Instructors
“Charlie” Richard Robinson, 3rd Dan, Head of Jitsu Argentina
Charlie started Jiu Jitsu at the University of Essex in 2002, moved to the London region in 2007, but in 2009 South America was calling and he moved to Argentina. In 2012 he set up the first TJJF club in Buenos Aires city with a second club set up in the province of Buenos Aires in 2019, headed up by Sensei José. Charlie also achieved his 2nd Dan at the South Africa Internationals in 2019, and 3rd dan at the Vienna Internationals in 2023. In the same year he was invited to teach at a second club in the city of Buenos Aires, and in 2024 Sensei Andrea opened a fourth club in the region. In 2025 the two clubs where Charlie taught in the city were combined into one, but he still teaches 3 times a week, as he loves ensuring his students' Jiu Jitsu is well-polished!
Charlie has experience in Judo, boxing and Muay Thai and his sessions focus on realism. Charlie is really excited to be hosting the 2026 Internationals in Argentina and can’t wait to see everyone!
Simon Ogden, 6th Dan, Head of Jitsu New Zealand
Simon started Jiu Jitsu in 1992 with Spirit Combat International, but started with the TJJF at the University College of London in 1994. Following his 1st Dan grading he brought our style of Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu to New Zealand in 2002. He co-founded Jitsu Australasia with Rowan Searle, inheriting the Wellington Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy in 2002 on immigration, setting up Victoria University Ju Jitsu club in 2003, and started the Masterton Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy in 2010 when he moved to the Wairarapa.
Simon was instrumental in founding the New Zealand Ju Jitsu Federation in 2003, the National Sporting Organization for Ju Jitsu in Aotearoa of which he was the CEO in 2008 and from 2012-2017, and is the current Chairman since 2019.
In addition to his rank in Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu, Simon holds a 6th Dan in Fuji Ryu Goshindo Ju Jitsu, 5th Dan in Olivecrona Jiu Jitsu, 2nd Dan in Judo and 1st Dan in Aikido. He also received the NZJJF Outstanding Service Award for his contributions to Jiu Jitsu in 2018 and obtained the first C4 Advanced Instructor qualification in New Zealand in 2021.
Raj Soren, 6th Dan, Bradford Jitsu, TJJF UK
Raj has dedicated his life to the martial arts. Beginning his journey in 1984, he's not only cultivated his own skills but taught and opened over 12 clubs as well as nurtured countless champions.
From his roots in Bradford, Raj has shared his expertise internationally, teaching in countries as diverse as Canada, Russia, U.S, Argentina, South Africa, Austria, Netherlands and Fiji. His martial arts prowess extends beyond Jiu Jitsu, with a 2nd Dan in Aikido and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and still competing nationally.
Perhaps most impressive is his family's legacy. All three of his children have achieved black belts in Jiu Jitsu, including multiple national champions. This testament to his teaching and family values is a source of immense pride.
Beyond his teaching and competitions, Raj has served as a leader in the martial arts community, and has been recognised by numerous martial arts associations. He's been the UK director of The Jiu Jitsu Foundation's junior section and a key member of the Promotions, Tertiary and Aikido boards. His commitment to growing the sport is evident in the numerous junior national and international champions he's produced.
Raj's impact extends beyond the mat. He's conducted personal safety and anti-bullying workshops for thousands of teenagers, empowering them with valuable skills. As a business and life coach with four published books, including the upcoming "Black Belt Mindset - How Martial Arts Shaped My Life," he continues to share his wisdom and inspire others.
Andreas Lerch, 3rd Dan, Head of Jitsu Austria
​Andreas started training Jiu Jitsu with the TJJF Edinburgh University Club in 2005. After getting his brown belt, he co-founded the Heriot Watt Jitsu Club in Edinburgh in 2011, which he taught for one year before moving back to Vienna. Andreas earned his 1st Dan in 2014 and subsequently opened the Vienna International Jitsu Club, the only TJJF club in the country.
He has since achieved his 3rd Dan (2023) and also dabbled in other martial arts, mainly Thai Boxing, Judo and BJJ. In addition to Jiu Jitsu, he taught several self-defence and women’s self defence workshops for different groups and organizations.
José María Vaquer – 1st Dan Senior Primary, Nishi Dojo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
José has practiced martial arts his entire life until, in 2014, he started training Jiu Jitsu with Sensei Charlie. The experience was so intense that he dedicated himself fully to it. In 2016, he participated for the first time at the Internationals in Canada. This event was an opportunity to get to know the Jitsu family and connect with fellow Jitsuka and instructors from around the world.
In 2019, he attended the Internationals in South Africa, where he got his 1st Kyu and opened his own club in the western part of Buenos Aires. In 2023, he obtained his Shodan at the Internationals in Vienna. Before the event, he attended classes in Bristol and London (UK).
