About Dr Phillips
Mark brings a unique mix of experience to the leadership of our academy that is reflected in our practical approach to self defence. His experience as Criminal Psychologist and Security Consultant makes him unique in his teaching approach.
Dr. Mark Phillips is an expert in violent behaviour. A full-time professional martial arts and self-defence instructor, and security consultant.
There simply isn’t anyone else in the UK who has Dr Phillips complete skillset encompassing his vast knowledge of Wing Chun (40 years of experience), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (4th degree black belt), Judo (brown belt), and Sanda Kickboxing. In addition to offender profiling, knowledge of violence, and the psychology of criminal behaviour. He believes that there is a difference between learning a martial art and knowing how to defend yourself. He teaches practically. Wherever possible, he focuses on the student’s mindset, security awareness and the psychology of people and violence, and importantly, how to apply the martial arts techniques to modern-day, real-life situations.
"I believe that being truly prepared for self defence means being able to fight anywhere at anytime. On your feet, on the ground, you don't get to choose your fight."
He began his study of the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu with Master James Sinclair in 1986, and is now a senior instructor in the world-renowned UK Wing Chun Kung Fu Association. He is also a registered instructor of the prestigious Ving Tsun Athletic Association in Hong Kong, and has over 35 years of teaching experience. Although he started Judo in 1984, he eventually stopped for some years, only to return in 2003. With a new ignited passion for grappling, he earned his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2013. Awarded by Professor Marc Walder (5th Degree), under whom he began training in 2005.
As well as holding a PHD in Criminal Psychology from the University of Liverpool, he has taught martial arts, self-protection, and criminal psychology in over 20 major cities in the world. Countries including the United States, Hong Kong, China, and South Korea have been privy to his vast experience. He is now the Head Instructor at London’s famous Wing Chun Academy.
“I teach holistically, addressing the needs for learning a martial art and the psychological preparation for applying it. My approach is based on critical thinking.”
Dr. Mark Phillips opened The London Wing Chun Academy in 2003, which was one of the first full-time martial arts schools in London. The Academy was the first place to offer Wing Chun lessons divided by ability, with a specific syllabus and curriculum for each level. Also combined with functional fitness training. Now, many schools across the country model their teaching structure on what he pioneered at The Academy.
Dr. Phillips has been featured in numerous publications, including on the cover of Wing Chun Illustrated, has appeared on national and international television teaching and promoting Wing Chun and was the first student to be awarded the “Bart Cham Do” (Butterfly Knives) from the UKWCKFA for recognition of his standing and skills. He also teaches defensive skills and tactics to law enforcement, high-risk security teams, and business professionals.
He has delivered keynote speeches to military, police, security and business organisations, including a keynote speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). Having published widely on the subject of organized criminal violence in a number of academic journals. He currently presents Fight Science TV; a popular YouTube channel with half a million followers worldwide.
The best school in London our Sifu has a great way of teaching and it is an honour to be taught by him, have had many teachers and he is one of the best.
A sure sign of a good, collaborative, teaching environment is when total beginners are welcomed and supported by the members of a class. No big egos in sight here (as is often the case in martial arts; traditional and applied).
I found the induction course a great intro to Wing Chun. Definitely recommended for a new starter to get your bearings and learn simple self defence concepts, before moving on to the beginners classes. The experience and quality of Sifu and all the instructors across all the martial arts at the Academy is very high with a great frequency of classes to train hard and regularly. Considering what the membership costs, it’s blazing value for money for what you get in return!
I had improved my fitness level. I’m learning so much about self-defence and I love each lesson our Sifu teaches. He is very encouraging, breaks down the lessons so well for us to understand and is a great teacher all around. The assisting instructors are super friendly and helpful at all times and the beginners and intermediate classes are so much fun and very insightful. The members are so supportive and always willing to help as well during all classes, a real nice community.☺️ It a well rounded academy and my husband and I love every minute of the training we do there.