Great Britain Martial Arts Team

Chris founded the Great Britain Martial Arts Team (GBMAT) in 2011, leading a small team of athletes to the European Martial Arts Games (EMAG) in Cheltenham, UK. Chris has gone on to lead GB Teams to World Martial Arts Games (WMAG) and other EMAG's too : 2012 Austria (WMAG), 2013 Austria (WMAG), 2014 Canada (TAFISA WMAG), 2015 UK (WMAG) & Host, 2016 South Africa (WMAG), 2017 USA (WMAG), 2018 Liechtenstein (EMAG) & Host, 2019 UK (WMAG) & Host, 2023 USA (WMAG), 2024 UK (EMAG). 

Chris covers the GBMAT Training Sessions for the Eastern Regions, but you will see him attending and supporting other Squad Training Sessions up and down the Country.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ?  WT Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Self Defence & Kenjutsu.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? Apart from watching two of my Daughters become World Champions, on more than one occasion (very proud Dad moment). Meeting the Team of Coaches, becoming friends with them all and then being able to share our knowledge and training experiences together, and with the athletes that qualify for the Team.
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT ? I see athletes reach some incredibly high standards at Local, Area and National Competitions, so to be able to offer up an opportunity to compete at International level and then watch athletes succeed is incredibly satisfying.
• Fun Facts - I enjoy Building Houses (something I should do again), Studying Architecture, Driving Fast Cars, Traveling, Training Overseas and of course I eat, drink and sleep Martial Arts.

Irfan has been involved with GBMAT Competition Circuit since 2014 and as one of the Teams National Coaches oversees the GBMAT Squad Training Sessions for the North West of the Country.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? Karate, Grappling, Self-defence, Weapons & Kickboxing.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? I have found the GBMAT team to be the friendliest group of people. They are all humble, respectful and we all go out of our way to help each other excel and to bring the best out in our students. There are no macho-men (or women) with bad attitudes so to speak of. The sporting attitude to seek perfection through repeated endeavour is always present. This is why I prefer to be associated with GBMAT. My best experience has been to be asked to formulate the Kumite Rules and to lead the Trad events as GB Trad Coach, and, of course for many of my pupils to become multiple World Champs in various events.
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT ? GBMAT is the ideal route through which talent can be realised and then raised to World level performances. The GB Team selection process is fair and guidance is given throughout the journey to representing GB without the ambiguous worry of costs involved which other organisations spring upon you at the last minute to fill their pockets!
• Fun Facts - I Love sharing of beneficial knowledge and my experiences in Martial Arts and seeing youngsters develop from zero confidence to becoming World Champs and seeing them excel in different aspects of their lives - just love it.

Harriet is Chris Hemstock's eldest Daughter, starting her journey in martial arts and being coached by Chris since 1997.

Harri has been involved with GBMAT from the outset in 2011, successfully competing at not only the European Martial Arts Games in 2011 (UK) but also at the World Martial Arts Games in 2012 (AUT), 13 (AUT), 14 (CAN), 15 (UK), 17 (USA) and 2023 (USA)

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? WT Taekwondo 
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? The feeling of the team spirit throughout the GBMAT, from our first International experience, right through to today. Coaching my Father at the 2014 TAFISA World Martial Arts Games in Canada during the Point Sparring. Coaching athletes at the first World Games we attended in 2012 in Austria. The experience of competing in another Country, for the  young children in the Team, must have been testing, I like to think I was of some help, calming their nerves :)
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT?  The experience of meeting, watching and ultimately learning from other athletes from around the world has always fascinated me. So to think of the educational martial arts experience, that GBMAT athletes will have when they travel with the Team is priceless.
• Fun Facts - I’ve travelled Europe in a campervan. Climbed Table Top Mountain.

Kevin oversees the Self Defence and Grappling Training for the GBMAT too. Kevin has been actively involved with GBMAT since 2015 along side Chris on the Competition Circuit.

