David Parkinson

David Parkinson works with athletes, programmes, and federations on the technical, structural, and strategic problems that shape competitive outcomes. His career began in the Royal Marines and spans Olympic programme roles, professional world-title campaigns across WBC, RISE, and KLF, speed and athletic development with Diamond League competitors, and institutional work including Beijing Sports University, the Ajinomoto National Training Centre in Tokyo, national training bases across mainland China and NCAA Division I wrestling programmes.

He advises sports organisations on governance, operating models, and why performance investment fails to produce sustained results; how knowledge is absorbed, how change spreads, and where the architecture breaks down.

Through Kagirinai Lab, he produces peer-reviewed research, accredited continuing education for NASM, NSCA, and AFAA, including PRPS. an internationally accredited framework on reactive decision-making; integrated at Olympic and professional championship level.

Selected Credentials

Strategic, Governance & Financial

• MBA, University of Plymouth

• HKUST Management Development Program

• SIGA Executive Education Certificate, Good Governance in Sport

• Complemented by credentials from the CFA Institute, CAIA, the World Bank Group, OECD, and IAPP

Coaching & Performance

• NSCA CSCS | NASM PES | EXOS XPS+ | UK Athletics Coach

• Further certifications from USAW, ALTIS, Westside Barbell, and Eleiko

Combat Sports

• Professional Boxing Licence (NSAC, CSAC, NYSAC)

• International 2 Star Boxing Coach (AIBA) | 4th Duan Wei (CWA)

• Certified Wrestling Coach (USA Wrestling/UWW) | WBC Muay Thai L3

• 150+ bouts (Int Boxing, pro K-1, Sanda) | 83% win rate | KLF Grand Prix winner