Meet David - Managing Director, Physical Activity & Health trainer, & Head Martial Arts Instructor at Elemental Fitness

Over 20 years of coaching experience, combining exercise science, personal training, physical activity and martial arts.

At Elemental Fitness, we believe that effective coaching combines professional knowledge, practical experience and an individual approach to helping people achieve their goals.

These principles have been at the heart of the business since David Kenyon founded Elemental Fitness in Bramley, Leeds, in November 2008.

As Managing Director, Physical Activity & Health Trainer and Head Martial Arts Instructor, David brings together an extensive background in exercise science, personal training, strength and conditioning, and competitive martial arts.

Having coached since 2003, David has worked with people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds, from complete beginners looking to improve their health and fitness to competitive athletes performing at national and international levels.

His approach focuses on structured, personalised coaching that helps individuals improve their fitness, strength, confidence and long-term wellbeing.

From Martial Arts to Professional Coaching

David's interest in physical activity and sport began through martial arts, starting karate training in 1994 before progressing into competitive kickboxing.

Between 1998 and 2011, he competed at interclub, national and European levels, achieving medals at several competitions, including the WKC National English and European Kickboxing Championships.

His martial arts development continued alongside his coaching career, achieving:

1st Dan Black Belt (2003) – Gareth-Lloyd Evans, Dragon Warriors

2nd Dan Black Belt (2006) – Tom Hibbert, WAKO

3rd Dan Black Belt (2009) – Tom Hibbert, WAKO

4th Dan Black Belt (2014) – Brian Beck, WAKO

This experience has provided David with an understanding of technical development, physical conditioning, discipline and the importance of consistent progression.

Today, he continues to apply these principles through personal training, individual martial arts coaching and his role as Head Martial Arts Instructor.

Academic Qualifications & Exercise Science

Alongside his practical coaching experience, David studied at the University of Leeds between 2006 and 2009, achieving a Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Sports, Health, Exercise & Nutrition.

His academic studies covered a broad range of subjects relating to human performance, physical activity, nutrition and health.

Key areas of study included:

Exercise Physiology & Training

Psychology of Sport

Sports Injury & Sports Therapy

Nutritional Biochemistry

Nutrition & Exercise

Physical Activity & Health

Community Health & Fitness

Health & Wellbeing

Biopsychology of Stress & Health

Food, Nutrition & Behaviour

Research Methods

This academic background supports David's approach to designing individualised training programmes, understanding the relationship between exercise and health, and adapting coaching to meet different physical abilities and objectives.

His professional background also includes specialist development in resistance training, personal training and lower back exercise.

International Coaching Experience – New York

Between 2007 and 2009, David worked as a Sports & Outdoor Activity Coach in New York, USA.

During this period, he delivered physical activity sessions, sports coaching and recreational programmes for children and young adults with additional needs.

This experience helped develop his ability to adapt activities, communicate effectively and create inclusive training environments for individuals with different physical, behavioural and learning requirements.

David has also provided specialist training and adaptive conditioning support to a professional footballer with disabilities, focusing on physical performance and individual training requirements.

These experiences continue to influence his coaching philosophy, reinforcing the importance of recognising individual needs rather than applying the same approach to everyone.

Establishing Elemental Fitness in 2008

In November 2008, David founded Elemental Fitness and Elemental Kickboxing Academy with the ambition of creating a professional, welcoming and supportive environment for people looking to improve their health, fitness and martial arts abilities.

His original business concept received recognition through two enterprise awards:

Business Concept Winner – Local Enterprise Awards (2008)

Business Concept Finalist – Regional Enterprise Awards (2009)

Since its establishment, Elemental Fitness has developed into an independent fitness and coaching facility in Bramley, Leeds, offering personal training, strength and conditioning, independent gym access and specialist martial arts coaching.

Over the years, David has worked with clients ranging from those taking their first steps into exercise to experienced athletes, helping them establish realistic goals and make sustainable improvements.

Some clients have continued training with Elemental Fitness for more than a decade, reflecting the importance placed on long-term relationships, consistent support and individual progress.

Developing Competitive Athletes & Martial Artists

As a 4th Dan Black Belt in Freestyle Karate and Kickboxing, David has extensive experience in both the practical and competitive aspects of martial arts.

His coaching has supported athletes progressing towards national and international competition standards, combining technical instruction with physical conditioning and structured preparation.

Through Elemental Kickboxing Leeds, David continues to support martial artists at different stages of their development, from complete beginners learning fundamental techniques to experienced students working towards advanced grades and competitive opportunities.

His coaching philosophy places equal importance on technical ability, physical fitness, discipline, confidence and personal development.

Personal Training & Individualised Coaching

While martial arts remains an important part of David's professional background, his coaching experience extends across a wide range of physical activity and health objectives.

His main areas of interest include:

Personal Training: Developing structured programmes based on individual abilities, objectives and lifestyles.

Strength & Conditioning: Improving strength, muscular endurance, mobility and physical performance.

Physical Activity & Health: Supporting individuals looking to become more active and improve their general health and wellbeing.

American Kickboxing: Developing martial arts techniques, physical conditioning, confidence and competitive performance.

Sports Performance: Supporting recreational and competitive athletes through progressive training.

General Health & Fitness: Helping clients establish sustainable exercise habits and maintain long-term progress.

David recognises that every client has different circumstances, experiences and motivations.

His approach combines appropriate assessment, structured exercise programming, ongoing reviews and practical support to help clients make measurable improvements over time.

A Commitment to Long-Term Health & Fitness

For David, successful coaching is not simply about achieving short-term results.

It is about helping individuals develop the confidence, knowledge and physical capabilities to maintain their progress over the long term.

Whether working with someone who has never entered a gym before, an individual returning to exercise or an athlete preparing for competition, his focus remains on delivering appropriate, progressive and sustainable training.

This philosophy continues to shape the services, coaching standards and client experience at Elemental Fitness.

Continuing to Develop Elemental Fitness

Since establishing the business in 2008, David has remained actively involved in coaching, business development and supporting other fitness professionals.

Alongside his own coaching responsibilities, he continues to develop Elemental Fitness's facilities, services and opportunities for independent personal trainers and specialist practitioners.

His long-term objective remains consistent with the original vision behind the business: to provide professional, individualised coaching within a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable, supported and motivated to achieve their goals.

Interested in Training with David?

Whether you're looking to improve your general fitness, develop strength, return to exercise or benefit from specialist martial arts coaching, David can help you explore an approach suited to your individual goals.

At Elemental Fitness, we offer a FREE 30-minute consultation, providing an opportunity to discuss your objectives, experience and training requirements before making any commitment.

Get in touch to arrange your consultation or find out more about personal training with David.

📍 Elemental Fitness, Bramley, Leeds

📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07960 851 352

📧 [email protected]

Elemental Fitness – Personalised Coaching. Sustainable Progress. Lasting Results.