•  What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? Japanese Jujitsu, Goshin Ryu, Laido & Krav Maga.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? Seeing the progression of all the Athletes from our GB Training Sessions to putting it to test on the International Stage. Also, seeing everyone's confidence grow. And most importantly, enjoying martial arts.
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT? Athletes get the opportunity to meet new people with the same passion as themselves. They get to train alongside them. All while developing friendships and encouraging each other to be the best they can be.
• Fun Facts -  I can ride a unicycle.

Pete joined the Team in 2017 as an athlete but has completely thrown himself into Coaching the GBMAT and is now hosting the Western areas and Wales Squad Training sessions.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? Wado-Ryu Karate, Full Contact Karate & Kickboxing.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? My GBMAT best experience as a coach was actually our team bonding day in 2018, where we all enjoyed developing strong friendships through games of bowling and laser tag, and other team games.  It really allowed us to go into the European Championships with a real strength of unity as one team. 
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT? There is a wealth of experience within the coaching staff of the GBMAT, which some athletes may not know about.  Many of us have competed at the highest level and have a proven track record of winning multiple titles at both National and International events. In short, we know how to win in our respected fields. For some athletes it can be hard to automatically trust a new coach after being selected to the GBMAT that isn't their club coach and at some level I can understand this....but the opportunity to train with some of Britain's finest and most knowledgeable coaches across multiple disciplines must outweigh this.  It's precisely the fact that because of the range of styles available to train in with the GBMAT coaches, you can develop your martial arts ability to new heights.  So, get out there, travel to the different regions, and make the most of your chance to become a champion.
• Fun Facts - I'm a massive Country Music Fan. I dance in the kitchen every time I cook. I support Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. I'll literally do anything for a Toblerone - dares included. Pranking unsuspecting family and friends with stupid practical jokes is my perfect hobby.....although not theirs weirdly ha. 

Shaun became involved with the GBMAT during 2018 after qualifying for the European Martial Arts Games in Liechtenstein. Shaun, along with Mike and Phil host the Southern Areas Training Sessions.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? Wado-Ryu Karate, but all Karate Style Competition Kata.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? Best experience as a coach is just generally meeting new people and helping other enhance their karate journey.
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT? Opportunities to athletes are amazing with a chance to compete with Team GB and to potentially travel the world.
• Fun Facts - I was once in a magazine as a lookalike for Grant Mitchell.

Mike joined the GBMAT Team initially as an Athlete, qualifying for the 2018 European Martial Arts Games. Mike, Shaun and Phil over see the Southern Areas Training Sessions.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? Wado-Ryu Karate.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? From a personal training perspective, Team kata at the European Martial Arts Games in Liechtenstein. As a Coach seeing students win at the World Martial Arts Games in London 2019 against some strong opposition was a highlight. But the main thing is the friendly, helpful environment every time we all get together. 
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT?  Giving athletes the opportunity to compete around, not just the country, but the world is huge. Being able to say you represent GB is an great honour.  I also find it keeps you training harder within the dojo. We alway see a huge lift in the ability of students when they compete with GBMAT.
• Fun Facts - Karate related fact- I gained my first belt (9th Kyu) in October 1993 when I was 7.  Non karate related fact. I love travel, have trained in Muay Thai in Thailand and scuba dive when I can. I am currently at 32 countries and aim at getting to 40 by 2025.

Adam, along with Kevin over see the Self Defence and Grappling Training for the GBMAT. Adam has been working with Chris on the Competition circuit since 2015. Adam is the World Martial Arts Games Committee International Rules Director..

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? Japanese Ju-Jitsu, Goshin Ryu Self Defence and Wadokai Karate. 
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? Being part of the journey that sees students achieve their highest potential. 
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT? GBMAT offers unique and unparalleled opportunities to all athletes. The chance to represent your country in a competitive environment against the best athletes from around the globe, in competitions that are professionally run, well organised, conducted with fairness and good sportsmanship as key values for all. 
• Fun Facts -  I’m the same height as Tom Cruise.

Together with Shaun and Mike, Phil takes care of the Southern Areas GBMAT Squad Training. Phil became involved with the GBMAT after co-hosting, along with Pete a Competition qualifier for the 2018 European Martial Arts Games.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? Goju Ryu Karate
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? Watching students take part for the first time and come away with no medals but a positive experience and having had fun. To then keep coming back and a few years later be owning the top step of the podium.
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT? I love the inclusive nature that GBMAT offers and the range of martial arts it brings together. Being able to share experiences and learn new things across a range of martial arts platforms is invaluable.
• Fun Facts - I trained to be a stuntman.

