Neil began training in Judo at the age of 11 and started teaching martial arts at 18.
Alongside Judo, he studied Chang Chuan Shu (Long Fist Kung Fu) with Chris Ellerker, who later became Chairman of the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts.
At 21, Neil began training in Teh Ji Han Jeung Dao Kung Fu under Chris Linstead, the founder of the style.
Neil began formally teaching children in 1993 and, in 1997, attained the grade of Senior Student under Chris Linstead.
He subsequently founded the UK Kung Fu School and has continued to develop his teaching, training and understanding of martial arts for more than three decades.
Although Kung Fu remains at the heart of his teaching, Neil has studied a wide range of martial arts and movement disciplines throughout his career.
His training has included:
Kung Fu · Judo · Tai Chi · Qi Gong · Thai Boxing · Kickboxing · Hsing-I · Ba Gua · Jeet Kune Do · Escrima · Aikido
This broad experience has given Neil the opportunity to study different approaches to movement, striking, defence, body mechanics, balance and martial application.
Rather than treating martial arts as a collection of unrelated techniques, he believes that training provides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of movement and the human body.
Neil has travelled extensively to train, study and research martial arts and self-defence.
His travels have included China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Europe and the United States, where he has both trained and worked.
In 2004, Neil took a group of 11 students to China to experience martial arts training at the Shaolin Temples.
Since then, he has taken further groups of students to China, giving them the opportunity to experience Chinese martial arts and culture beyond the training hall in Maidstone.
These experiences have helped shape the traditional yet practical approach of the UK Kung Fu School.
Neil McCarthy
Our School Owner & Senior Coach – 45 Years of Dedicated Martial Arts Study
Key Professional Qualifications
- • Black Belt & Tai Chi Instructor
• Trained & Qualified in Shiatsu and Acupuncture
• BCCMA Level Two Coach & Silver Coaching Award
• Lead Safeguarding Officer (Sports Council England Awarded)
• SEND Practitioner & Mental Health Awareness and Support (MHAS)
• Trauma Informed Coaching & First Aid Qualified
• Former Executive Member of the BCCMA
• Over 30 Years of Professional Teaching Experience
Coaching Team
Steve Payne
Senior Instructor
Steve's passion for martial arts began at an early age, inspired by the classic Chinese Kung Fu films and the legendary Bruce Lee. What started as a fascination with martial arts developed into a lifelong commitment to training, learning and teaching.
Steve began studying Chang Ch'uan Shu (Long Fist Kung Fu) as a teenager and continued his training under the guidance of Des Harman. During this time, he gained valuable practical experience by assisting with demonstrations, self-defence courses and martial arts seminars.
Steve later began training with Neil McCarthy and the UK Kung Fu School, bringing with him a strong foundation and considerable experience in martial arts. He quickly embraced the school's approach to training and development, at one stage committing to as many as six training sessions each week.
Over the years, Steve has continued to work closely with Neil, developing his knowledge and understanding through regular training, one-to-one tuition, courses and practical application. His enthusiasm for learning is matched by his enjoyment of helping others develop, and teaching has become an important part of his own martial arts journey.
Steve sees teaching as a natural extension of his own training. He believes that helping others learn not only benefits students, but also challenges the instructor to continually refine their own understanding and ability.
A long-held ambition was fulfilled in 2005 when Steve travelled independently to China to train at the Shaolin Temple. The trip represented the culmination of a 20-year ambition and provided another important experience in Steve's continuing exploration of traditional Chinese martial arts.
Today, Steve remains a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the UK Kung Fu School, combining decades of training experience with a genuine passion for learning, teaching and helping students progress.
Matt Ellis
Senior Instructor
Matt has had a passion for martial arts from a young age and has developed that interest into a highly focused commitment to both training and teaching.
Over the years, Matt has worked closely with Neil through one-to-one training, regular classes, courses and specialist training sessions, continually developing his understanding of Kung Fu, its applications and the principles behind the style. His dedication to training has also taken him to China alongside Neil and other UK Kung Fu School students, providing the opportunity to experience Chinese martial arts training and culture first-hand.
Matt is a highly focused martial arts coach who genuinely enjoys both training and teaching. He has a particular passion for developing technical ability, taking time to understand the detail behind a technique and, importantly, how that technique can be applied effectively.
One of Matt's strengths as an instructor is his ability to translate technical concepts into practical, understandable instruction. Whether working with someone attending their first Kung Fu class or helping a more experienced student refine an advanced technique, Matt is able to adapt his coaching to the individual.
His coaching style is patient, compassionate and encouraging, while maintaining a strong focus on technical development and personal improvement. He understands that students learn in different ways and takes the time to help individuals overcome challenges, build confidence and develop their skills progressively.
Matt has progressed to the point of leading regular adult classes at the UK Kung Fu School and continues to develop his own skills alongside his students. He believes strongly that an instructor should remain a student too — continually training, questioning, refining and learning.
Matt also believes that Kung Fu extends well beyond the training hall. The discipline, focus, perseverance and problem-solving developed through martial arts can influence many areas of everyday life.
His approach is simple: train hard, understand what you are doing, keep learning and help others progress along the way.
Key Team Qualifications - Matt and Steve
- Black Belt
- Experienced Instructors
- First Aid Qualified
- DBS Checked
- Safeguarding Training
- Level Two Coaching Award