Testimonials
Martin Folan is a modern day warrior in every sense of the word, an excellent ambassador for the Martial Arts and always seizing the opportunity to get on the mat trying different disciplines and getting sweaty with the best of them.
Martin is one of only a handful of instructors that I have personally invited to teach seminars at my Honbu dojo in Norfolk and is held in very high esteem by my students and instructors within our Renmei.
Following the publication of my first book on Ju-Jitsu a number of years ago, I was asked by my publishing agent if I could recommend a Martial Artist to write a book on the subject of Muay Thai, I had absolutely no hesitation in recommending Martin Folan for the task and I have never regretted recommending him to anyone within our very special industry.
A loyal and dedicated Martial Artist and someone I am proud to call a friend
Kevin Pell Hanshi FIMAS. MGRY
Founder & Chief Instructor Sekai Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu Renmei (SIRJJR)
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Martin Folan is not only a very humble person but also an excellent all round Martial Artist who I am very happy to be able to call a friend.
These character traits are what make a good Instructor, which in turn creates excellent students as they are passed on.
Andrew Morrell
President Cobra Martial Arts Association (C.M.A.A.)
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I have known Martin since I was 14 years old and I can honestly say all these years later few people have had the same impact on me as he has had.
I began training with Martin to learn the discipline of Kick Boxing as I had previously trained to a decent level in Karate and had my eyes opened to the different arts Martin had trained and was training in. I began to train in aspects such as Judo and Ju Jitsu and soon became as interested in these new disciplines as I was about the striking arts. The new disciplines pushed me to learn more and I started to train in submission wrestling, this wasnt necessarily a popular art at the time but would be the early foundations for my MMA training along with my base always being training under Martin. In early 2005 after training and competing for approximately 18 months I was given an opportunity to compete for a semi pro British title on Total Combat, a popular show in the North East, I went on to win the title and Martin was a huge reason for this ( in the corner he called the exact combination that would end the fight ) .
I still train with Martin to this day although on a less regular basis and I always try to carry myself in the way I was taught by him. Today I'm lucky enough to teach my own classes and I always draw on the lessons taught whilst training with Martin.
James Doyle.
Assistant Coach Team Fulinkazan MMA
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I have been training with Sensei Martin Folan since 1996, and therefore I can confidently assert that the way he instructs his classes - both adult and children’s, leads to people developing their skills, techniques and understanding of what it means to practice Martial Arts. Sensei Folan’s teaching methods ensures that everyone learns in a clear, disciplined, motivational and fun way, which is evidenced by the fact people keep coming back for more!
I consider Sensei Folan an excellent and inspirational Martial Artist, teacher and role model. He is dedicated, determined and trustworthy, I am honoured to have learnt from him, and consider him a good friend. I can highly recommend his classes without hesitation.
Cristina Dewey
2nd Degree Kickboxing Budo.
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I am Adrian Starr, currently a 4th dan Shorinji Kempo.
I have been around and trained in the martial arts since the mid 1970's, I have studied many and varied styles all over the world and have had the privilege of meeting and being taught by those who have dedicated their entire lives to their studies.
To provide a testimonial to Sensei Martin Folan I am forced to compare him to those individuals.
In testimony I can only offer him praise, I can honestly say he is one of only 5 individuals I can think of with whom I would trust my daughter's martial arts education if I wasn't here.
He is a superb teacher and an example I strive to emulate - he's a nice guy.
They are few and far between, if you're lucky enough to be near him, and thinking about the martial arts, then I cannot but conclude by heartily recommending him to you.
Adrian Starr 4th Dan Shorinji Kempo
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"I have known Martin (Bolo) for many years now.
His enthusiasm for martial arts is boundless.
Martin came to me as a student and I am proud that he has become a very good and loyal friend.
He has great skill, not only in in Muay Thai, but Jujitsu and other arts. A first class teacher."
Steve Barnett 10th Dan
Head of Goshin Ryu International
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I am now approaching my 20th year of training with Allstyle. In that time I have seen the club progress from kickboxing only, into a multi-disciplinary, multiple style, martial arts association under the leadership of Sensei Martin Folan, who I now consider not just my martial arts teacher, but one of my closest friends. Over the years I have been able to progress through the kyu grades (coloured belts) to black belt and also hold separate ju jitsu and judo grades. I have been lucky enough to train with several other guest instructors from other styles who visit us on a regular basis as well. At one point I even made it to the final of the WAKO British Kickboxing Championships and achieved a draw against an opponent of a much higher grade.
For the last 5 years I have also had my daughter training at Allstyle, under Martin’s direct tuition and cannot think of anyone else I would rather have teach her with his direct, super skilled style, but which always has a sense of comedy to keep things light hearted. It’s as much about the teaching style as being a good fighter!
For anyone thinking of taking up a martial art I cannot recommend Allstyle, and in particular Martin enough. Why learn one style when you could learn many all in one place, learn the good points (and the not quite so good) about each and how to apply the best of all of them. If you already train in martial arts, come and see how you fit into a wider style and expand your knowledge. Allstyle already has several martial artists training on a regular basis who already have black belts in other styles doing just that.
To finish I would like to state that if you are thinking ‘how can anyone be good at so many different styles’? Must be a ‘jack of all trades and master of none’, take a look at Martin’s profile and look at the multiple, high level black belts he holds in so many different martial arts, these are each at instructor level. Also look at the comments from other instructors who are themselves superb martial artists. This speaks for itself.
Carl Glendinning
A Forever Student
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I have known Martin Folan for several years since he came to Yorkshire Judo Association and honoured me by asking me to teach him Judo
He is one of the most skilful martial artists I have ever come across. I am now his student.
His expert knowledge of so many martial arts is truly incredible and he shares everything he knows with his students who are a credit to him. He teaches them in a loving disciplined and protective way and is loved by all.
On a person basis he encouraged me to teach at seminars and introduced me to some truly wonderful Martial Artists, especially the legendary Steve Barnett head of our organisation and a true friend like Martin.
I would recommend anyone to be taught by Martin who reflects all my values and understanding about the spiritual and caring path of Martial Arts
We are known for our banter particularly about who is the tallest between us
It's hardly worth mentioning the one and a quarter inches that makes me taller Martin!
With love your friend and student
Gary Don 7th Dan
Yorkshire Judo
