Our team
Meet Our Instructors
Sensei Simon Bushby
Chief Instructor
I first started training in September 1988 after watching a karate class with my dad. Even at that young age I knew I had found something special, and I set my first-ever goal: I was going to be a Black Belt. Martial Arts has given me far more than learning how to kick and punch — I believe it has the power to change a person's life. I'm passionate about helping students develop perseverance, discipline and respect alongside vital life skills.
I first started training in September 1988 after watching a karate class with my dad. Even at that young age I knew I had found something special, and I set my first-ever goal: I was going to be a Black Belt. Martial Arts has given me far more than learning how to kick and punch — I believe it has the power to change a person's life. I'm passionate about helping students develop perseverance, discipline and respect alongside vital life skills.
Sensei Andy Woolcott
Instructor — 3rd Dan (Sandan)
I started training in Dorchester with Sensei Craig Nevitt in 1982. During my journey I have also trained with Sensei Ernie Molyneux (8th Dan IOGKF), Sensei George Andrews (8th Dan) and Sensei James Rousseau (9th Dan). I believe my training has given me the self confidence, fitness and determination not only to progress my karate, but to be the best I can be in my career and personal life. Graded Shodan in 1987, Nidan in 2017 and Sandan in 2021.
I started training in Dorchester with Sensei Craig Nevitt in 1982. During my journey I have also trained with Sensei Ernie Molyneux (8th Dan IOGKF), Sensei George Andrews (8th Dan) and Sensei James Rousseau (9th Dan). I believe my training has given me the self confidence, fitness and determination not only to progress my karate, but to be the best I can be in my career and personal life. Graded Shodan in 1987, Nidan in 2017 and Sandan in 2021.
Sensei Tom Tilbury
Instructor — 4th Dan (Yon-Dan)
I started Karate training at five to build confidence and become more independent. Karate has taught me not only to respect and better myself but also to encourage and better those around me. I love teaching karate — it is incredible seeing other people progress, and it is so rewarding. I have learnt just as much from teaching karate as I have from training myself.
I started Karate training at five to build confidence and become more independent. Karate has taught me not only to respect and better myself but also to encourage and better those around me. I love teaching karate — it is incredible seeing other people progress, and it is so rewarding. I have learnt just as much from teaching karate as I have from training myself.
David Snelling
Instructor — 3rd Dan
I joined the academy in 2011 at the age of 7. Before I started karate, I was shy - but being part of the academy and training in karate really built my self-confidence. The best part about teaching a class is when you can see that they are enjoying themselves and having fun, while exercising and getting fit.
I joined the academy in 2011 at the age of 7. Before I started karate, I was shy - but being part of the academy and training in karate really built my self-confidence. The best part about teaching a class is when you can see that they are enjoying themselves and having fun, while exercising and getting fit.
Lorna Woolcott
Instructor
My daughter started her training as a 4-year-old Little Dragon and is now a 12-year-old Black Belt. It was watching her train that initially inspired me to begin my own path within the academy in 2017. The Academy has a very inclusive family feel about it, which has been invaluable. The best part of my role is watching the young students not just grow, but progress and develop with the vital teachings that Martial Arts has to offer. It is a pleasure to be part of their journey.
My daughter started her training as a 4-year-old Little Dragon and is now a 12-year-old Black Belt. It was watching her train that initially inspired me to begin my own path within the academy in 2017. The Academy has a very inclusive family feel about it, which has been invaluable. The best part of my role is watching the young students not just grow, but progress and develop with the vital teachings that Martial Arts has to offer. It is a pleasure to be part of their journey.
Karen Gilmour
Safeguarding Lead
My journey started in October 2018 when I joined the Kickfit class on a Saturday morning. I loved it straight away and I soon had the bug. I joined The Black Belt Academy team as the safeguarding lead, helping with the Little Dragons, bringing my experience as a qualified social worker working with children and families at risk of harm or in need of support. Karate has improved my physical health and fitness and helped me manage my mental health, which is ultimately what pushes me on.
My journey started in October 2018 when I joined the Kickfit class on a Saturday morning. I loved it straight away and I soon had the bug. I joined The Black Belt Academy team as the safeguarding lead, helping with the Little Dragons, bringing my experience as a qualified social worker working with children and families at risk of harm or in need of support. Karate has improved my physical health and fitness and helped me manage my mental health, which is ultimately what pushes me on.
Sarah Tilbury
Instructor