When students ask me which style is best or what system. I always say to them ‘more important is the teacher’. Whichever style you choose, getting the right teacher is the essential part. A great teacher will show you how to learn everything not just the techniques of your style. They will train you hard and rigorously but also show you how to ask the right questions and how to look with a knowing eye and understand concepts. Dave Birkett is such a teacher. Dave has huge passion for whatever he does, be it music or martial arts. He’s a man who shares his love and passion and who communicates that to his students and in consequence he produces highly skilled martial artists. Added to this passion Dave has a methodical approach that means that you get all of the knowledge he has in doses that won’t overwhelm you but will encourage growth. Dave has taught at my school for many years. He’s a close friend, someone I wished I saw more often and I’m sure you’ll feel that too. Good teachers are rare-Dave is a great one. What are you waiting for? Guro Bob Breen Sept 08
From September, Dave Birkett's Dartford Academy will re-launch as Dartford MMA and will occupy newly refurbished premises within the West Hill House complex in Dartford. You will find no bigger fan of Dave than me and, because you will not find his name at the forefront of the Dartford MMA advertising, there can be no doubt that he is one of Martial Arts' true hidden treasures. In addition to running his own Academy, Dave is certified by Guro Dan Inosanto; is the most senior of the people I have certified in Integrated Arts; has taught at the Bob Breen Academy longer than anyone except Bob himself, and is a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. His approach to training, and life, is to search for the best within himself with the result that his standards are surpassed by very few. The honesty of his approach and the attention to detail in teaching finds him always on the cutting edge; his modesty completes the package.
I was in Dartford recently to receive instruction from Dave in BJJ and can see perfectly why he has advanced under Marc Walder; Marc's standards are notoriously high and Dave more than lives up to it. If people are serious about training with the best in martial arts then Dave should be very high on their list. It's about time more people got to know about Dave…. let it start here.
Guro Terry Barnet – Integrated Arts Sept 2007
I have been training with Dave Birkett for approx 5 years. Dave has an exstensive knowledge of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and has been studying and training consistently for over 23 years. His dedication to attaining the best standards for himself as a Student, not only makes him a great practitioner, but this also allows him to be one of the most effective teachers I Know. Daves attention to learn every detail is tenacious and not only does this make him a great Martial Arts Student, it helps his delivery when teaching and Instructing his sessions. This is because he is able to structure an effective Syllabus which his Students can remember and develope at an easy pace in a relaxed and friendly enviroment. I have been a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practiitioner and Instructor for many years and would gladly recommend Dave's honest and Student dedicated style of Teaching. Dave's love for the Martial Arts is eveident to anyone whom has the oppourtunity to train with him! Respect always Marc Walder (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Head of Marc Walder/Mauricio Gomes BJJ Team) July 2008
