I started training in karate as a young violence survivor. I built strength, agility, focus, and confidence but would ‘black out’ increasingly often until I reluctantly stopped. I later learned how to work with trauma in the body as a yoga teacher and longed to return to martial arts. But I couldn't find a trauma-informed training space nearby. So I decided to create some.

I hold certification in Trauma Centre Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), Empowerment Self Defence (ESD), Conscious Combat Club training in trauma-informed martial arts programme design, and a 1st Kyu in Shotokan Karate.

The first time I put on boxing gloves and felt the impact against the pads is a memory that really stands out for me. At that time, I didn't fully grasp how our nervous system reacts in high-stress situations. It was through my psychotherapy training, and particularly my focus on the treatment of trauma, where I began to connect the dots.

Now, as part of The Power Project, I bring a therapeutic perspective to our work. My aim is to help create environments where individuals can safely discover their power, turning their challenges into sources of strength.

While studying Economics at Durham University early in the 1990s Adrian developed a passion for coaching Ice Hockey and martial arts. A desire to build a grown up career sidetracked him into working for BP, IBM, SAP and a host of other big companies. With exquisitely awful timing Adrian and his wife Claire decided to close their consultancy AI Legal in 2019 and Adrian opened his first martial arts school Kinetic Zen. The school teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Krav Maga and believes strongly in the life affirming power of community exercise and physical skill development.

Are you someone who…….. creates compelling content, does insightful research with service users, designs services that work, has a knack for data analysis?

Maybe you’re a pro at community outreach, creating support networks, marketing, or fundraising? Perhaps you’re a seasoned advisor or have skills to extend The Power Project’s impact and reach in ways that we haven’t even thought of yet?

Oh good, you’re just in time, please reach out.

Are you part of an organisation which supports survivors of trauma? A martial arts school or association? Excellent, there’s so much we can do together, let’s talk.