Meet Our Instructors

Our teachers are fully insured and DBS checked

Sifu Ko

Founder & Director

My martial arts journey in the early 1980s, training in Shotokan and Goju Ryu Karate Do under renowned masters, earning a 5th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan and 1st Dan in Goju Ryu.

In 1994, I co-founded POON DOJO with my brother, John, where I now serve as Co-Director. Shifting to internal arts in 1999, I studied Tai Chi under Master John Ding, qualifying as an instructor in 2002. I teach Tai Chi across various communities and manage multiple MDA branches.

Additionally, I am a qualified Shiatsu therapist with a thriving practice in East London, promoting health and well-being.

Sensei John

Director & Head Teacher

My martial arts journey in the early 1980s, earning my first dan in Karate at just 12, making me one of the youngest black belts in the country at the time.

In 1994, I co-founded POON DOJO with my brother, training hundreds of students and developing high-grade teachers. Now oversee satellite branches running in schools during the academic year.

My Tai Chi journey began in 1999 with the John Ding Academy, and I became a certified instructor in 2006. I lead Tai Chi classes across East London and Essex, serve as a Martial Arts Consultant for UEL, and continue researching child development and mental health.

Sensei Penny

Deputy Head Teacher & Health and Safety

Co-Ordinator

I began my martial arts journey in the 1980s with a Tae Kwon Do organisation in Hackney, East London.

In the mid-1990s, I joined Poon Dojo, where I earned my First Dan within five years. I also train at MDA Stratford City and serve as an assistant instructor of Tai Chi Chuan.

I actively continue my training by attending Master Ding Academy events and learning under Sigung John Ding.

Professionally, I started as a forensic scientist in a government department and now work in medicine regulation, combining my passions for precision, discipline, and lifelong learning.

Sensei Gemma

Deputy Head Teacher & Quality Assurance

Co-Ordinator

I began my martial arts journey at 11 with Poon Dojo, earning my First Dan at 16 under the guidance of Sifu Ko Poon and Sensei John Poon. As a qualified teacher at Poon Dojo, I continue to learn and grow alongside them.

I'm also an approved Tai Chi Chuan instructor with Master Ding Academy (MDA) and assist at MDA Stratford City.

Professionally, I lead fundraising and communications for a peacebuilding non-profit and have 14 years of experience in the charity sector, including supporting medical research and older people’s welfare. I’m passionate about leadership, mentoring, and building a more equitable world.

Senpai Sarfraz

Assistant Teacher

My martial arts journey in 2005 at Poon Dojo’s Stratford HQ, earning my 1st Dan in August 2011.

Since then, I have assisted at Poon Dojo branches in Stratford and Goodmayes, Ilford. In 2008, I began training in Tai Chi at Master Ding Academy Stratford City under Sifu Ko Poon, regularly attending seminars and annual retreats led by Sigung John Ding and Master Alan Ding.

Professionally, I studied at Brunel University and worked as a design engineer on supercar and hybrid technology projects. Currently, I lead global design teams focused on fuel-efficient commercial and passenger vehicle innovations.

Senpai Amber

Assistant Teacher

I began my martial arts journey with Poon Dojo in 2007 at age 11, achieving my 1st Dan in 2012 and starting as an assistant teacher.

Around the same time, I joined the Master Ding Academy Stratford to study Tai Chi, progressing to an advanced level while continuing my Nei Chuan training.

In 2019, I earned my 2nd Dan in Nei Chuan and now assist at Stratford HQ and satellite branches. As a senior Lion Dance performer, I lead performances and practices with Tanoh, developing advanced techniques to pass down to newer members of the Poon Dojo Lion Dance Troupe.