José is the first black belt in our style born in, and to have trained predominantly in, South America. His interests include continuing to improve in our martial art and promoting the style in Buenos Aires and the rest of Argentina. He also practices Aikido and Iaido, seeking the common principles within traditional Japanese martial arts.
He is extremely happy to be one of the hosts for the 2026 Internationals and looks forward to sharing this wonderful experience with you!
Stenfinn Olivecrona (Sten), 7th Dan, Jitsu New Zealand
Sten is a highly respected martial artist and innovator in the field of jiu-jitsu, known for his unique adaptation of the Kawaishi system to modern self-defense and security contexts. A former student of the Kawaishi jiu-jitsu lineage, Sten developed the Olivecrona Method, which emphasizes principles-based teaching over traditional technique-based instruction. This approach allows students to develop a fluid, personalized fighting style by focusing on core concepts such as positioning, striking, grappling, and clinch fighting. His method integrates out-fighting, in-fighting, and groundfighting techniques, with a strong emphasis on practical self-defense scenarios.
Sten's influence extends beyond his technical expertise; his contributions have been instrumental in advancing jiu-jitsu as a dynamic and adaptable martial art, blending traditional principles with modern applications. As a guest instructor at The Jitsu Foundation's International Course, Sten brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to empowering students through innovative training methods.
Simon Barnett, 3rd Dan, Jitsu New Zealand
Simon is a highly accomplished martial artist and senior instructor with Jitsu New Zealand, with a diverse and extensive background in multiple martial disciplines. His journey began in 1992 with The Jitsu Foundation under Ian Lambert in Birmingham, setting the foundation for a lifelong pursuit in combat arts. Over the years, he has trained under a number of esteemed instructors, including Gavin Mulholland and Archimedes, the latter introducing him to wrestling—a skillset that has greatly influenced his approach to close-quarters combat.
Simon’s knife and stick work is inspired by Hock Hockheim, while his strategies for handling aggressive adversaries draw heavily from the teachings of Lee Morrison. His proficiency in firearms and handgun skills has been shaped through training with Gary down at the range, further enhancing his ability to manage threats across a broad spectrum of combat scenarios.
Recently, Simon reached an important milestone in his martial arts journey—earning his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 20/20 Jitsu Napier under John Will, solidifying his expertise in grappling alongside his extensive striking and self-defense background. His dedication to continuous learning and cross-training across disciplines underscores his commitment to evolving the art of Ju Jitsu.
Residing in New Zealand, Simon remains highly active on the mat, both as an instructor and a student. Beyond martial arts, he pursues traditional craftsmanship, constructing longbows, truncheons, patu and taiaha, as well as enjoying hunting and fishing, embracing a self-sufficient and dynamic lifestyle that complements his combat training.
Martial Arts Ranks:
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Sandan (3rd Dan) Shorinji Kan Ju Jitsu
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Nidan (2nd Dan) Olivecrona Ju Jitsu
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Shodan (1st Dan) Goju Ryu Karate
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Shodan (1st Dan) Shinden Ryu Iaido
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Shodan (1st Dan) Will/Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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1st Kyu Seido Karate
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With his principle-based approach, deep experience, and passion for refining techniques, Sensei Simon Barnett continues to inspire and develop martial artists in New Zealand and internationally.
Paul Huston, 3rd Dan, Jitsu New Zealand
Paul’s martial arts journey began in 2003 after a chance encounter with Simon Ogden at a boxing class in Wellington, New Zealand. This meeting ignited his passion for Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu, where he now holds the rank of Sandan. Additionally, he is a Nidan in Olivecrona Jujitsu, reflecting his dedication to both traditional and modern combat systems.For over two decades, Paul has trained extensively, cross-training with experts across New Zealand. This diverse exposure has deepened his understanding of budo principles and refined his practical approach to Jiu Jitsu. His training spans a wide range of disciplines, including: Boxing, Kempo Karate, Muay Thai, Judo, Aikido, Maori Weaponry, Batto-jutsu, Military CQB, Krav Maga, Systema and more recently in Koryu (Classical Martial Art focusing on bujutsu)
While Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu in New Zealand has its roots in the UK, the style has evolved through exposure to diverse martial arts under the NZJJF (New Zealand Jiu Jitsu Federation). Paul’s unique perspective blends these influences, emphasizing adaptability and real-world application.Recently relocating to Auckland, Paul is currently training in Aikijutsu and weapons under Tony Schaufelberger, founder of Aikiway. Tony’s lineage traces through Sensei Ron Russell (5th Dan Aikido, 5th Dan Judo), who brought his expertise to NZ from the UK’s Institute of Aikido in the late 1970s, to Kenshiro Abbe.
