Meet our team
STEPHEN SAVAGE
Universal Martial Arts karate, kickboxing and Sparring
I have been training in kickboxing, karate and martial arts for many years, starting as a child at the age of 7. I got back into martial arts seriously from the age of 17 competing at a high level all over England. At 21 I started my own club and have been teaching children and adults since. At the age of 25 I decided to improve myself as an instructor and teacher by reading a variety of material on teaching and also having professional martial arts teacher training from some of the top coaches from the USA and the UK.
Learning these new skills has not only benefited myself but the students of Universal Martial Arts; watching them grow and excel gives me satisfaction as what I am teaching the children is helping them in a healthy and positive way.
BROGAN JOHNSTONE
Kickboxing coach and qualified PT
Hi I’m Brogan, and I started kickboxing and karate when I was 9 years old. I started this sport because I went through a stage of getting bullied at school and at the time had zero confidence in myself.
When I started kickboxing I never thought of fighting and competing in competitions. But from the age of 12 I started to do competitions. And I now hold several English, British, and European titles. I’ve also managed to gain myself 8 world titles fighting for team England around the world.
I now have the pleasure to pass my knowledge on to others and also help some that were like me, with no confidence and getting bullied. This is the best job in the world: seeing kids and also adults become better versions of themselves.
DALE BLACKLOCK
Boxing coach and qualified PT
​
I’ve been involved in boxing for over 10 years. I had my first boxing match at 19 and have competed at various levels. I have trained and coached at various gyms over the years including North Shields, Howdon Boxing academy, Unit 13 and now Universal Martial Arts. I have been a qualified personal trainer for 5 years and I have been involved in coaching boxing for over 4 years.
Originally starting as the junior boxing coach for Unit 13, I trained kids from ages 4-18 years old taking them around the region and UK competing and gaining experience in skills bouts and contests. I have been at Universal for 2 years now, competing myself and training others in 1-1 training and running, junior, beginners and advanced boxing classes which have really went from strength to strength.
LEE GRAHAM
Boxing coach
I’ve been actively involved in the boxing scene now for around 20 years, working from various gyms. I ran my own successful amateur boxing gym, producing many top talents and champs along the way with regional champions, national champions, England and GB boxers, and also had the pleasure of working with some local professionals too.
I’m a level 3 England Boxing coach and hold a professional boxing trainers licence. During my years involved in the boxing I’ve had the pleasure of working with some world-class coaches where I’ve been lucky enough to learn and develop my knowledge and skills with them. I served my apprenticeship under Alberto Gonzales, a top Cuban national coach, and Glenn McRory who won professional world titles. Also, the world class Nettles Nesser from New Jersey USA, who trained many world champions.
I have a big passion for the sport and all that comes with it, and focus on teaching the fundamentals of boxing and focusing on the small details that make the difference. I am now settled at Universal Martial Arts, looking to pass on my knowledge to the future generation of boxers.
​
I have been training in kickboxing for over 10 years and competed for 7 years. I have also been coaching and teaching for 3 years.
LEWIS KEEN
Muay Thai coach
​
I’ve been training and competing in martial arts from being a kid until finally finding Muay Thai, which gave me everything I wanted: confidence, fitness and a real ability to defend myself. Now I’ve trained and fought across the country for a number of years branching out into k1 kickboxing and Lethwei. Currently hold the BFBA lightweight title and FFC lightweight Lethwei title. But the best thing for me in my years of training/fighting and now coaching is meeting some great people, many I now consider good friends. This is exactly what I strive for at Universal Martial Arts: a friendly community who helps and supports each other in and outside the gym all while achieving whatever there gym goals may be.
DEBBIE MACBETH
Junior kickboxing assistant
​
Hi I’m Debbie. I’m a teaching assistant at Universal Martial Arts.
Working at this gym is fantastic. Going back over ten years I brought my own son, then later started training myself.
We’ve both loved our time with Universal Martial Arts and I’ve always been impressed with the welcome you receive from Mr savage. A fun, friendly environment that I am happy to now also be a part of. We are the perfect dream team.
THOMAS ROBSON
Junior kickboxing coach
​
I started at the age of 8, after watching kickboxing on the TV. I immediately wanted to try it. My dad took me to Universal Martial Arts, where I fell in love with the sport.
Since then, I have fought competitively all over the UK and travelled abroad to places like Italy, and won 5 National Championships and a World Championship.
​
My favourite part of teaching martial arts is seeing the students learning and growing. Not only with their martial arts skills, but there personal skills as well, such as their confidence and concentration skills. It is amazing to see how positively martial arts benefits students' lives in such a short amount of time.
LOGAN MATTHEW
Junior kickboxing coach
​
I have been part of Universal Martial Arts from the age of 4 years old! During my time here I have gained confidence, respect and trained in self-defence. I have progressed to a level of being able to compete in various competitions, gaining many medals and trophies, and had the privilege in meeting some world class kickboxers! My attitude towards training has helped me achieve my 2nd Dan black belt and becoming a coach, it is my pleasure to be able to teach what I have learnt. I love being part of this club, it’s an honour and there's nowhere else I'd rather be.
"Love it there, everyone is really welcoming and friendly and the instructor is great! Really homely vibe, I can see myself training there for a long time."