Instructors

Master Leigh Jenkins

Master Leigh Jenkins is the Principal Instructor and founder of NZ Wing Chun and NZ Doce Pares Eskrima. Leigh has over 25 years experience in the martial arts in a variety of systems and is internationally trained having attained all of his senior ranks in a variety of countries -

Certified Sifu of the Hong Kong Ving Tsun (Chinese Kung Fu) Athletic Associatation (since 1995). – Graded in Hong Kong by his Sifu Yip Ching (son of the legendary Yip Man) and his Sibak Chu Shong Tin.
Master (6th Degree Black Belt) Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima/Eskrido (Filipino Stick & Knife Fighting).

Graded to 6th Degree Black Belt in Cebu City (Phillipines) under Supreme Grand Master Ciriaco Cacoy Canete

2nd Degree Black Belt in Pangamot (Filipino Jiu Jitsu). - Graded as above
Black Belt in Hsiao Loon Kung Fu. - Graded in Sydney
Grappling Instructor
Member of the New Zealand Council of Kali, Eskrima, Arnis Instructors

Leigh teaches students in Christchurch, throughout the South Island, Wanganui and Auckland, and regularly travels and trains internationally.

Leigh has considerable practical experience to compliment his martial arts training having worked for over 15 years in occupations requiring active conflict resolution. Leigh is a qualified Fitness Professional having previously worked in the fitness industry in a management role.

Leigh holds a Diploma in Policing (NZ), a Certificate in Exercise Science from the Central Institute of Technology, is qualified as a personal fitness trainer by the American Council of Exercise, and maintains a current first aid certificate.

Hugh Puttock

Hugh is the Senior Instructor for NZ Wing Chun & NZ Doce Pares. He has over 17 years martial arts experience and has also been internationally trained. Hugh currently holds the rank of Senior Practitioner in Wing Chun Kung Fu, and is a 2nd Class Brown Belt in Doce Pares Eskrima and Pangamot.

Hugh has trained in Adelaide and China, and trained under the guidance of Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin in Sydney and Hong Kong. To compliment his martial arts experience, Hugh has over 10 years experience in the security industry, principally working security at many major nightclubs.

Hugh holds a Trade Certificate in Engineering, a Diploma of Computing, and is a Microsoft Certified Professional.

Dr Kyle G. McWilliams

Kyle is a Senior Instructor for NZ Wing Chun & NZ Doce Pares. He is an Intermediate Level Wing Chun Practitioner and currently holds a 4th degree black belt in Doce Pares Eskrima and Pangamont.

Kyle is a behavioural scientist who lectures at the University of Canterbury on human learning. He also consults with companies and individuals to help change and improve behaviour. Kyle’s research interests include performance improvement, behaviour-based safety, instructional design, and the management of violent and coercive behaviour.

Kyle holds a Diploma of Teaching, a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Education (Distinction) and a PhD. He is a fully registered teacher (NZ).

John Verschaeren

John has trained in a number of martial arts including Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and various free-style karate styles in Australia and Christchurch before commencing his training in Wing Chun and Doce Pares. He is a Black Sash student in Wing Chun and currently holds a 2nd class brown belt in Doce Pares Eskrima and Pangamot.

John is responsible for teaching Intermediate students Wing Chun and Doce Pares Eskrima.

John holds an Electronic Engineering Degree and is currently studying part-time towards a BA in French and Russian.

Daniel Mowatt-Gardiner

Daniel has been a member of NZ Wing Chun for over 5 years and is a Senior Practitioner in Wing Chun Kung Fu holding the rank of Black Sash. Daniel currently holds the rank of 2nd class brown belt in Doce Pares Eskrima and Pangamont. Daniel is responsible for teaching Intermediate level Wing Chun Classes.

Daniel is a qualified glazier.

Sam Parawa

Sam has been training in Wing Chun for 15 years and holds the rank of 3rd class brown belt in Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima. Prior to practicing Wing Chun, Sam trained in Judo and graded to yellow belt in this discipline. He also has some ground fighting experience. Sam is an advanced level Black Sash Practitioner and is an Instructor in Senior Wing Chun classes.

