Charlotte Craighill
Head Instructor British Military Martial Arts Leeds
5th Dan Olympic Tae Kwon Do
4th Dan Sport Karate
I began training at the age of 8 in 1994 and have been fortunate enough to travel the World competing at various levels and training with some of the most elite Coaches from across the world.
However, despite all of this the things I remember most in the community I was apart of and the life long friends and experiences I was fortunate enough to have experienced. Martial Arts is not just another hobby it provides valuable life skills, helps create a sense of achievement and have a second family who always have your back.
I have medaled and National, European and World level and have coached students to the same platform. I am also an British Army Veteran having served in Afghanistan, something I am extremely proud of. I have competed for my country and for the British Army.
Using all of my valuable experiences in 2009 I set up BMMA Leeds and I am so proud of what we have created. We help our community with whatever goals they may have and I have such an amazing and inspiring team around us that it is impossible to not pick up on the energy.
There is nothing better than helping students on their journey and seeing everyone achieve amazing things!
Daisy Weekes
Lead Instructor British Military Martial Arts Schools
2nd Dan Black Belt Sport Karate
1st Dan Olympic Tae Kwon Do
I’ve been training at BMMA since the age of four and I am now 21 years old.
I am currently an instructor and I teach the satellite schools around Leeds. I came into this being a very shy kid and with the support of Charlotte and everyone around me as well as the discipline and supportive community that we learned in class I’ve become very confident with myself.
My proudest moment is obviously becoming a full-time instructor and having my own schools and children I teach. Also going to the World Championships in Portugal, as I wasn’t always the most confident with sparring.
Being an instructor at British Military Martial Arts is such a rewarding job. I love seeing the dedication and improvement in the children I teach every day and seeing that they want to be there so much. I couldn’t be prouder of the children that I teach and hoping that I can spread that to more people throughout my years of coaching to come.
Being a part of the British Military Martial Arts team isn’t just teaching kids how to kick and punch. We are very strong family and some of my best friends are from the club. I think it’s a very nice family orientated place and we always try and do our best for the kids and give them loads of different activities to get involved in throughout the year . I myself have learnt a lot of skills in this I have become confident I’ve become independent and I’m very proud of the woman I’ve become because of the sport
James Gunn
Lead Instructor British Military Martial Arts Morley
1st Dan Sport Karate
Head coach for BMMA Morley Academy
I started training taekwondo at 10 years old moved over to BMMA at 12.
My proudest moment would be podiuming in the kickboxing at the unified world championships. Stepping up to full contact was always a big ambition of mine and meant more than a lot of my wins.
I wanted to teach full time because I love how Martial Arts can shape a life. I feel very lucky to be a part of people’s journey in Martial Arts and hope to make a difference to everyone’s life who comes through the doors.
I believe I can use my experience with a SEND cohort as well as years of teaching Martial Arts to foster a relational approach to teaching martial arts. Giving students the platform to fulfil their potential – both as martial artists and individuals.
Jael Fleming Newell
Instructor British Military Martial Arts HQ
2nd Dan Sport Karate
2nd Dan Olympic Tae Kwon Do
Lead coach at BMMA Leeds HQ
I have been training for well over 10 years now and have been teaching for around 3 years. I started training as I have an extremely athletic family background and wanted to get into another sport, at that age I was trying to balance football, kickboxing and gymnastics all at the same time but then decided to uptake kickboxing as my main sport.
I have been taught by many amazing coaches who have pushed me to my limits and helped me exceed any expectations I have had of myself. My greatest achievement was when I passed my Junior Black Belt. As I was so young I didn’t fully understand how much it really meant to me to become a black belt but as I got older I then realised that not many people who start a combat sport get to obtain the prestigious title of having a black belt. Many years of hard graft and dedication had lead me up to this point where I could finally repeat the famous quote “a black belt is a white belt who never quit.”
As an instructor at BMMA Leeds, I have not only gained but also widened my knowledge of the sport. Learning from the best coaches at BMMA has allowed me to pass on my skills and enabled me to deliver the best possible classes to those of all ages, by making the classes enjoyable but challenging.
Since I am still quite young I have a great understanding of the younger generation as not long ago I was just like them. This is very beneficial to me when teaching as I am able to recognise their emotions and behaviour. Understanding and being able to communicate with them on their level allows them to feel more comfortable and gain your trust.
Natalia B
Instructor British Military Martial Arts
2nd Dan Sport Karate
1st Dan Olympic Tae Kwon Do
Coach BMMA
I have been training since the age of 12 under BMMA Leeds. I have been taught by the greatest and alongside the greatest athletes.
My proudest moment is when I had passed my 1st Dan black belt after a tough weekend in Telford examined by leading instructors from across England from BMMA. Another would be passing my L2 Instructors Course a few months after, having gone through a physically and mentally challenging week being put through my pace but leaving with life long skills.
Being an Instructor at BMMA Leeds has developed me as an individual allowing me to pass on my knowledge to the future generation by providing a high level of Martial Arts classes in Leeds. It is an honour to be part of the team and helping others grow and develop as individuals. Having trained for several years I learnt important life skills and understanding the importance of Martial Arts for myself and then being able to replicate this to others.
Martial arts is a life long journey opening doors to a successful future and facing challenges that bring out the best version of yourself.
Katie Beard
Front of house BMMA Leeds HQ academy
Katie is an integral part of our team at BMMA Leeds HQ. She brings a warm welcome to anyone that walks in and is always on hand to help any of our students and family members.
Her eldest son began training at BMMA when he was just 4 years old. He is now a Black belt and helps assist’s the coaches in classes. Her youngest son has also joined our classes too. This is great as Katie can help answer any questions from first hand experience as a parent at the club. You will also see her smashing some pads in the Ladies Only 😊
Any questions be sure to ask and she will happily help.
Lisa Masters
Front of house BMMA Morley academy
Lisa has been an amazing friendly face to first greet students and family members when they arrive for a class at our BMMA Morley academy. Lisa’s youngest son has trained with us from the age of 6 years old and is now trained to also be a coach himself.
Lisa was at the academy most nights as her son was so dedicated to his journey that when we had a opportunity to be part of the team, Lisa kindly offered her time. We are grateful for her friendly and approachable manner.
Any questions be sure to ask and she will happily help.