The History and Timeline of FORCE Self Defence Club

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Master Stuart Lowe FMA brings over 40 years of martial arts and self-defence experience. His lifelong passion has been to establish a club dedicated to teaching practical, real-world techniques that truly work under pressure.

Stuart began his martial arts journey at the age of 11, training in karate in Swanley alongside his friend Richard Booker. At 20, after joining the Royal Green Jackets regiment of the British Army, he expanded into boxing and freestyle ju-jitsu.

During his military service, Stuart undertook arrest and restraint training in preparation for deployment to Northern Ireland during the Troubles. After leaving the Army in 1998, he worked as a debt collector in Toxteth, where his martial arts and military training proved invaluable in high-risk situations. Alongside this, he worked in the private security sector on the doors, where both physical confrontation and mental resilience were essential.

By the early 2000s, martial arts in the UK remained predominantly traditional. In 2006, Krav Maga—an Israeli self-defence system noted for its realism—began to grow in popularity. Recognising its effectiveness, Stuart trained under respected instructors Tony Hughes and Moni Aizik (a former special forces operator). He also undertook private lessons with Tony for over a year, studying his KSCKM system, while he and his wife Lorraine also trained at FAST.

In 2008, Stuart co-founded a private training group, SSD, with Dave Western and Lorraine.  The group quickly attracted committed members including Richard and Jez Mathews, Paul, Rob, Jade, and Stewart Gold, a former military boxer. With Lorraine’s encouragement, the group began preparing to transition into a public club. Both Stuart and Lorraine completed their self-defence instructor certification with Fox Force under Ian Fox in 2009, building on their earlier Level 2 Gym Instructor qualifications earned in 2003.

Determined to create a robust and effective syllabus, Stuart collaborated with his friend Alex, a 6th Dan Master from Essex, to test and refine techniques. With input from Paul, an ex–bare-knuckle fighter, many traditional moves were adapted or replaced to ensure they would stand up to real-world street encounters. This process led to a structured syllabus of 140 techniques across nine levels.

In May 2009, the group officially became FORCE—Fear, Overcome, React, Control, Execute. Ron Howser and Paul Larrigan were appointed as patrons, with Ron remaining active in the club to this day.

As membership grew, FORCE soon outgrew Stuart’s home-based facility. In 2011, Lorraine secured a dedicated training hall in Burham, enabling the expansion of the Junior Force programme. The Anderson family became central to this development, with Cameron Lowe, Stuart and Lorraine’s son, as the first junior member.

That same year, Stuart presented his syllabus before a panel of experts and was awarded his Black Belt in Freestyle Unarmed Combat Ju-Jitsu by Grand Master Alex Wiley. He was later recognised as the author of the system. FORCE subsequently affiliated with the Cobra Martial Arts Association (CMAA).

In 2012, Stuart completed a six-week Highfields Level 3 Close Protection course, graduating as top student. He went on to work as a professional bodyguard, integrating close protection methods into the FORCE syllabus. Over the years, dedicated members including Lorraine Lowe, Stewart Gold, Rob Blyth, Jason Anderson, and Cameron Lowe achieved their Black Belts under his guidance.

In 2014, martial artist Calley Esqulant joined FORCE. She went on to earn her Black Belt and 2nd Dan, later establishing her own FORCE club in Rainham.

In 2021, Patron Ron Howser welcomed Graham Ellis as a fellow Patron to help with growing responsibilities. Graham’s wife, Jo, joined the committee alongside Helen and Joy, the club’s manager. Joy played an especially active role, and together the families contributed significantly to FORCE’s growth, with all of their children achieving Black Belts. Following 9 years of dedicated Service to the Club, Graham retired, with Ron continuing as the sole Patron.

By 2025, FORCE had grown from its five founding members to a thriving community of more than 70. The syllabus had expanded to over 200 techniques, and Stuart had progressed to 5th Dan Master, grading under Grand Master Stephen Bullough (8th Dan) and later through the CMAA.

In 2023, after 15 years of training with Stuart, Jason Anderson was formally promoted to Chief Instructor and awarded his 3rd Dan, recognising both his dedication and leadership.

Throughout his career, Stuart has trained with members of elite units such as the SAS and SBS, incorporating global influences into FORCE’s curriculum. His study of Wing Chun added further depth to the 2nd Dan syllabus. FORCE also extended into the corporate sector, delivering training to companies including Kimberly-Clark.

Beyond the club, Stuart’s personal journey has continued to evolve. After separating from Lorraine in 2019, he met Kathleen Reid in 2021, and the two married in February 2024. In 2022, after witnessing an onboard incident during a flight, Kathleen proposed the idea of self-defence training for cabin crew. Together, they launched Force Air Defence, which has since delivered training to airlines such as Jet2 and Norse Atlantic. Their work later expanded into private aviation, luxury resorts, and maritime environments, leading to the formation of Force ALS Defence Solutions in 2025—covering Air, Land, and Sea.

Today, FORCE is co-owned by Stuart and Kathleen Lowe, with Jason Anderson serving as Chief Instructor. The management team also includes Calley Esqulant and Claudio. Stuart is especially proud that his daughter, Amelia Lowe, has joined the club, continuing the family legacy.

Now operating across four locations, with an online training group and two corporate training companies, FORCE remains focused on delivering practical, efficient, and realistic self-defence. Guided by a dedicated team of instructors, staff, and leaders, the club continues to thrive as a community built on resilience, discipline, and growth

 

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