Cameron Edmunds, 3rd Dan, Jitsu New Zealand
Cameron started his martial arts journey at the Wellington Jiu Jitsu and Judo Academy, under instructors Simon Ogden and Paul Huston in late 2010. Cameron began cross training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at MAI Dojo under Bira Da Silva in 2014. In this time, he has earned Nidan under Jitsu NZ, Sandan in Olivecrona Jiu Jitsu and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the Crolin Gracie lineage.
As a competitor, Cameron won a superheavyweight world championship in free fighting for New Zealand, medaled at various international Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments (gi and no-gi) and won an MMA fight by submission somewhere in that mix.
As a coach Cameron holds Advanced Instructor status under the NZ Jiu Jitsu Federation, having assisted in the coaching of All Blacks and UFC fighters. ​
David Walker, 8th Dan, Vale Jiu Jitsu Club, Wales, TJJF UK
David has been doing Jitsu for 47 years and is the longest serving instructor in the Jiu Jitsu Foundation International. After being caught up as a 10-year-old in the Bruce Lee Kung Fu craze of the 1970’s David initially took up Judo and Shotokan Karate. David started his training in Jiu Jitsu in 1979 after a chance meeting with Sensei Peter Farrar. David has trained with and been taught by some of the most influential Jiu Jitsu Foundation Sensei in the UK and further afield including his mentors Soke Brian Graham and Sensei Peter Farrar. David did not confine his learning to single styles of Jiu Jitsu and in his earlier days trained with some of the most influential Jiu Jitsu instructors teaching at the time including Soke Matthew Komp, Soke Inoue, Soke Robert Clarke and Soke Richard Morris. Throughout this time David continued to train in other martial arts including Judo, Aikido and Lau Gar Kung Fu.
David took over the teaching of Jiu Jitsu from Sensei Peter Farrar in Plymouth, UK in 1979 and then following a move to Bristol introduced Jiu Jitsu to the West Country in the UK in 1984. Subsequently David taught some of the UK’s most well-known instructors. Following the tragic and untimely death of Sensei Peter Farrar at the age of 37, in 1997 David took over the leadership of the Jitsu Foundation – a role he continued with until 2003 when he decided to refocus his Jiu Jitsu career on his first loves of teaching and training. Although David continued to teach and grade nationally and internationally David returned to his roots in 2006 opening up a club for juniors and seniors in a small village in South Wales. This move re-energised David’s involvement in Jiu Jitsu and despite its’ rural location the Vale Jiu Jitsu Club has gone on to represent Wales at British and International events.
Age and time have mellowed David’s formally very physical approach to training and nowadays the emphasis of his training lays in the thought provoking and inspiring through helping jitsuka find their own creativity in Jiu Jitsu whilst not losing the focus of fun and training interdependence that holds us all together.
Steve Donaghy, 7th Dan, London Jiu Jitsu, TJJF UK
Steve has been doing martial arts for over 40 years and been teaching Jiu Jitsu since 1986. Steve is a former Chairman of TJJF and was promoted to 7th Dan, in honor of his contributions to TJJF and martial arts in 2021. Steve is based in London but has taught Jiu Jitsu all over the UK, in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, Spain, BVI, Spain, Austria & Denmark and loves it all!!
Ian Lambert, 7th Dan, Jitsu USA
Ian started Jiu Jitsu at Birmingham Polytechnic in September 1988 as a student of Sensei Andrew MacDonnell. He moved to London in 1995, where he started training under Sensei Steve Donaghy.
Ian moved to Edinburgh at the end of 2000, taking over the Edinburgh University club in 2001, where he taught on and off until 2019. Ian was promoted to the Tertiary Board in 2011, and as chair (2017-2020) he co-drafted and lead the re-introduction of the Yudansha (10 dan) system in 2018/19.
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He met his now wife, Karen, at the Jiu Jitsu Internationals in Canada in 2016, and subsequently moved to Detroit, on the US-Canadian border in 2019. He works as the post-graduate Dean and Professor at an art and design college.
Ian has taught Jiu Jitsu as a visiting instructor at clubs around the world, and regularly teaches as a guest instructor in Canada. Plans are afoot to open a club in Detroit. He was promoted to 7th Dan in April 2023. He also holds a 1st Dan in Judo.
Anna Hunt, 2nd Dan, Secondary Tutor, Yorkshire Region, TJJF UK
Anna is one the highest ranking female instructors in the TJJF, gaining her Black Top in May 2025. She has been training in jiu jitsu since 1998 and has been teaching for nearly 15 years. She teaches regularly at the University of Sheffield club, where she began her jiu jitsu journey and also co-founded the town club, Sheffield Jiu Jitsu Club.
