Our Team
Everyone needs a helping hand and along with that, we must then possess the two abilities. Asking for help and allowing ourselves to receive it. People often push help away and reject the idea they need help themselves…. ”I’m FINE!” they say. Avoiding how they really feel……
Born in 1982 in Hastings, East Sussex, Ed Lofts is currently in his early 40’s. Ed has dedicated his life to the pursuit of human development. ”I have always been interested in finding my edges physically, mentally and emotionally. Fortunately for me as a student ready to learn. The correct teachers arose, almost out of nowhere”.
Ed has constantly developed his practice over the years so it changes and adapts as he grows and evolves through the sequence of events that we all call life. Ed says ”After seeing so many people I care about struggling with the day to day problems created by cultures from all over the world. I decided to offer a solution through practice, This is where The Real Work starts.
Our Mission
We set out to educate people on the true benefits of having a practice, as part of their life. We aim to build a growing community of people with a desire to better their quality of life. finding self contentment and inner focus through being both an individual and a team member all while having somewhere they feel like they belong and bring value themselves, just by being present.
Why?
Quite simply because Ed found something through his practice which he has the ability to share in a way that only he really can. If you ask Ed ”why?” He says ”Because I really care. I want everyone to know they have the ability to develop and evolve way beyond their own perceived limits.
Clare Matthews
Clare works behind scenes as the VFGym Manager and over sees all the organisation needed on a day to day basis. Clare is a valued member of our team and is currently completing a masters degree. People often over look others that are not in plain sight but the team wouldn't be the same without Clare.
Ian Holloway
Ian Holloway is a fully qualified Instructor in both Sports-Karate and Lau Gar Kickboxing. Ian also competes in both disciplines at the highest level. Ian oversees the adults training at VFGym and helps coach the younger athletes. He is appreciated and valued immensely by the whole team.
Joe Gannon
Joe has been working closely with Ed for many years and often covers both children's and adult's coaching if needed. Joe is a fully qualified Instructor and runs workshops for the VFGym competitive fighters in order to hone their skills. Joe has an amazing techincal knowledge and teaching style.
Guy Trotman
Guy is an amazing athlete and person with a formidable fight career. Holding British and European titles in both Sports-Karate and Kickboxing concurrently. He is hard working and steps in as a coach any time he is needed, helping to support the growth of everyone at the gym.
Dan Hicks
Dan is currently a Brown Belt under the watchful eye of Ed. He also steps into his role of the VFGym strength and conditioning coach, giving our athletes valuable knowledge and insight into their physical development and approach to training. Dan is a hidden gem withing the team.
Katie Britton
Katie is an outstanding athlete and accomplished professional in her career as a Project Surveyor. Currently Holding the Brown Belt Rank along side Dan. Katie teaches Kickboxing and runs hi intensity interval training classes at VFGym. Katie and Ed also share an affinity for cats.
Oliver Vladi
Oliver is the youngest member of the team at the age of 16. He is a formidable purple belt and intermediate level competitive athlete. Oliver is also learning to teach courses and become a fully qualified instructor. Oliver's approach and mindset allow him to learn quickly.
Follow Ed on Social Media
With over 60,000 followers across his social media pages Ed has free videos and tutorials available on many subjects.
We’d love you to stay up to date by using the links below.