomenal, especially with Meiji Kickboxing, which gave me the opportunity to compete at both National and World Championship level. It has become part of my life, helping me deal with all its challenges, and the club is like my second family!