Anna has taught at numerous regional, national and international events, including Junior and Senior Randori and Atemi Nationals, the Scottish Nationals and the Vienna Internationals.
Her passion and enthusiasm for jiu jitsu is contagious and she hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
Kia Dunn, 3rd Dan, Jitsu Canada
Kia began training in Shorinji Kan Jiu jitsu in 2004 at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada under three of the final black belts granted by Graham Soke; Amelia Kroll, Chris Luzine, and Jonathan Jamnik Sensei. He was recognized as Shodan in 2010 and Nidan in 2015.
He served as head instructor for the first youth club in Canada 2006-2010, his home club of Carleton University 2011-2016, and now the University of Toronto club 2016-Present. Along the way, Kia has had the privilege to teach over a thousand students at clubs across Canada, the United States, throughout the UK, Vienna, South Africa, and India.
Training in some form of martial art from the age of 5, Kia has dabbled in Karate, Systema, Aikido, Kendo, and Kenjutsu, and enjoys how many martial arts, when performed at their highest level, begin to reveal a great deal in common.
Adam Rings, 4th Dan, Wellington Ju Jitsu, Jitsu New Zealand
Adam is a dedicated martial artist and instructor for Jitsu New Zealand, bringing years of experience and expertise to his students. Holding a 4th Dan in Shorinji Kan Ju Jitsu, a 4th Dan in Olivecrona Ju Jitsu and a 1st Kyu in Judo, he is also a NZJJF C2 Qualified Instructor and is recognized for his commitment to teaching and evolving the art of Shorinji Kan Ju Jitsu in New Zealand.
Adam leads training at the Wellington Ju Jitsu Club, where he fosters a principle-based approach to martial arts, emphasizing both mental and physical development. His instruction integrates elements from various disciplines, ensuring students gain a well-rounded understanding of self-defense and combat techniques. Beyond Ju Jitsu, Adam has explored multiple martial arts styles, refining his skills and expanding his knowledge. His dedication to continuous learning and cross-training makes him a respected figure in the New Zealand martial arts community.
In 2017, Adam represented New Zealand at the WCJJO World Games in the free-fighting heavyweight division. His participation on the international stage showcased his skill, resilience, and ability to compete at an elite level, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable martial artist.
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Karen Lambert, 1st Dan, Jitsu Canada/USA
Karen started Jiu Jitsu in 1998 at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada as a student of Sensei Andy Dobie. After several years of raising children, she returned to Jiu Jitsu and trained in Kingston, Ontario under Sensei Chris Brooks, Mark Yourkovich, Stu Cook, Chris Roy and Graydon Smith. She later taught Jiu Jitsu at Queens University and the Kingston Town Club. Karen has taught children, youth and adult students. Karen has been a guest instructor at several clubs in the UK and Canada. Karen is currently residing in Detroit, Michigan, USA with her husband Ian Lambert and three daughters. Karen met Ian Lambert at the Jiu Jitsu International Event in Canada in 2016. They hope to open a Jiu Jitsu club in Detroit in the very near future.
Davis Cook, 4th Dan, Head of Jitsu Kenya (and previous Head of Jitsu South Africa)
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Davis started training at University College London in 2002. He obtained his 1st Kyu in 2005 before returning to South Africa and setting up Jitsu South Africa later that year; he set up Jitsu Kenya in 2024.
He has received his yudansha grades around the world: Shodan in the UK, Nidan in Canada, Sandan in South Africa, and was recently promoted to Yondan by Jitsu New Zealand.
The rest of his martial arts journey spans Shotokan, Northern & Southern styles of Wushu, Judo and more recently BJJ (where he is also on the competition team for Nairobi Jiu Jitsu Academy). As Davis has gotten older, he has progressively moved from a fluid and fast style towards a slower and more strategic approach towards both sport and self defence. This will be his 5th Internationals.
Ady Tredwell, 5th Dan, TJJF UK
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Sensei Ady began studying Jiu Jitsu in 1989 in Birmingham, UK and immediately became obsessed, training four nights a week at three clubs and has been fortunate to be taught and influenced by many of the top instructors.
Ady has founded and taught many junior and adult clubs and toured nationally and internationally for over 30 years and is a regular visitor to clubs in Europe, Canada, Africa and USA where he taught at the very first session in 1995.
Ady has studied and taught several other martial arts and in 2017 Ady was awarded a 6th Dan in Kempo.
Although Ady prefers the artistic forms of movement in Jiu Jitsu, his career choices and roles have provided him with real world experiences of violence that inform his teaching.
This will be Ady’s seventh Jitsu International having taught at Amsterdam 2006, Spartanburg 2009, Edinburgh 2013, Toronto 2016, South Africa 2019 and Vienna 2023.