ABOUT REAL SSK

About REAL SSK

Real SSK is a modern martial arts community built on decades of experience — and one mission: to help people get stronger, sharper and more confident, through high-impact training that actually works.

Our roots go deep. Led by Peter Kennedy, who's been teaching and training in martial arts for over 50 years, the Real SSK team is made up of expert instructors — all Black Belts with serious experience and warm smiles. We’ve trained under traditional systems, competed at high levels, and now we’re bringing that knowledge into a space that’s built for real people, not just fighters.

At its core, Real SSK blends the power and discipline of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu (specifically Long Fist / Ch’ang Ch’uan) with the raw athleticism of Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing) and Shuai Jiao (Chinese Wrestling).

What you get is a martial arts practice that’s:

  • Powerful for self-defence

  • Effective for strength and conditioning

  • Grounded in tradition, but built for the modern world

No flashy performance moves here — just proven techniques, real contact, and a welcoming, energetic training vibe.

Whether you're looking for a new challenge, a fresh fitness routine, or just want to punch something (with great technique), come and train with us.

MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

  • Peter Kennedy is the Founder and Chief Instructor of Real SSK

    Sifu Peter Kennedy

    FOUNDER & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

  • Person in a martial arts uniform practicing breaking wooden boards with a punching motion at a karate event.

    Sifu Chris Dodds

    DEPUTY INSTRUCTOR

  • Two martial artists practicing sparring with fists and protective gear in a martial arts dojo, with observers seated in the background.

    Sifu Ed Frosztega

    ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

  • Two men in martial arts uniforms holding a framed certificate, a trophy, and a display of small silver shields, standing in a gym or dojo with other equipment hanging in the background.

    Jonathan Socrates

    ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

  • Group of four men, including three athletes in judo uniforms with medals, and one coach in a navy polo shirt with a thumbs-up, standing on a podium with a red background.

    Sifu Michael Nelson Cole

    SHUAI JIAO MASTER

  • Two martial artists in white uniforms holding a certificate, standing in a dojo.

    Sifu Ryan Williams

    SENIOR INSTRUCTOR

  • A smiling man with a beard and bald head standing in front of a wall with large metallic 3D letters.

    Sifu Jake Fitzpatrick

    CHIEF INSTRUCTOR (NORTH WALES)

  • A woman participating in a board-breaking challenge, smashing wooden boards placed on concrete blocks, with a crowd watching.

    Sifu Elena Fitzpatrick

    NATIONAL SECRETARY (WALES)

  • A man practicing martial arts kicks in a dojo with an audience seated behind him, some in martial arts uniforms.

    Sifu Gethin Williams

    CLASS INSTRUCTOR

  • A man with a beard and short hair wearing a white martial arts uniform with a black belt, standing in a group of people dressed similarly.

    Sifu Matthew Bithell

    CLASS INSTRUCTOR

WHERE WE TRAIN

Find a Class That Fits Your Life

We run Real SSK classes across a growing number of locations across the UK — with sessions available most evenings and weekends. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, there’s a class near you with the right energy, the right coaching, and the right community.

Check out our current locations and training times below — and come train with us.

Hours

10.30am – 12.30pm Saturday

London East, Bow

Our Lady & St Catherine of Siena RC Church
177 Bow Rd, London, E3 2SG

Hours

Monday 6.30pm - 8.15pm
Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.15pm
Friday 5.30pm - 7.15pm (Invitation only)

London City & Central

Carole Young Community Centre,
Cranston Estate,
London, N1 5EH

Hours

7am – 8pm Weekdays
9am – 3pm Weekends

London North, Finchley

Hours

Monday 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Wednesday 6.00pm – 7.00pm

North Wales, Bethesda

The Community Centre,
Cylch Meirthrin, Tanrhiw Road, Tregarth, Bangor, LL57 4AW

Hours

Fridays 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Online Classes

Our Online Class Calendar can be found here and login details will be provided to you once you have registered for a class.