Sam has an interest in photography and is currently employed in the hospitality industry.

Nadine Maynard

Nadine has trained at NZ Wing Chun for 6 years in both Wing Chun and Doce Pares Eskrima and Pangamot. She trained in karate for 10 years from the age of 7 and chose Wing Chun as a new challenge for both mind and body. Nadine is currently a Senior Wing Chun practitioner holding the rank of Black Sash and holds the rank of Black Belt in Doce Pares Eskrima. She is the only female student in NZ to achieve both ranks in these styles, a credit to her ability and dedication.

Nadine is currently working and living in Auckland and continues to practice and teach Wing Chun and Eskrima there, while returning to Christchurch for training when she can. If you are looking for a practitioner & teacher who has achieved to a high level in both martial arts please contact Nadine to discuss the Auckland classes she is running. Nadine can be contacted at or mobile 021 076 5487.

Nadine has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and is a current PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer.

Duane Ngataierua

Duane has been training Wing Chun for 8 years and is a Senior Level Wing Chun Practitioner and holds the rank of black sash. As an Instructor Duane is responsible for assisting Beginner Wing Chun Students.

Duane has 15 years experience in martial arts and has trained in Boxing, Ju Jitsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do. Duane has a working background in security, mainly in the hospitality industry and international shows. Duane is currently working in the health sector.

Duane holds a Diploma in Counselling, Diploma in Social Work and Social Services, NLP Practitioner, Certificate in Security and Certificate in Supervision.

Tic-H'sia How

Tic-H'sia has been training Wing Chun for approximately 3 years, and is a senior level Wing Chun practitioner holding the rank of blue sash. Tic H'sia also holds a 2nd class brown belt in Doce Pares Eskrima. Tic H'sia is responsible for teaching white sash (beginner students). Tic-H'sia also shares the responsibility with Duane Ngataierua of running the free lesson workshops for prospective students. You are likely to meet Tic-H'sia when you first visit the school!

Tic-H'sia previously trained in Tae Kwan Do before starting his training in Wing Chun & Doce Pares at the school. He is currently a High School Computing teacher.

Nick Tan

Nick has been training in Wing Chun and Doces Pares Eskrima for over 5 years and is currently a senior level Wing Chun practitioner holding the rank of blue sash. Nick holds the rank of second class brown belt in Doce Pares Eskrima. Nick assists with the training of Intermediate students in Doce Pares. Prior to joining NZ Wing Chun, Nick has trained in various martial arts since the age of 5, including mixed styles of Kung Fu, Muay Thai, MMA, Tai Chi and Capoeira before settling with Wing Chun.

Outside of class Nick is a qualified physiotherapist and is also currently enlisted as a territorial forces medic for the NZ Army.

Daniel Bowden

Daniel has been practising Wing Chun for over 6 years, holds the rank of Black Sash as well as training in Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima holding the rank of 1st class brown belt. Daniel has trained internationally in Hong Kong.

Daniel is responsible for teaching intermediate level Wing Chun students and junior to intermediate Doce Pares Eskrima practitioners.

Daniel currently works full time as a Nursery worker specialising in Horticulture.

John Watson

John is a Senior Practitioner in Wing Chun Kung Fu holding the rank of Purple Sash and is responsible for assisting Beginner Wing Chun students on Tuesdays.

John holds a BCom and a BSc (Physics) and is currently a secondary teacher of Science. Outside of work, time is spent with his young family and managing a rashly purchased lifestyle block!

Ben Anderson

Ben is a Senior Practitioner in Wing Chun and holds the rank of Purple Sash. Ben is responsible with assisting Intermediate Wing Chun student classes.

Ben previously trained in Kenpo and decided to give Wing Chun a go as the internal aspect of Wing Chun intrigued him along with it's uniqueness as a martial art.

Ben has been working as a fully qualified mechanic for 6 years. He also holds a national qualification in computing.