Will qualified to represent GBMAT at the 2019 World Martial Arts Games. Will was passed the Area GBMAT Coaching mantle by Veteran GBMAT Coach Wayne Baker in 2022. Since then Will has overseen much of the Japanese Kata Training at the Eastern Area Training Camps, ensuring the high standards continue.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? I coach karate styles, Shito Ryu and Shotokan for competition and also Tae Kwon Do palgwe forms. I also coach Kumite & Various rule sets of kickboxing.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? My best experience as a coach is seeing multiple athletes that aren't necessarily the most naturally talented still achieve in the sport due to determination and methodical hard work. 
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT? The Great Britain Martial Arts Team offers a great range of opportunities to martial artists from a vast range of styles. For me the best thing is the teams ability to scale a competitors journey from small area competitions all the way to bigger international competitions.
• Fun Facts - I can change a tyre on any machine on the planet. As well as a martial arts coach I'm a pretty good gun dog trainer.

Ash joined up with the GBMAT Team initially as a supporting Club Coach, offering travel support for her students. It soon became apparent that Ash wanted more, offering her Coaching skills to the Area Coaches and was keen to become involoved. Ash was welcomed as an Area GBMAT Coach in 2024.

• What Styles of Martial Art do you Coach ? I specialise in Taekwondo (WT style) My coaching approach combines the discipline of traditional martial arts with the strategic and dynamic elements of modern techniques. This holistic approach allows athletes to develop not only physical prowess but also mental resilience.
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? My most rewarding experience as a GBMAT coach has been witnessing the incredible growth and camaraderie within the team. Whether it’s guiding a first-time competitor to their first international win or refining the techniques of seasoned champions, the journey has been filled with countless moments of pride. It’s hard to pick just one but one of the most memorable moment for me was to witness a very young student starting taekwondo as part of my after-school Program, having never trained before, and only a couple if years later seeing them on the podium of the 2024 European International Martial Arts Games as a medalist. Seeing some students overcome their nerves and fears and achieve their goals by becoming more confident is probably one of the greatest feelings I have as a coach.These experiences underscore the importance of persistence, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes Internationally through the GBMAT? The opportunities available to athletes through GBMAT are unparalleled. Not only do athletes get to compete on an international stage, but they also engage in a unique cultural exchange, learning from diverse martial arts styles and traditions. GBMAT provides a platform for athletes to challenge themselves, to grow, and to be part of a supportive community that values hard work, respect, and sportsmanship. The pathway that GBMAT offers is clear, accessible, and designed to bring out the best in every athlete, no matter their background.
• Fun Facts - Outside of the dojo, I have a few interesting hobbies that might surprise people. 
• I am a skydiver. Something I wanted to do, since I was 4. I saw my dad jumping out of planes I was in, but I was always too young. I finally started jumping when I reached my thirties.
• I also graduated in drama school and take part in acting roles whenever I get the chance. 
• Oh, and sometimes I play Fire Poi

Ash's first involvement with the GBMAT was way back in 2015, when he had athletes from his club selected for the GBMAT Team that took part in the 2015 World Martial Arts Games in Norwich. After a few years away, focusing on his career, Ash is back with avengeance after switching careers and making Martial Arts his full time passion. Ash was welcomed as an Area GBMAT Coach in 2024.

• What Style of Martial Art do you Coach ? Wado Ryu Karate
• What is your GBMAT best experience as a Coach ? Coaching the Team at the 2024 European International Martial Arts Games was an absolute blast ! Everyone so focused on the task ahead and full of energy. And I got to be in my sons corner as he won gold in light continues & point fighting.
• What are your thoughts on the opportunities available to athletes through the GBMAT ? The GBMAT represents a fantastic opportunity & resource for people to train with a massive variety of styles and Instructors, all with years of training under their belts. 
• Fun Facts about yourself...? I have 6 children, Martial Arts are my life and sarcasm is my talent :)