Our Team

A woman in a black T-shirt and black athletic pants sitting on the floor of a boxing gym, throwing a punch towards the camera with a serious expression.

Georgina

Instructor and Designated Safeguard Lead

Meet Georgina – Head Instructor at Rok-Ard Kickboxing

Hi, I’m Georgina – and I’ve been kickboxing since I was 5 years old. With over 25 years of experience and a 4th Dan Black Belt, I can honestly say that kickboxing has shaped who I am today, both in and out of the ring.

After taking over Rok-Ard from Master Dave Vickers, I’ve been proud to continue our shared vision: creating a welcoming, empowering space for people of all ages and abilities to learn, grow, and thrive through martial arts.

My background has always centred around education and support. I spent 7 years teaching secondary school English, followed by work as a youth worker—both roles that helped me connect with and guide others on their journeys.

A few years ago, I said, "One day, I’ll have my own gym." And now, here we are—turning that dream into a reality, and helping others chase their own along the way. At Rok-Ard, we’re all about creating opportunities, building confidence, and growing a strong community—together.

A man in a black t-shirt is practicing boxing in a gym, wearing ONYX boxing gloves and throwing a punch.

Carl

Instructor and Deputy Designated Safeguard Lead

I’m Carl, 1st Dan Black Belt, co-owner and Instructor at Rok-Ard Kickboxing, as well as a professional trainer in health and social care. I deliver accredited courses in First Aid, Safeguarding, Mental Health, Autism and many more. My background supports the safe, inclusive environment we’ve built at the club, where we help members of all ages develop confidence, discipline and resilience. I’m passionate about using kickboxing as a tool for personal growth both on, and off the mats.


A man practicing kickboxing at the gym, hitting a punching bag labeled 'ROK-ARD Kickboxing'. He is wearing black gloves, a black shirt, and colorful shorts. Other people can be seen training in the background.

Aaron

Instructor

I’ve been attending Rok-Ard sessions since it opened back up in 2021 and through hard work and dedication I’ve achieved my black belt. Through the club I've had many opportunities to compete and take part in demonstrations. With the support of Georgina and Carl I’ve also become a qualified instructor. It is immensely satisfying to see students grow and evolve not only their kickboxing skills but also in their confidence. Training with Rok-Ard has been a truly enriching experience and I have made many friends in my time at the club.

Woman practicing kickboxing on a punching bag in a gym, wearing boxing gloves and black athletic shorts.

Lynsey

Coach and Deputy Designated Safeguard Lead

I did kickboxing and boxing as a hobby in my teens and early twenties for fun, fitness and confidence. It wasn’t until my daughter began training with Rok-Ard that I thought i’d give it another go and now i’m a blue belt, aged 40. Kickboxing has been beneficial for my emotional health and ADHD, helping me regulate my mood and improve my focus. I particularly enjoy taking part in Kick-Ass-Cise and Women’s Only classes.

I’ve taken part in the Kick-a-thon, 12hr Spar, represented Rok-Ard at Fist of the Midlands and Kick 4 Cause. 

As a job, I am a children’s social worker.

A man practicing martial arts in a gym, executing a high kick towards a boxing ring.

Kieran

Coach

I'm a Black Belt with over 10 years of kickboxing experience, having started my journey at the age of 14 at another club. I progressed to Brown Belt before a foot injury temporarily halted my training. After a year of recovery, I continued practicing on my own before joining Rok-Ard Kickboxing — where I not only regained my Brown Belt but proudly went on to earn my Black Belt.

Coaching is something I take seriously and personally. I strive to set a positive example for every student in my classes. While stepping into the role of a coach was initially challenging, I’ve grown into it and now find real pride in supporting and motivating others. Coaching has not only sharpened my communication skills but also made me more confident outside the gym.

Watching the children in our club work hard, progress, and earn their belts fills me with pride. Being part of their journey and helping them build discipline and confidence is incredibly rewarding — and I hope the impact we make lasts a lifetime.

