Our board are here to help promote and support breaking across the nation.
OLIVER 'HOOCH' WHITTLEPresidentHooch is the founder of the UK's longest running breaking event, the UK B-Boy Championships which he started in 1996. His event was the first of its kind to attract major brand sponsorship and prime time showings on terrestrial television. Hooch is also part of the Undisputed World BBoy Series which he helped to create as part of an alliance of global breaking events where seasoned breakers have the chance to compete to become the World BBoy Series champion. |
Born BarikorChair of the Board
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BECCI EDGINTON-HARVEYElite PerformanceBecci is Performance Manager for GB Boxing (Olympic Boxing) with a role that involves strategies for qualifying to the Olympics. Part of the senior leadership team. A large world class programme, this includes 42 funded athletes. Worked full time in elite sport for 17 years, part of 3 Olympic Games. Becci has also been a b-girl for over 15 years. |
KEVIN GOPIEInternational Relations and AdvisorKevin, also known as DJ Renegade, has been a part of the UK hip hop, dance scene and culture since the 80s. He is one of the most influential DJs on the scene, regularly working at the most prestigious dance events across the globe. The founder, coach and mentor of the UK?s national breaking champions, Soul Mavericks crew, and the renowned popping crew, Monsterz, Kevin also lectures and teaches workshops. In 2018, Kevin was a part of the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, co-heading the Breaking Judges Selection Committee, and co-creating the official judging system used at the games, the Trivium Value system. |
JONZI DCulture & Community AdvisorAn MC, dancer, spoken word artist and director, he is the foremost advocate for hip hop who has changed the profile and influenced the development of the UK British hip hop dance and theatre scene over the last two decades. The founder of Breakin' Convention in 2004, Jonzi has triumphed in raising the profile and giving a platform to hip hop disciplines, which has gained worldwide recognition as being at the vanguard of the development of the art form. Through professional development projects Open Art Surgery and Back to the Lab, Jonzi has supported hundreds of hip hop dance and rap/poetry artists on their journey to creating theatre. |
JONATHAN DEMBOLawyerJonathan's career began as a solicitor with renowned media law firm Mishcon de Reya, where he specialised in film and television. He then made the transition into the music business, spending a decade immersed in label business affairs at three of the industry's major companies; initially Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), then Sony Music and subsequently Warner Music where he was Senior Director of Business Affairs. Since co-founding AOB in 2003, Jonathan has developed AOB?s business affairs activities across various, converging sectors, such as sport, fine art, fashion and branding, alongside his legal work in music and entertainment. Jonathan has also produced live events such as the World Freerun Championships and has co-produced theatrical comedy shows through regional tours and at the Wyndham Theatre in London's West End. Jonathan is committed to supporting young people explore their creativity in the arts and is a founding director and chief commercial officer of Young Voices International, a company which stages the largest children's choir concerts in the world. He is also a trustee for the House of Fairy Tales which is a charitable foundation set up by Deborah Curtis and YBA artist, Gavin Turk to give children from all backgrounds opportunities for engagement and immersion in the arts. Jonathan has also previously served on the Advisory Board of the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's largest street festival. |
PHIL YOUNGDiversity & Inclusivity AdvisorPhil Young is a familiar name in the world of outdoor and culture having spent several years as a TV broadcaster presenting seminal sports and lifestyle shows for the BBC, Channel 4, Euro Sport and ITV. He has used his experience in the industry as a rider and storyteller to carve out a behind the scenes career, working with brands to help shape the way outdoor sports culture is seen in the mainstream media, doing it with great subtlety and sympathy. |
TRACY WHITTAKER-SMITH MBEPerformance Coaching Leadership AdvisorTracy Whittaker-Smith MBE has a passion for sport and helping people to develop. |
PAUL MARTINSafeguarding AdvisorPaul Martin aka P has been on the UK breaking scene for over 25 years. He is a member of the renowned Bad Taste Cru from Newcastle and is also an accomplished graffiti artist. Paul works for Newcastle United football club. |
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