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 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).

Assistant Instructors

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 an Senior Practioner in Wing Chun and currently holds a 2nd class brown belt in Doce Pares Eskrima and Pangamot.

As an Assistant Instructor 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. Daniel currently holds the rank of 3rd 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 14 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 Practitioner and is an Assistant 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 5 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 and has a 2nd class brown belt in Doce Pares Eskrima and Pangamot.

As an assistant instructor, Nadine is generally responsible for helping to teach Intermediate students in Wing Chun and Doce Pares.

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 7 years and is a Senior Level Wing Chun Practitioner. As an Assistant 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 2 years and is responsible for teaching beginner student (white sash) classes. 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 4 years and is currently an intermediate level Wing Chun practitioner. 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.