Having dedicated over 31 years of his life to the mastering of the martial arts, John Swift has become an established martial artist, instructor, author and successful ‘multiple’ business owner.
After a number of years trying different styles, John’s martial arts journey properly began in the early part of 1992. It very quickly became a passion and lifestyle, in turn soon becoming his career and life-time study!
Since his humble beginnings, John’s journey has taken him training, competing & teaching all around Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and even Korea – the homeland of Taekwondo. He has featured in numerous martial arts publications including a columnist for Combat magazine and front covering Martial Arts Illustrated as well as FMA Martial Arts Magazine!
John has headed up ITS Taekwondo (an independent TKD network) for nearly 20yrs and is the managing director of the well respected VERVE Martial Arts brand as well as VERVE Martial Arts International which offers tournaments, events, equipment, certification but also since 2024 the ability to franchise and use the amazing VERVE brand!
John now enjoys teaching and training at his full time centre based in Kidderminster, England as well as clubs in Stourport, Bromsgrove & Hagley.
Martial Arts Credentials
– Managing Director of VERVE Martial Arts Ltd
– Managing Director of VERVE Martial Arts International Ltd
Martial Arts Franchise, Events, Classes, Equipment, Business Mentoring & more!
www.vervemartialarts.co.uk
– President of Independent Taekwondo Schools –
www.its-taekwondo.co.uk
– Managing Director of United Taekwondo Alliance Ltd –
www.utaworld.uk
– Vice President of United Taekwondo Alliance USA –
www.utaworld.net
– Chief Instructor of VERVE Kidderminster, Hagley, Bromsgrove & Stourport Schools –
www.vervemartialarts.com
– Named ‘Director General’ of Home of International Taekwon-do’ under Grand Master Lee, Yoo Sun – Sept 12th 2016
– Member of British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA)
– 7th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo – United Taekwondo Alliance, Plano, Dallas, Texas, USA (2023) under Grand Master Jason Wadley, Grand Master Jim Hammonds, Master Evan Nixon, Master Schooller, Master Jack Da Sousa
– 6th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo – Moo Duk Kwan Orlando, Florida, USA (2014) under President Jae-Kyu, Chon / Grand Master Clinton Robinson / Grand Master Jason Wadley
– 6th Degree Black Belt – International Taekwon-do Federation through ITF HQ Korea, Seoul (2015) under Master CJ Oh / Master Zibby Kruk
– 6th Degree Black Belt – Home of International Taekwon-do Seoul, South Korea (2016) under Grand Master Lee, Yoo Sun / Grand Master Kim, Yong Soo / Grand Master Jason Wadley
– 5th Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing (2010) ICO International Combat Organisation
– Tactical Combat E.B.B. Self Defence Black belt
– Level 1 KAPAP Instructor under Amit Himelstein, Israel, Military Special Forces
– Global Self Defence Instructor
– Modern Close Quarter Combat Instructor
– KEWAP Instructor (Knives & Edged Weapons Awareness Programme)
– Muay Thai KRU / Coach
– Level 1 Substrike Instructor
– Also trained in Karate, FMA Bakbakan Kali (Eskrima) Juijitsu, Capoeira, Lau Gar
– Member of VERVE Black Belt Masters Council
– Inducted to Martial Arts Illustrated magazines Hall of Fame 2012, 2013 & 2014
– Front covered Martial Arts Illustrated December 2014
– Front covered FMA For Martial Artists Magazine June 2024
– Successfully competed at national and international level
– Coached England and Great Britain Teams in the UK and USA
Probably most well known for being a charismatic leader and host of engaging seminars & events.
Personal Credentials
– Educated to Bsc Degree level in Business at the University of Central England, Birmingham
– Always a keen sportsman ensuring good knowledge of physical conditioning & healthy lifestyles
– Enjoys making time for reading & writing
– Proud family man to wife Emma and son Thomas who both train and support his passion for the martial arts
Acknowledgments
– Grand Master Jason Wadley (USA) – senior instructor & international business partner (2009-present)
– Mr Stephen Breakwell – original Taekwondo Instructor
– Miss Jane Halling – original Taekwondo Instructor & person who inspired the opening of his first club
– Master Frank Murphy (IRL) – senior instructor & examiner (2003-2015)
– Master Will Jennings – original Kickboxing Instructor
– Master Andrew Hennessy & Master Chris Sparkes for the influence and opportunities in the sport martial arts industry
– Punong Guro Peter Lewis – Filipino arts instructor
The martial arts industry is forever changing and there have been, and will be, many more who will contribute to this life time journey of ‘mastering the martial arts’ … but saving the final word and certainly the most influential to parents Will and Pat, family Emma & Thomas who have supported every step of the way!