Biography
Mark Davies is the creator of 'The Cutting Edge' anti knife/violent crime programme. Mark is unique amongst those trying to educate young people about the reality of carrying weapons & living lives of violence due to the breadth of his experience. Mark is an internationally renowned Personal Protection & Self Defence specialist who teaches seminars on reality based self defence all over the UK & in the USA & Europe. He is a Close Combat Instructor with elements of UK Special Forces, & has provided instruction for Special Forces internationally.
Mark has 28 years of experience in the martial arts, & has gained Blackbelt & Instructors credentials in EIGHT DIFFERENT martial arts. He has an intimate understanding of the knife because he is a qualified instructor of several Filipino, Native American, & Euro-American blade arts & teaches the use of the knife to Special Forces. He is sought out by martial arts instructors, security specialists & law enforcement for his specialist knowledge of knife defence, which is widely regarded as being amongst the best in the world! Mark is also a certified bodyguard. Marks seminars are always packed & sold out, as he has gained a reputation as an eloquent & knowledgeable teacher who passes on his experiences with humour & patience.
Coupled to this is his experience at the sharp end of violent crime. Mark spent nearly two decades working as a door supervisor around the UK & Europe. He worked in places where it was a common occurrence to have a weapon either pulled on you, or on another patron (sometimes several times in a night), so he has practical experience of just exactly how violent crime happens. He has firsthand experience of just how terrible the scene can be when a weapon has been used. He has had to defend himself against knife attacks many MANY times, so what others can only speak about from theory or anecdotes- Mark can speak about from experience.
Although many years ago Mark went to Art School & wanted to be a graphic designer, his life didn't quite work out that way. He is now incredibly happy to be a professional martial arts instructor who runs a full time martial arts centre with his wife Jacqui. Two of his sons (Stevie & Ross) have gained their blackbelts under him, & their little brother Eli will be a terror when he starts training. Mark teaches age specific classes, & his children’s programmes are well known all over Tayside for not just teaching martial arts skills but for teaching children valuable life skills that benefit them in every aspect of their lives. His 'Little Ninjas' programme is actually often recommended by local school teachers & social workers to parents of children who have anger or behaviour problems. Mark is one of the most experienced instructors in Scotland, having been teaching adults & children since 1987. He performs martial arts sessions for all the local Schools, & regularly speaks to pupils about the importance of 'Blackbelt Attitude'- Discipline, Self Control, Courtesy, Respect & Self Esteem. Mark is also the regional coach for the 'Winning Without Fighting' anti bullying programme.
