Chief Instructor, Senior Dan Grades & Instructors
Sensei Tracey Phipps
Lead Instructor, Fightingsystems
Sensei Tracey Phipps is the founder and lead instructor of Fightingsystems, overseeing Karate, Krav Maga, and self-defence programmes. With a career spanning over four decades, she is one of the most experienced and respected martial arts instructors in the UK.
Tracey began training in Shotokan Karate in the late 1970s and, in 1994, founded the Fighting Systems Karate Association (TSKU). At that time, she was one of only three female instructors in the UK to lead her own association. She currently holds the rank of 8th Dan in Shotokan karate, reflecting a lifetime of dedication to the discipline.
Alongside her traditional roots, Tracey has had an outstanding competitive career. She competed both nationally and internationally achieving English middleweight Kumite titles and GB team wins, represented Great Britain under renowned coach Ticky Donovan at World and European All-Styles Karate Championships. Over her career, she earned 10 international team gold medals and accumulated more than 130 additional trophies.
In 2013, Tracey expanded her expertise into Krav Maga, under ICCS Krav Maga led by Sharir Richman. Since then, she has been instrumental in developing practical, real-world self-defence programmes within Fightingsystems, combining the discipline of traditional karate with the effectiveness of modern combat-proven methods.
As lead instructor, Tracey delivers a wide range of training classes, including group classes, private one-to-one sessions, and corporate self-defence programmes. Her teaching is known for its clarity, realism, and high standards, empowering students of all ages and backgrounds with confidence, resilience, and practical skills.
John Harte
Senior Fightingsystems Krav Maga & Karate Instructor
John began his martial arts journey in the early 1980s and has spent decades continually developing both his training and teaching skills. In 2024 John achieved the prestigious rank of 7th Dan in Shotokan karate, reflecting his deep commitment and expertise.
In 2012, John expanded his focus to include Krav Maga, travelling across Europe to train under world-leading instructors. His dedication culminated in successfully achieving his instructor level in 2019.
Today, John co-leads the Krav Maga , self-defence and Karate programmes, bringing a unique, real-world approach shaped by decades of experience, discipline, and continuous learning.
Tanya Page
Senior Fightingsystems Karate Instructor
Tanya began her martial arts journey in her early teens, training in Shotokan karate under Sensei Tracey Phipps. She achieved her 1st Dan before leaving for university, where she continued her training at Reading University.
During her time there, Tanya took on the role of senior instructor at the Reading university club, further developing her leadership and teaching experience. She has since progressed to 6th Dan in Shotokan karate and has competed in open-style competitions at national level.
A leading member of Fightingsystems from the very beginning, Tanya has played an important role in its development and success. Alongside her martial arts career, she has a keen interest in rifle shooting, where she has developed a high level of proficiency.
Known for her attention to detail, dedication to hard work, and high standards, Tanya is an excellent instructor who brings precision, passion, and experience to every class.
Neil White
Senior Fightingsystems Instructor
Neil began his martial arts journey with The Reading University club as a first-year student, having previously explored other training disciplines. From the outset, he brought exceptional commitment and energy to his development, quickly establishing himself as a dedicated and capable martial artist.
Alongside achieving his 5th Dan in Shotokan karate, Neil has also developed his skills in Daiwa Ryu jujutsu, further broadening his technical knowledge and practical ability he now holds the rank of 4th. Dan.
Today, Neil co-leads teaching at the Fightingsystems Caversham Karate classes, where he brings his wide-ranging skill set, enthusiasm, and experience to support and develop students of all levels.
Diane Coen
Fightingsystems Krav Maga Instructor
Diane began her martial arts journey in the early 1980s, training in Shotokan karate. She achieved her 2nd Dan and enjoyed success at national competition level before a knee injury brought her training to an unexpected stop.
Her passion for self-defence and martial arts remained strong, leading her to return to training through Krav Maga. With determination and resilience, Diane progressed through the system and qualified as an ICCS Instructor in Belgium in 2022.
Today, she brings decades of experience, discipline, and real-world understanding to her teaching, helping others build confidence, fitness, and practical self-defence skills.
Joe Pletersky
Fightingsystems Krav Maga Instructor
Joe began his martial arts journey in the early 1980s, training in Shotokan karate and progressing to black belt level. Building on this strong foundation, he transitioned into Krav Maga in 2013 to further develop his practical self-defence skills.
He successfully tested in France, achieving ICCS Assistant Instructor level, and continues to refine his knowledge and experience within the system.
Today, Joe is a valued member of the Hemel Hempstead Fightingsystems instructor team, where he supports the development of both youth and adult students, bringing dedication, experience, and a passion for teaching.
Jaeli Dix-Peek
Fightingsystems Assistant Instructor
Jaeli began her martial arts journey at the age of 11 and, through consistent hard work and dedication, achieved her 1st Dan black belt in Shotokan karate in 2024.
Now aged 20, she has grown into a confident and capable instructor, earning the respect of both teenagers and younger students through her disciplined, no-nonsense yet fair approach. Her teaching style reflects the strong influence of her instructor, Sensei Tracey Phipps.
Jaeli assists with the Leverstock Green children’s classes, where she plays an important role in supporting and developing junior members. Alongside her karate training, she has expanded her skill set to include Krav Maga, achieving Fightingsystems student level 2.
A committed and hardworking individual, Jaeli brings focus, energy, and a high standard to everything she does, making her a valued member of the Fightingsystems instructor team.
Leo English
Fightingsystems Assistant Instructor
Leo began his martial arts journey at the age of four in the Fightingsystems mini martial arts programme, training under Sensei Tracey Phipps. Growing up within the club, he has shown consistent dedication and commitment throughout his development.
His hard work led to achieving his 1st Dan in Shotokan karate in 2023, marking an important milestone in a journey that has spanned his childhood and teenage years. Alongside his karate training, Leo has also expanded his skill set to include Krav Maga, reaching Fightingsystems student level 3.
Leo now assists with the Nash Mills children’s Karate classes and is a valued member of the teaching team. Having progressed through every stage himself, he sets an excellent example to younger students of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and consistency.
Hemel Hempstead
Scout Hut
Pancake Lane,
Leverstock Green
Hemel Hempstead,
HP2 4NQ
Nash Mills
Nash Mills Village Hall,
Lower Road,
Hemel Hempstead
HP3 8RT
Caversham Reading
St Andrews Church Hall,
Albert Road,
Caversham,
Reading, RG4 7AW