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
Neil began his martial arts journey with Judo at age 11, eventually transitioning to teaching by 18. His extensive background spans decades of training under masters in disciplines such as Long Fist Kung Fu and Teh Ji Han Jeung Dao. After founding the UK Kung Fu School, he has dedicated over forty years to refining his holistic approach to movement and body mechanics.
His diverse expertise includes Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Thai Boxing, and Aikido, among others. This breadth of knowledge allows him to teach martial arts as a comprehensive study of the human body rather than a simple set of techniques. Neil has travelled globally to research self-defence, frequently leading student groups to the Shaolin Temples in China to immerse them in authentic martial culture. These international experiences have meticulously shaped the school's blend of traditional heritage and modern practicality.
Neil McCarthy
Our School Owner & Senior Coach – 45 Years of Dedicated Martial Arts Study
Coaching Team -
Steve and Matt
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.
Key Team Qualifications - Matt and Steve
- Black Belt
- Experienced Instructors
- First Aid Qualified
- DBS Checked
- Safeguarding Training
- Level Two Coaching Award
Junior Instructors
Henry - Junior Black Belt
I have been training under Neil for over 10 years now, and I believe I am a better person than I could have ever been without it. Learning, teaching, socialising and overall enjoying my time has made me think and act better in my every day life.
I believe kung fu has become a part of me which I will never forget and I love that.
Teaching has helped me build confidence and has undoubtedly created a sense of purpose and satisfaction I could get from no other Saturday morning class.
Now that I am a freshly christened black belt, I have a new found sense of self and pride like no other and a drive to fight, train and continue to teach for as long as I can. In short it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
Katherine
I started kung fu when I was six years old and honestly, I can’t imagine my life without it. It’s been over seven years now, and kung fu has taught me not only self defence, but also self discipline and control.
However, I don’t just learn for myself anymore — I now teach younger students too.
What I enjoy most about teaching is the community. Seeing the bond that each and every one of the children have with each other is amazing. Learning how to make friends outside of school is such an important life skill. I personally love watching them improve week by week, and knowing I have played a small part in their journey means so much to me
Tobe
I have been training at the uk kung fu school as long as I can remember, it is my belief that my many years of being taught martial arts has helped me grow into a more wise and disciplined person
it brings me great honour to teach to others what was taught to me.
I don’t believe there are many better decisions one can make as a person than to take up martial arts and there is no better place to do so than at the uk kung fu school.
George - Junior Black Belt
I have been a student at the UK Kung Fu School for about a decade now. I started at a young age, and throughout my entire training journey there have always been excellent teachers and instructors. I choose to attend the UK Kung Fu School over other martial arts schools as the training is always amazing. Whether we are having a laugh and playing games or being graded in a serious environment, there is always respect and a sense of strong companionship present in the training hall.
Around a year ago, I started teaching in the juniors class at 9:30. It brings me great joy to see the children having fun and thriving in the school, as I did at their age. Teaching also gives me an opportunity to share the skills I have learned over the years, and while I’m teaching, I’m learning myself, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Betsy
Matthew
I started Kung Fu at the age of 4, ollowing in my brother Samuel's footsteps. Almost 9 years have passed now. Ever since I have been learning and practicing the morals and stances of Kung Fu. But stances aren't all there is to Kung Fu, it builds up mental skills and improves physical fitness. If I did not commit to Kung Fu like I have today I would never be anywhere near my condition I am in now.
Kung Fu also helped me realise that my asthma was not holding me back. My asthma was a large part of my life in my early years and I once believed I could do less than everyone else because of it, but after a few years of training with Kung Fu, I was pushing myself and could achieve most things other people could.
Finally, Kung Fu has introduced me to a wide range of kind people that pushed me to learn and be adventurous with new things, they are a key part of my success and I thank them very much for that. The community of the UK Kung Fu school is the best I have ever been in. Thank you Neil, Steve and Matt for helping to make me who I am today.
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.
Zac - Junior Black Belt
For the past nine years, I have had the privilege of training at UK Kung Fu School. Throughout this time, I have learned an incredible amount, yet each lesson continues to reveal how much more there is to discover. Kung Fu is not simply about learning how to defend yourself or developing effective fighting techniques; it also requires discipline, self-control and resilience. These qualities have had a positive influence on every aspect of my life, both inside and outside school.
My experience at UK Kung Fu School has broadened my perspective and encouraged me to embrace new challenges. It has also given me the opportunity to share my passion with the others and form lasting friendships. Over the years, the school has become a second family to me. There is truly nowhere else quite like it, and being part of such a supportive community has been life-changing.
Having recently begun my journey as a junior instructor, I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on what I have learned to the next generation of students. The most rewarding part of this role is watching the younger students develop the same confidence, friendships and sense of belonging that I experienced when I first started. Seeing them enjoy themselves while learning new Kung Fu skills and techniques is incredibly fulfilling, and look forward to continuing to grow alongside them.
Samuel
I started Kung Fu when I was only 4–5 years old and have now been training for over 10 years. I believe that I would not be where I am today in terms of my fitness and physical ability if it were not for Kung Fu. Over the years, Kung Fu has also greatly improved my footballing ability and overall athletic performance by developing my strength, coordination, balance, and fitness.
As well as the physical benefits, Kung Fu has taught me important life skills from a young age. The games and competitions we take part in during classes have taught me how to be both a good winner and a good loser, as well as how to respect others and learn from my mistakes. Most importantly, Kung Fu has taught me the importance of commitment and discipline. Attending classes consistently and continuing to train over many years has helped me develop these qualities, which I believe will be valuable throughout my life.