Written by Martial arts legend Bob Sykes
MARTIAL ARTS PUBLISHING LEGEND
Bob Sykes, a renowned martial arts figure, talks to Andrew Staton at the Doncaster Martial Arts Show 2026.
Bob Sykes is best known for his long-standing role in British martial arts media, particularly through his work with Martial Arts Illustrated. Over several decades, Sykes has contributed to documenting and promoting the growth of martial arts culture in the United Kingdom and beyond, helping bridge traditional dojo communities with the broader combat sports audience.
Sykes built his reputation as an editor by focusing on direct engagement with martial artists. He collated articles often highlighting not only high-profile champions but also instructors and grassroots practitioners, reflecting a broad view of the martial arts world. Through Martial Arts Illustrated, he has been involved in producing interviews, event coverage, technical features, and historical retrospectives on various disciplines including karate, kickboxing, kung fu, and mixed martial arts.
A key feature of Sykes’ editorial style is his emphasis on real-world application and the lived experience of martial artists. Featured interviews frequently explored training philosophy, discipline, and the evolution of fighting styles in response to modern competition formats. This approach helped the magazine maintain relevance across changing trends in combat sports, from traditional dojo-based karate to the rise of full-contact kickboxing and MMA.
In addition to editorial work, Sykes has been active in the wider martial arts community, attending events, seminars, and competitions across the UK and internationally. His presence at major tournaments and his interviews with influential fighters and instructors have contributed to preserving a historical record of British martial arts development.
Overall, Bob Sykes is regarded as an important martial arts figure in the UK, with his work on Martial Arts Illustrated playing a significant role in chronicling the evolution of the UK martial arts scene and giving visibility to practitioners across multiple disciplines.
Interview filmed by Dean Meadows of Pentagram Pictures
With thanks to Bob Sykes, Paul Barnett and the UK Martial Arts Show.
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