LIVE
LOVE
LAUGH
LEARN
OUR FOUNDER
Master Constantino Cesar
5th Dan-WT & 4th Dan-ATA black belt
Hello and welcome to Star Martial Arts! Whether you’re new to martial arts or a seasoned practitioner, I want to share a bit of my journey and what we’re all about here at Star Martial Arts.
My Journey in Martial Arts
My love for martial arts began many years ago, long before I made my way to England in 1996. One of the pivotal moments in my career was competing in Stoke-on-Trent, where I achieved a victory against a competitor who had previously won a World Championship silver medal. That moment wasn’t just about winning; it was about growing, learning, and deepening my connection to this incredible community. That victory inspired me to establish Milton Keynes UTA Taekwondo in 1997, which has since evolved into the academy you know today—Star Martial Arts.
Building Champions and a Community
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching and mentoring students who have reached amazing heights in their martial arts journeys. From the Commonwealth Championships to World Taekwondo Championships and beyond, it’s been an honour to guide these athletes toward success. But here at Star Martial Arts, it’s not just about winning medals—it’s about building confidence, discipline, and a supportive community. Some of my students have even made it onto the British team, which fills me with immense pride. My goal has always been to help every student achieve their personal best, both in and out of the dojo.
Classes for Everyone
With over 30 years of experience, I’ve learned that martial arts is for everyone, regardless of age or ability. That’s why our classes at Star Martial Arts are designed for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Whether you’re 3 or 80 years old, you’ll find a welcoming environment here where you can grow, challenge yourself, and enjoy the many benefits of martial arts. In fact, one of our classes was even broadcast live on BBC TV—a proud moment for all of us!
Bringing a World of Experience to Milton Keynes
In 2000, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Korea, where I immersed myself in the culture and the roots of martial arts. That experience has deeply enriched my teaching and allowed me to bring a piece of martial arts’ historical and cultural heartland back to Milton Keynes. I’ve also been honoured to represent Great Britain at the World and European Championships, and later, I served as a national coach for poomsae with Taekwondo England. These experiences have shaped who I am as a teacher and have fuelled my passion for sharing martial arts with others.
My Philosophy: Live, Love, Laugh, & Learn
At Star Martial Arts, we live by the philosophy of “Live, Love, Laugh, & Learn.” Every class is more than just rigorous martial arts training — it’s a chance to grow as a person, to find joy in what you do, and to learn valuable life lessons. I want every student to leave our classes feeling empowered and ready to take on the world with confidence and positivity. Each month, we focus on a specific life skill, such as confidence or perseverance!
Looking Ahead for Star Martial Arts
As we continue to grow, my focus remains on expanding our programs and finding new ways to serve our community. Martial arts has given me so much, and my greatest joy is sharing that with others. Whether you’re here to learn self-defense, get fit, or simply be part of a positive community, I’m excited to have you with us on this journey.
Thank you for visiting Star Martial Arts. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together!
Warm regards,
Master Constantino Cesar
Students
Instructors
Black Belts
Yrs Established
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
At Star Martial Arts, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a team of exceptional instructors who bring their passion, expertise, and dedication to every class. I’ve always believed that a martial arts academy is only as strong as the people who support it, and I can confidently say that our club is in great hands with these amazing individuals.
Each instructor embodies the values we hold dear and bring a wealth of experience and unique perspectives to their teaching, ensuring that every student receives the highest quality of instruction, whether they’re just starting out or are working toward advanced goals. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to our students and our community. Their hard work and enthusiasm not only help our students grow as martial artists but also foster a positive and supportive environment that makes Star Martial Arts feel like a second home.
Thank you to each of our instructors for being the backbone of our academy. I couldn’t be more proud to have such a dedicated and talented team backing our club. Together, we’re not just teaching martial arts—we’re shaping lives.
Master Constantino Cesar
Master Alison
4th Dan Black Belt (WT)
Senior Instructor & Child Protection Officer
I’m a 4th Dan Black Belt in WT with over 20 years of martial arts experience, starting my journey back in 2000 in the small town of Brigg. Since then, I’ve had the honour of being part of the GB Poomsae team and judging at both national and international championships – a front-row seat to some incredible talent.
Teaching is my true passion. I love helping students discover their strengths, whether they’re mastering the basics or refining advanced techniques. For me, martial arts is about more than just physical skills; it’s about building confidence, character, and resilience. That’s why I also focus on developing leadership qualities in our young martial artists, because I believe they’re tomorrow’s leaders.
You’ll often find me in the dojang, training and supporting our students every step of the way. Watching them grow into confident, responsible individuals is the most rewarding part of what I do. Let’s keep kicking and make every class a fun, enriching, and empowering experience!
