I have had an interest in the various arts of combat (martial arts) and the people who, throughout history have become known for their martial skills, for a considerable period of time, Sun Su – The Art of War – is an example of the thinking behind the combat, the art behind the martial and the strategy behind the action……. I am not just interested in the fight itself but in the thought and actions leading up to the fight.
I formally started martial arts in 1983, I wasn’t sure what art I wanted to pursue, I therefore sampled Karate and Judo and moved on to become a student of Wu Shu Quan; later changing to Zwan Shu Quan; where the training was hard but enjoyable, I learned a great deal about using my body as a weapon, movement and kicking.
After a few years working on this art I moved to the Midlands, where I studied for a professional qualification in youth work and my first degree BA (Hons), I also studied Ju Jitsu, and was able to combine the kicks and punches of Chinese Boxing with the circular movement, leg sweeps, locks and throws of Jitsu.
I was able to put my martial arts knowledge into practice when I began door work in the late 1980’s, for over 10 years I worked in a number of west end clubs, bars, pubs, private parties and concerts, I was also employed in close protection work. I often found myself in situations where my knowledge of martial arts was an invaluable tool for controlling many difficult and dangerous situations; door work also enabled me to understand body mechanics and how to generate and use personal energy and power in more depth.
It was whilst working in night club security in 1991 that I was introduced to Escrima and Steve Tappin by a friend, at an old school building and gym in Tottenham. The class was hot, sweaty and friendly, it was a hard club where people came to learn and where learning often meant pain, both mental and physical; I was immediately interested in Escrima because, I had visited a number of clubs, had some private lessons but the instructors of these clubs wouldn’t spar with me, they just wanted me to kick or punch a bag and pay them for the privilege, I was very disillusioned by this approach and thought, if the instructor can’t put the gloves on with me, what has he got to teach me?
When I met Steve Tappin, I asked him about Escrima and what I had to do to join, I asked him the most important question…if I come back next week, can I spar with you? His answer was yes and true to his word, when I returned to his class he put the gloves on and he proceeded to give me a lesson in pain, movement and fun….it was great and I was hooked.
I trained hard and even gave up a nights door work to focus on developing my Escrima, every week I would try a new move or technique to try to beat my instructor and his assistants / long standing members of the Escrima family (John Dovey ‘Budge’, Franco and Skully); that was 15 years ago……. Steve is still my teacher……and I still have a lot to learn to this very day”.
In the early 1990’s I entered a number of Escrima open tournaments in the UK (Luton, Corby, Birmingham) and in Europe, winning all the tournaments I entered, in one competition in England I broke 6 sticks and two helmets during various stages of the competition, these were the days when real sticks were used for competitions.
Over the years I have been introduced to and taught by a number of great Escrima instructors including GM Brian Jones, (Rene and Bill). I am a member of the European Historical Combat Guild, and have been taught a few sword techniques by John and Jonathon Waller.
Steve Tappin enabled me to develop my martial arts skills he has also enabled me to travel throughout Europe and meet our extended family of Escrima practitioners; Escrima Concepts and the Alliance is growing, it is as a result of Steve’s individual strength of purpose and the support of his partners, friends and students across Europe and the world.
I have been lucky enough to work with Steve and Wayne Tappin in a number of countries, I currently teach Escrima across the UK and in Europe.
Paul Leslie is a 3rd TG instructor and is the most senior instructor in London; he has been a student of Master Steve Tappin for 15 years.
