Preston Instructors
Lister Worthington has over 30 years experience in martial arts, starting at the age of 7 with Judo, also studying Karate, aikido, Thai boxing and tang soo do before finally finding his niche with the Jitsu Foundation and Shorinji Kan Jiu jitsu in 1990. He currently holds the rank of Nidan (second degree black belt), Secondary Tutor and oversees the clubs in the Preston area.
He has been an instructor for the last 18 years and at one time or another in his career has been chief instructor at all three Preston clubs.
He is a serving police officer of 17 years and was the lead instructor of defensive tactics for Lancashire constabulary for 4 years before moving to his current role in the firearms department.
He founded the constabulary Jiu-jitsu club in 2003 which is currently run by Beth Jones.
He regularly competes in the police national judo competition held annually, taking on the role of coach for the constabulary team with him and the team placing in the medals in every competition.
His experience over the years has led to a more practical based style of Jiu-jitsu as well as the traditional.
Sensei Dhiren’s Interest in Martial Arts spans 30 years or so, having trained in Okinawan Goju Karate in his early 20’s and continued with Shotokan Karate whilst studying at Manchester Polytechnic.
After a break of ten years and at the age of 40, Dhiren took up Jitsu after witnessing a demonstration of this fascinating art.
Dhiren has trained in Jitsu for 15 years and has taught as a Shodan for the last 5 years and is testimony that age is not a barrier.
Sensei Steven Chapman has been training in martial arts for over twenty years, with over 8 years experience in Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu. He holds a Shodan (1st degree Black Belt, Senior Primary) in Shorinji Kan Jiu jitsu and a Nidan (2nd degree Black Belt) in Wado-Ryu Karate. He is currently the regional coordinator for the North-West region.
Steven began his Jitsu training at the University of Central Lancashire in 2002 under Sensei Keren Curtis. Shortly after his first grading started to train at Preston Town club and Lancashire Constabulary club as well. After being awarded his purple belt he then began to attend the high grade sessions in Manchester under Sensei Richard Goulding. In December 2005, he was awarded his brown belt and in March 2006 took over teaching the University of Central Lancashire club. In July 2008 he was awarded Shodan by the Jitsu Foundation’s Tertiary board. In the Summer of 2010, he assumed instructor of Lancashire Constabulary club, and handed the cub over to Bethany Jones in Easter 2011.
Sensei Simon Roser is Shodan in Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu (1st Dan Jitsu Foundation),and has worked in community and hospital settings for over 16 years as a Pharmacist; he is the outgoing lead instructor at the Lancashire Constabulary Jitsu Club.
In over 20 varied years as a martial artist and professionally, he has gained valuable experience and knowledge of the practical use of martial arts, reasonable force and assault avoidance and disengagement techniques.
Sensei Craig Byrne has over 15 years experience in martial arts, and has trained in Shorinji Kan Ju Jitsu since 2002. He holds the rank of Shodan (1st degree Black Belt) since grading in July 2011. He is the lead instructor of the Preston Town Junior Club after taking over the club from Sensei Dhiren Patel in 2009. Craig also holds grades in Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo (5th kyu) and World Federation Ju Jitsu (1st Kyu Brown Belt).
Jamie began his Martial Arts career with Aikido and was introduced to Jiu Jitsu by his then instructor. For a while he trained in both arts before deciding that there weren’t enough hours in the week and took the decision to dedicate his attention to Jitsu.
Since then he has never looked back and progressed under the tutelage of Sensei Chapman who guided him through the grades. He gained the grade of 1st kyu in December 2008 and was awarded his Hakama (Big Black Pants!!) shortly afterwards when he began to assist instructing at UCLan. 2 years working abroad meant that Jamie had to take some time out but he is back with us and has taken up the position as Preston Town Club’s lead instructor.
Sensei Beth Jones holds a 1st Kyu (Brown Belt) in Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu. She started at University of Reading Jiu Jitsu club in 2004 under Sensei Chris Oultram. After finishing University moved up to Preston and started training at Preston Town club in 2006. In December 2010, she was awarded her brown belt and in Easter 2011 took over instructing at Lancashire Constabulary club.