09/11/2025
Dear Students and Friends of the club
Unfortunately, the unit we train at is halting all external users as of 29th November. After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from coaching at Sharks Kickboxing, and therefore the club with close at the end of the month. The last session will be 26th Nov.
This has not been an easy choice. Over the past 22yrs I've seen more blood, sweat, and tears to last 2 lifetimes. During this time we've gone from strength to strength, and my time as head coach has meant more to me than words can express.
Watching each of you develop not only as martial artists but as confident and disciplined individuals has been extremely rewarding. I'm fully aware there have been times I've pushed you to the limit and beyond, and I'm not sorry, as you have all seen the benefit in one way or another.
The memories we’ve created on the mats, in the ring, and even with the comradery will stay with me. I am hanging up my gloves with the knowledge that I completed all the goals I set over 20yrs ago.
🥊 Develop a renowned martial club
🥊 Coach and train a number of students to black belts and above
🥊 Attain Master as a 5th Degree Black Belt
🥊 Coach fighters at World Championship level
🥊 Represent my country in Full Contact
It still amazes me, with the amount of students that have come and gone, we have excelled in Points, Continuous, K-1, Boxing, Low Kick and Full Contact.
Though the club doors will soon close, the lessons, friendships, and spirit of perseverance we’ve shared don’t end here. I am not quitting. I am retiring. Coaching and Kickboxing is in my blood, so I will still attain my own level of expertise as well as provide advice to any who need it. From this, I hope you will all carry forward the values of respect, hard work, and resilience wherever your journeys take you — in sport and in life.
I would like to thank all the Coaches within the KMA for the training and support of your English club - Wendy Evans Sparkes , Robert Taylor , David Jennings , Heulwen and Owen Williams - You have all ben a role model for me.
A huge thank you to Master Chris Sparkes who has been there since day 1. You've coached, trained and cornered me since 1999 and developed me into the fighter and coach I am. You've been able to identify my strengths and use them to our advantage, as well as progress and adjust areas where I needed improvement 'LISTEN TO YOUR COACH!'.
I also need to mention and thank all the Assistant Coaches and Cornermen over the years. Kenn Flint , Chris Kong Alison Alastair Dermody , Laszlo Balint Jeremy Hyams Adam Cooper Watson Aengus O'Sullivan Conor Bannister Liam Blazeby Jon Small (Angela Small) You've all given time to the the club, thank you.
Lastly, I am extremely grateful for the understanding and dedication provided by my wife, Louise Monk . You've always put me and the club as number one, without question, and for me this shows how much faith you had in Sharks Kickboxing. Thank you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me as your coach, for giving your all, and for making this community something to remember. I am endlessly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
With deep gratitude and respect,
Mark 5th Degree Black Belt
Head Coach Sharks Kickboxing & K-1, Taunton
Korean Martial Arts
