A CHEPSTOW martial arts expert has written a book on his time in the private security industry.

Matt Stait, from Modern Samurai Martial Arts, releases his book ‘Modern Samurai’ on 5th August. Raised in Chepstow he later moved to Bristol, before returning a few years ago

When Matt started training in the martial arts in the late 1980s he never thought it would lead to multiple black belts, world championship gold medals and being inducted into the hall of fame or a career in security where he looked after royalty and pop stars, worked undercover at one of the world’s biggest festivals and ended up in charge of the security of some of the most fashionable clubs in Bristol and South Wales.

Matt decided to write the book after working in the industry for many years and witnessing things both horrific and humorous. Matt said that the writing of the book itself took over four years to get right and became a real labour of love which at times made him question his own morality.

“Most people’s perception of a bouncer is not what we are actually like,” says Matt. “We see the whole of the human spectrum and once the veil of civilisation is lifted by drink and drugs people are capable of many things good and bad and we are tasked with policing that, so I wanted to write an honest and open look at what we do.

“This is not the story of a hard man and although violence is in the book, that is not the focus. I have tried to write a revealing look into the world of the bouncers, bodyguards, and security that a lot of people take for granted.”

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to work in the industry, or you have enjoyed a Saturday night in town or you just want to hear how a small-town guy overcame his own fears and insecurities to running clubs and festival security across the UK, then Matt’s story may be for you.

The book is available now for pre-order on Amazon and Kindle or you can contact Matt directly for a copy through the Modern Samurai Martial Arts social media groups.