Testimonials

Chris Charnley, 2009

On the 7th & 8th July 2009 I took participated in a course held by Ileta on ‘Defence & Restraint’. The two-day course was held in Maidstone and covered by Steve Hazell and Brian Wear of Ileta. The course covered a number of items including:

Restraint – Locking & Constriction
Defence against Knives
Tactical Positioning

The course has given me a Diploma Level 1, but much more than this it’s given me self-confidence as a Door supervisor. This course is preface for anyone wanting to practice in self defence or that works in the security industry. You are able to take up this art of ‘Wing Chun’ though the club run by Steve Hazell, which I will take full advantage of to continue my training in this form of martial art.

The course was fun but at the same time run on a very professional manor. I will strongly recommend Ileta and their course to other and will be happy to take part in further course run by them.

Defensive and Restraint Tactics (DART) - September 2008

Steve Hazell delivers a dynamic and realistic no-nonsense approach to personal and principal survival management. Offering instantly effective techniques which can be combined with existing protection regimes, this course is a must for those in the protective security industry.

Steven B. Paul
Technical Director
Integrated Combat Protection System
Law Enforcement Training Unit
King's Knight International

Ross Mockeridge

As a former security professional working as a bouncer and minder for eight years, I feel more qualified than most to comment on realistic self defence and how this relates to the martial arts.

All physical assaults are launched from close range and this makes Wing Chun one of the most efficient and practical systems to learn. Wing Chun is a short distance in-fighting system perfectly suited to combat in modern situations where aggressors will attempt to invade your personal space. The system focuses on striking with punches, palm hands, chops, pokes, elbows and knees, and low level kicks delivered like powerful stamps. Directness, speed, and power are the essentials when utilising striking techniques to defend yourself. Wing Chun, when trained and taught proficiently, will develop all of these qualities.

Sadly the martial arts in this country and others have become big business. It is in the interest of those who head up martial arts associations to produce instructors as quickly as possible in order to make money through them, Perhaps no martial art has suffered as much in this manner as the Wing Chun system has. Respectfully, I would advise any prospective student interested in learning real fighting Wing Chun to be extremely discerning in their choice of instructor.

In this climate of disgraceful commercialism and blatant prostitution of the martial arts, Sifu Steve Hazell stands out as a very rare and welcome breath of fresh air. I first met Steve many, many years ago when we were both students and classmates briefly at the same Wing Chun club. I did not get to know him very well at that time, although I remember being impressed with his standard even way back then, I got to know Steve more fully when he was looking for a specialist martial arts groundfighting instructor and he came to visit my Ju Jitsu academy; of course we got talking about old times and Steve demonstrated how he had personally developed his own approach to Wing Chun. I was amazed at his ability and with his unique insights into the system, Steve’s approach was modern yet at the same time maintaining a traditional air about the art, highly practical and realistic, Steve's method is the Real Deal.

Steve is a fine example of what a martial arts instructor should be. He is a humble man, willing to put on a white belt and learn something new despite his skill. He treats others with kindness and respect and many times I have seen him help and encourage beginners in my Ju Jitsu classes. He is passionate about, and loyal to, the Wing Chun system although he is open to learning any art or skill set that will help him grow even further, Steve is unassuming and there are no airs and graces with him. Yet he is an extremely dangerous martial artist.

To conclude, if you are considering taking up the art of Wing Chun then I would strongly advise you to check out Sifu Steve Hazell and his Wing Chun Kung Fu & Fighting Arts System. Steve is, quite frankly, among the best of the best in the Wing Chun system.

ROSS MOCKERIDGE

Founder of FREESTYLE JU JITSU UK
Holder of advanced black belts in Ju Jitsu, Judo, Sambo and Kung Fu
Two Times British Champion in Sport Wrestling (Sports Council recognised titles)
Trainer of European and British Champions and national medallists
Ex professional bouncer and minder

October 2006

I looked at many martial arts before I found Steve Hazell. I was dis-heartened because many were overly complicated and not practical for my line of work. I was looking for a system that was simple, adaptable and most importantly effective. Steve's system is geared towards dynamic movements and realistic tactics and the training I do with him covers all aspects including improvised weapons, Baton drills, ground work, restraint techniques and knife scenario work. Most importantly I have found that the system Steve teaches, and the way he teaches, means it is not rigid so I can perfectly adapt it for my needs. I would highly recommend this system as a "no nonsense" efffective fighting system.

BD (June 2006)
ex-British Army Parachute Regiment
Now works in the security industry

I have studied the Martial Arts since 1973, having trained in: Wado Ryu Karate, Tomiki & Shodokan Aikido, Kempo Jui Jitsu and Bujinkan Ninjitsu, based on this experience I am able to recommend Steve Hazell as a competent instructor with excellent technical ability, who is able to take training from the training arena and realistically apply it to real life defensive and combat scenarios.
Together we have worked to structure training courses for Security and Enforcement Officers incorporating Steve’s fighting skills with approved defensive tactics. As well as being a first class instructor, Steve has undergone student training with me and has reached Instructor competency in all aspects of the police defensive system, both theory, (conflict resolution, tactical communications, Court defensibility) and practical techniques comprising the Centrex Manual.
Brian Ware (July 2004)
Senior Constable,
Staff Protection Training Team

AT LAST! A martial art that has it all.
I have, over many years, gained black belts and Dan Gradings in several of the Martial Arts and only recently commenced the art of Wing Chun.

Whether young, or on the more mature side of life, male or female, Self Protection Systems offer a unique natural style for personal fitness, confidence and protection in a modern and sometimes violent society.

Sifu Steve Hazell displays total commitment and dedication to his art with perseverance and attention to detail, he aims to bring out the very best in his students. I truly wish I had practised this form many years ago.

LARRY EASTON (July 2004)
3rd Dan Goju Ryu
1st Dan Shotokan
Intermediate Pak Mei
Styles also studied: Judo, Wushu

I have been training in Martial Arts for twenty years, starting in 1983. I have trained in several systems including Shotokan Karate, Wado Ryu, Lau Gar, Silat and Wing Chun. I hold several Dan grades and have been a Karate instructor for about 14 years now. I have been a police officer since 1992 and can comment on how martial arts have aided me personally in the continuously violent world in which officers place themselves.

I started my instruction in Wing Chun with Steve Hazell in 2002. I found Steve a very approachable individual with a “matter of fact” attitude. He has an open mind and whilst respecting tradition is not stifled by it. He instructs in the knowledge that a firm base in any system is required before “playing” with techniques within the martial principles. I knew I could relate to and learn from him. Steve’s insight into the practicalities of a famously effective close range fighting system is quite incredible and yet he instructs modestly.

The Wing Chun system is dynamic, quite devastating and indeed effective at close range. I cannot claim it to be more effective than other systems as this is surely dependent upon the practitioner. I can say that the principles upon which the system is based allow for what appear to be very complex and intricate techniques to be learnt and, more importantly, employed with great ease. It is quick to learn despite its appearance.

I personally find Wing Chun compliments my style and knowledge. I am fortunate to have found high quality instruction, a factor which is no doubt paramount in any art. I have learnt much from Sifu Steve and continue to do so, and would recommend him as an instructor to anyone wishing to learn Wing Chun Kung Fu.

IAN FORSTER (July 2004)
Dan grades: Shotokan Karate, Wado Ryu,
Styles also studied: Lau Gar, Silat