A girl practicing kickboxing in a gym, wearing black boxing gloves, black and white attire, and performing a high kick towards a red and black kicking pad held by an instructor.

Charlotte

Coach

I’ve been part of Rok-Ard Kickboxing Club since 2021 and proudly stepped into a coaching role in 2024. As a Brown Belt, I’m passionate about motivating students to build real confidence, develop their technique and be part of a community club. I love seeing students grow both on and off the mats, and discover their full potential.

Two individuals in boxing attire posing with fists raised inside a boxing gym, smiling at the camera, with people and boxing equipment in the background.

Jake

Coach

I began my kickboxing journey at the age of 17 and wished I’d of started sooner, because for me (like a lot of people), the art of kickboxing was the perfect way to channel my emotional energy and help shape and mould the person and martial artist I am today!

In my 15 years of training and my time with the Rok-Ard family, sharing my passion, wisdom and experience with others reminds me of martial arts truest form. Dedication, discipline and respect alongside the oath you take. We are Rok-Ard!

A young boy wearing boxing gloves and shorts trains with a coach in a martial arts gym. The boy is in a fighting stance with his fists up, and the coach is holding a padded shield for him to punch. The gym has punching bags and boxing equipment visible in the background, and a motivational quote on the wall.

Lee

Coach

Hi, my name is Lee Marsh and I am proud to be part of the coaching team at Rok-Ard. I am a current brown belt (although under a different organisation) and although I have competed/fought in the past, my main role nowadays is coaching. I love the coaching side, particularly seeing the difference between when someone first walks through the door (often nervous, shy, lacking in self confidence etc), to going on a journey, becoming the martial artist they currently are/strive to be.

Away from kickboxing, my job is stock control, supplying pharmaceuticals to hospitals etc. I am a massive Nottingham Forest fan, following them home and away everywhere, so if I'm not at class, you know where I'll be.

Jamie

Coach

Jamie 'The Ginger Ninja' Sheppard - Black belt 4th dan

My kickboxing journey started at 9 years old but I started seriously training around 12 when sensei Dave Vickers opened Rok-Ard. I coached from a young age and I love being able to see students overcome the limits they thought held them back. I've had over 50 fights fights through my career in martial arts including kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA and i’m super proud to say I've only ever lost a couple (to wrong decisions 😉) 

I've held various belts and titles from British championship to W.A.K.O world championship.

I took a little while off from martial arts as me and my wife had children, now I'm back and coaching, showing my kids and others that you never lose it. And to stay 'dad fit'. I'm now a sports massage therapist and a crazy dad of 4 lads (all train kickboxing).

Daisy

Coach

My kickboxing journey started at the age of 5 following on from my three siblings and has led me here, 14 years later, as a 2nd dan black belt.  Only beginning my competitive aspect of kickboxing 2 years ago. I have had 5 bouts, winning one of them. Competing was a fantastic experience which taught me so much and allowed me to improve in ways I hadn’t before. I started as a coach 6 years ago taking on the role of a junior coach, I wanted to take this step as it allowed me to help and encourage others the way that I had been. Being able to build up confidence in young kickboxers and see them come on in their training is extremely rewarding and fills me with an immense sense of pride.

I am currently a student at the University of Lincoln where I study sport and exercise science. Also continuing my passion for kickboxing while I’m there and becoming the vice president of the boxing and kickboxing society. Kickboxing has always been a huge part of my life and continues to be as I train and hopefully inspire others with my passion.

Team Testimonials

  • Georgina created a tailored plan just for my son, and in only a few sessions we’ve already seen huge improvements — not just in his form and focus, but also in his overall fitness. Her approach is spot on: structured, fun, and incredibly effective.

    Andrew Bishop, Parent

  • There are many gyms available to train at but few are filled with genuine, honest and selfless martial artists like this one.

    Liam Camm, North Star Martial Arts

  • Rok-Ard Kickboxing is a wonderful team to be involved with. Georgina is a top class lead coach but also has the support from many other coaches who are just as enthusiastic.

    Carla Manwaring, Parent