About

Welcome to Martial Arts Merch, where the spirit of martial arts meets humor, unique designs, and passion.

Founded by me, Mike K, a martial artist with a long history of practice and coaching, Martial Arts Merch is more than just a brand; it's a reflection of a journey. I started training at the age of fifteen in Kung Fu after watching The Last Dragon - top film 👍

I had about twelve years training in Lau Gar Kung Fu under Steve Brooks (incredible kicker), which then morphed into an independent club called Phoenix Martial Arts. After I moved away for work, I trained in Muay Thai for about four years, quite different, got my nose smoooshed by a spinning elbow, that'll teach me.

After moving away again (up North), I started training with the PKA. After a while, I took a coaching course, then a black belt, then some coaching, and then a second dan black belt. I think I'm in my sixteenth (seventeenth?) year of traning with the PKA.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the many, many years of training. It's helped me keep fit, compete (though not for a long time), got me through uncomfotable times, and gain lots of friends. I've trained with a few notable martial artists as well, notably Scott Adkins (Boyka!), Benny The Jet Urquidez (incredible martial mind), and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace - who kicked me in the head SO FAST, lol

I'm still training at 53 - actively training for my third dan, rather than coaching - and enjoy helping where I can, correcting people in a, er, helpful manner when required 😉 I've also had three hip replacements, but that's early-onset arthritis for ya.

Oh yes, I love martial arts films too, I've got a huge collection on DVD (anyone remember Eastern Legends DVDs?), some absolute classics too. I'd also like to think I'm a funny guy ("Funny how?"), hence the funny (I hope) designs you'll find on my site. I'm also going for some more artistic works, some fantasy designs (I've not sparred with a dragon, for example), some plain text designs, etc.

I'm pleased I can bring some of my love for the martial arts to a wider audience, hopefully you'll see a design that speaks to you, or embodies how you feel, or just makes you and others laugh - I still think the Sip Man t-shirt is hilarious 😂

So, wander around the site, enjoy the designs, maybe buy one (or three which would get you free shipping), sign up to my newsletter for an initial 15% discount and emails about new releases, more discounts, all that jazz.

Thank you for taking the time to read all of this, it's much appreciated.