The history of afc

I’m John Atkin, proud owner of AFC Newcastle, where I live with my wife Kerry, daughters Molly and Erin, and our dog Nev. I started training from age 10, in all the arts I teach now. I have trained across England, Europe, Japan, and America and I still love learning and traveling.

I earned my 1st Dan in 1990 and now hold a 13th Dan in Ninjutsu, 6th Dan in the BCA, and 6th Dan in BASK. I began teaching at 18 in schools and church halls, always dreaming of opening my own gym, a dream I made real in 1993.

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1990 - 1993

rye hill newcastle

My journey began teaching Ninjutsu under Brian McCarthy. I taught at Rye Hill for three years, saving up until I could open my own space and many of my students followed me and are still training with me today!

We traveled all over the British Isles and beyond to attend seminars, and with our big turnouts, it became a running joke: “Here comes the cavalry!” That tradition lives on even now.

1993 - 1998

Bunjinkan Brian Dojo

My first gym was on Gallowgate in Newcastle, where I spent five unforgettable years, building lasting friendships. There, I taught Ninjutsu, Grappling, Weapons, Self-Defense, Kickboxing, and Kids Classes, while working as a door supervisor in Tynemouth and Whitley Bay—putting my training to the test.

Ninjutsu: I was a 3rd Dan under Brian McCarthy and began exploring other arts.

Grappling & Self-Defense: I expanded my grappling knowledge and connected with Geoff Thompson after reading Watch Your Back. Geoff became a regular guest, holding 17 seminars in 1995 alone. In 2000, he awarded me my 4th Dan in the British Combat Association, and we’ve stayed friends ever since.

Kickboxing: Kickboxing was a core part of my training with Brian, both gloved and non-gloved. I kept training with other instructors and was fortunate to meet and continue training with the legendary John Dawson.

Weapons: Ninjutsu includes traditional Japanese weapons, knife awareness, and firearms skills. I also got into stick fighting and grappling.

Kids Classes: I combined everything I’d learned into a syllabus for kids, starting with ages 4+. Many have gone on to become skilled MMA fighters and black belts. Now I am proud to say that my daughter Erin is the head coach.

And with that, the A.F.C. was born.

Ninjutsu: I was a 3rd Dan under Brian McCarthy and began exploring other arts.

Weapons: Ninjutsu includes traditional Japanese weapons, knife awareness, and firearms skills. I also got into stick fighting and grappling.

And with that, the A.F.C. was born.

1999 - 2000

Advanced Fighting Centre

In 1999, I moved to a new gym, where I left the BBD and rediscovered my passion for Ninjutsu under Keith Porter—he truly brought out the best in the art. With a fresh start, a new instructor, and a new gym in the Bigg Market (Newcastle's entertainment hub), I rebranded as the Advanced Fighting Centre (AFC), officially opened by world champion Thai boxer Ronnie Green.

I began teaching Kickboxing and Thai boxing at Newcastle University, and soon expanded to training professionals, including police, CID, prison officers, door supervisors, the Ministry of Defence, and North Tyneside Council.

With an increasing interest in Mixed Martial Arts, I wanted AFC to stand out as a place where students could learn a blend of martial arts, not just one style. Though we didn’t feel completely settled, we moved just around the corner in 2000, and AFC continued to grow.

2000 - Present

Advanced Fighting Centre

Located on the 2nd Floor at 10 High Bridge Street, Newcastle, NE1 1EN, our gym is at the heart of Newcastle and in mine as well. We’re proud to have a great community of students, instructors, and visiting martial artists. I've also had the opportunity to train in America with the Machado’s and other great instructors.

BJ Penn prepped for UFC 80 here after being told "come and see John", and it was a privilege to watch him win the UFC Lightweight title, knowing AFC played a small part in his journey. Stick-fighting Master Danny Guba once stunned us with his skills, and 10th Planet black belts Sean Bollinger and Jeremy Fields visited twice a year to share their expertise. We've also welcomed top-ranked welterweight Alex Garcia and boxing legend “Dark Destroyer” Nigel Benn, who left us inspired after his master class. This year we are pleased to welcome Bill Wallace who will be teaching a kickboxing seminar this May

For 25 years my family and I have ran the AFC. Now both my daughters are black belts in kickboxing, and instructors under the BCA. My eldest Molly is assistant kickboxing coach, focusing on our adult gradings. My youngest Erin is assistant kickboxing and MMA coach, helping teach in the teen classes as well as head coach for our kid's classes. Erin is also currently training for her black belt in MMA, under our AFC MMA grading syllabus, which mimics a typical kickboxing grading system.

I've also shared my experiences in blogs and books, with topics ranging from training to life’s adventures. My blog book was released on April 1, 2017, and more are in the works, including a Ninjutsu guide and stories from my door-work days. Alongside our YouTube channel, these projects help spread our message and teachings.

If you’re ready to train with some of the best instructors in the North East, backed by 25+ black belts, contact AFC and start your journey today.