Sabum-nim Sundip
3rd Dan Black Belt (WT)
Instructor, Health & Safety & First Aider
I started my Taekwondo journey as a teen right here, and now, years later, I’m a 3rd Dan black belt (basically, I’ve kicked a lot). I’ve competed in Portugal and The Netherlands, but my real focus is on helping our students train safely and effectively – yes, I’m the health and safety guy too!
Taekwondo isn’t just my passion; it’s a family affair. My wife and kids are just as involved, and it’s a great way for us to bond (and keep the kids active!). As head of our fighting team, I’m committed to creating a supportive and challenging environment where everyone can push their limits and grow!
At the end of the day, I’m just a guy who loves what martial arts can do for people – whether it’s building confidence, improving fitness, or simply bringing families closer together. I’m here to coach, guide, and occasionally crack a dad joke or two – both on and off the mats. So if you ever need advice, a training tip, or even just a laugh, I’m your guy!
Helen
Tigers Instructor & Fitness Pro
My journey to Taekwondo is a bit different – I started out in the spotlight as a professional dancer before transitioning to fitness and nutrition coaching in 2008. But in 2020, after my daughter joined the Star Tigers, I got inspired and took up Taekwondo myself in late 2021 at the age of 38. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with it and even started competing in poomsae in 2023!
As an instructor for the Star Tigers, I get so much joy from helping the little ones grow in confidence and skill. It’s amazing to watch them progress, and I truly believe that martial arts – especially self-defence – is an essential life skill for everyone.
For me, Star Martial Arts isn’t just a place to train; it’s like an extended family. Whether I’m teaching, training, or cheering on my daughter, I’m always excited to see how far this journey will take us!
I cherish the friendly, supportive, and family-focused atmosphere at Star Martial Arts
Sarah
Assistant Instructor, Admin Co-ordinator & Parent Liaison
I started my Taekwondo journey just over five years ago, after spending a bit too much time on the sidelines watching my 10-year-old son in class. What began as simply supporting him quickly turned into my own challenge – get fit, learn something new, and meet a few people along the way. Despite not being the most active before, I decided to give it a go, and I haven’t looked back since!
Now, you’ll find me helping out as an Assistant Instructor with the Tiger and Junior classes while working towards my black belt. I also handle the admin side of things and, if you’re a parent with a question, I’m usually the one to ask!
Taekwondo has been an amazing experience for me, and I’m proud to be part of this community. If you ever need a hand or a bit of encouragement, I’m always around!
Sarah
Poomsae Technical Advisor & Coach
I’ve been training in Taekwondo for over 30 years (yes, really!) and have had the privilege of training with Master Cesar for over 25 of them. My passion has always been the technical side of Taekwondo, particularly poomsae, which has taken me to some incredible places and competitions.
Over the years, I’ve competed in many top-tier international events, with highlights like winning silver and bronze medals in the 2014 Commonwealth Championships, competing at the US Open in Las Vegas, and earning silver at the Police and Fire Games in Northern Ireland.
One of my proudest moments was being part of a select team that travelled to South Korea in 2000 for a university training tour with Grand Master Shin, where we trained at the Kukkiwon, the home of Taekwondo itself.
As a former instructor at Milton Keynes UTA, I’ve had the chance to share my experience and knowledge with students, and that’s what I love most – mentoring and helping students grow, no matter where their Taekwondo journey takes them.
Oh, and if you’re wondering, yes – I’m also married to Stephen Ferns, our judge coordinator, so Taekwondo really is a family affair for us!
Stephen
Poomsae Technical Advisor & Coach
I’ve been part of the Taekwondo world since 2008, but my journey in martial arts actually started back in the ’80s when I trained in Karate, followed by Judo, Aikido, and Tang Soo Do. As the club’s Poomsae coach and judging coordinator, I’m passionate about promoting the real values of martial arts – self-defence, discipline, and respect – while being firmly against the use of violence.
Over the years, I’ve competed in several Poomsae competitions, winning gold at the British Taekwondo Nationals, Northern Ireland Internationals, and even in Portugal. One of my proudest achievements was introducing a world Taekwondo-approved scoring system to the club, which helped us host international competitions from 2011 to 2013.
Though I had to step back from training in 2016 due to a few age-related injuries, I was inspired by our senior veterans and returned in 2022 with a renewed focus on the physical and mental health benefits that Taekwondo offers. I truly believe Taekwondo can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their ability – it’s about the journey, not just the medals!
And yes, if the surname sounds familiar, that’s because I’m married to Sarah Ferns, who’s also been a key part of this club for years!
Competition Training and Preparation
Master Alison & Sarah Ferns – Poomsae Technical Advisor and Coach
Steve – Poomsae Judge Coordinator & Coach
Sabum-nim Sundip – Sparring Coach
Sabum-nim Sundip & Neil – Judge Coordinators
Master Alison & Helen – Weapon Training & Acrobatics Coaches