Community Updates
Meet Simon Morrell
2 October 2026 · 2 min read
Simon Morrell is a martial artist, author and fear-control coach, and his life story is proof that where you start does not decide where you finish.
From bullied to black belt
Simon was bullied from the age of five. As a teenager he struggled with panic attacks, at a time when people barely knew what panic attacks were, and then with agoraphobia that made it hard to leave the house. He told The Legacy Bench about one of the bravest things he did as a child: asking to change schools to get away from it.
Martial arts changed everything. Encouraged by his wife Julie, and later mentored by the author Geoff Thompson, Simon found the confidence that had been missing for so long. He went on to become an 8th Dan black belt, competing in full-contact kickboxing and training in boxing, wrestling, karate and Krav Maga.
A coach, a husband and a father
Together with Julie, his partner of 40 years, Simon runs a busy gym where he coaches students of all backgrounds. Many come to him specifically to learn how to manage fear, and the club has produced numerous kickboxing champions. Julie is a huge part of the story: Simon talks about her with obvious love, and says the people at the gym call her "the queen". The couple have three children.
Telling the story
Simon is the author of From Bullied to Black Belt, a raw account of his early life which has a film production company attached, and its sequel, An Everyday Warrior, in which he writes honestly about his recovery from alcohol dependency. He is also involved in One Punch, a film project about the impact of alcohol-fuelled violence, planned first as a short film with ambitions to become a feature.
His motto sums up everything he teaches: "Where there is courage, there is hope."
Simon Morrell joined us on The Legacy Bench for a 1-to-1 episode, "From Bullied to Black Belt" — read the episode story or watch the full conversation.
If anything in Simon's story touches on something you're going through, please talk to someone. In the UK you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time.
