Bob Spour has trained in the martial arts for  40 years and has taught for at least 28 years of that time. 

Bob's journey through the martial arts starts as it often does with young boys with a need to defend himself against the usual bullying associated with the school system. He started Wado-ryu in 1966 under the guidance of Danny Chaganis who was a 1st Dan Black Belt at the time. This was considered an amazing achievement in those days. There were hardly any Karate Schools about at the time and everyone was in awe of Sensei Chaganis. Training was going well and by the time he was 14 Bob had grown restless and wanted to learn more. It was fortuitous then that at that point in his life he should meet one of his major influences. Harry Cook!  Harry was also a 1st Dan at the time but he was teaching Shotokan Karate considered then to be a much stronger system and Bob was once again hooked. Over a 10 year period Bob was invovled with the training Harry was  giving out and Bob's first introduction to Contact training happened. This was something new and Harry was considered as being at the cutting edge of blending modern training methods with old school systems of training. Bob eventually qualified with Harry gaining his Black Belts in Shotokan and Goju-ryu. Bob then moved away from the North East and during the next few years (his involvement with Army took up some time!) spent time training in hand to hand systems, Knife, Stick and other weapons training. Eventually teaming up with John Barker in Preston and moving to Birmingham in 1984 teaching, by now Muay Thai. During the late 70's and early 80's Bob's involvement with the BTBC was extensive but he eventually gave up his position as Chairman due to his other committments at University. This was 1984 and the seeds were being sown for the development of the Phraya Pichai Muay Thai Camps at an international level...but Bob had other projects to work on too! During the time of his degree he also found time to work on the London Cabaret Circuit (Alternative Comedy) with his comedy partner Howard. Their act 'The Mike Pinder Sextet' was very successful and the time spent on stage performing would stand Bob in good stead for the way in which he now teaches. As the Phraya Pichai grew so did his reputation as a Self Protection Expert blossom as his latest DVD offering  'SAS Fight Secrets' (available from www.sassurvival.co.uk ). Bob also found the time to train in NLP with Dr Richard Bandler and is a Trainer in NLP under Richard Bandler. Check out Bob's NLP site www.mindworkstechnologies.com   Bob incorporates most of his NLP material in his workshops and in fact many of his Muay Thai Students and Instructors have either gained an NLP qualification or have done an introductory course in NLP.

He is a qualified Black belt in two styles of Karate (Goju-ryu and Shotokan), a 3rd Dan Blackbelt in Full contact karate, a 4th Dan in Kickboxing, a qualified practitioner of Escrima, an experienced boxing coach, ex-army PTI, Senior Instructor to the British Combat Association, Chief Instructor of the Phraya Pichai Muay Thai Camps International, a qualified Judge and Referee (Bangkok) and is an ex member of the Special Forces. Bob also heads the prestigious organisation Thai Boxing International Board of Control under the auspices of Thai Boxing International Ltd. 

Bob was also guest columnist of the magazines Traditional Karate and Combat (for almost 10 years)and occasionally writes for the magazine Martial Arts Illustrated. Bob also runs Mindworks Technologies an organisation devoted to improving communication skills, enhancing performance in individuals and groups, motivational training seminars and life coaching. He qualified as an NLP Practitioner, Master Practitioner and Trainer under Dr. Richard Bandler and also holds a BA (Hons) degree in Drama and Theatre Arts. His book 'Ultimate Muay Thai' IS OUT NOW!

Available in all good bookshops, Amazon.com and this website.

If you wish to purchase a copy check out the advert on this website or take a look at www.ultimatemuaythai.co.uk

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