Meet our martial arts instructors in Mirfield
At Mirfield Martial Arts Club, our instructors provide expert tuition in Aikido, Judo, Jiu Jitsu and Karate. With over 40 years of combined teaching experience in West Yorkshire, our fully qualified black belt coaches help adults and children develop confidence, fitness and practical self-defence skills. Every class takes place in a safe, welcoming community dojo, where students of all ages are supported to achieve their goals
Vince Thompson – Chief Instructor
8th Dan, Hanshi (Chief Instructor) and Founder of Mirfield Martial Arts Club & Technical Director, Tokushima Budo Council International
Vince Thompson is an 8th Dan Aikido instructor and the founder of Mirfield Martial Arts Club. He established the club in 1975 at Ravensthorpe Boys Club and has been teaching martial arts in Mirfield for over five decades. As a Hanshi, Vince continues to inspire students of all ages, proving that Aikido builds confidence, discipline, and lifelong self-defence skills.
Roger Bawcutt 7th Dan
Senior Instructor
Roger has been a Mirfield Martial Arts Club Instructor for over 40 years. His classes emphasise traditional Aikido techniques with precision. Roger inspires students to push their limits and improve their art while developing confidence and respect in a supportive dojo setting.
Mark Warburton 5th Dan
Mirfield Martial Arts Club Secretary
Mark Warburton is an experienced Aikido instructor at Mirfield Martial Arts Club. With many years of training, he helps students of all levels progress in their martial arts journey. Mark’s classes focus on traditional Aikido techniques, personal discipline, and the development of self-defence skills in a friendly and welcoming dojo environment.
I started aikido in 1991 , got hooked immediately and never looked back.Aikido is not just a great defensive martial art but can influence your outlook on life
Stephen Moore – 5th Dan
Mirfield Martial Arts Club Chairman
Stephen Moore is a 5th Dan Aikido instructor with decades of martial arts experience across a range of discaplines. Stephen is dedicated to helping adults and children build confidence, discipline, and practical self-defence skills through consistent training. He also plays a leading role in developing the dojo as a welcoming community space in Mirfield.
MMAC is a special place and I’m proud to be an Instructor and Chairman. As well as great training, we have a great culture and you can’t help but make good friends
Phil Dobson – 4th Dan
Senior Instructor
Phill has a lifetyime practicing and teaching a range of martial arts with a real pasion for Aikido and Karate, combining expertise in two disciplines to give students a varied martial arts experience. As a Mirfield Martial Arts Club Instructor, he supports adults and children in developing coordination, fitness, and effective self-defence skills. Phill is committed to helping every student achieve their goals while maintaining the values of discipline and respect that underpin martial arts training
I have studied martial arts in some form all of my adult life. I discovered Mirfield Martial Arts Club and Aikido in 2005. It’s a great place to train and make friends
David Hall – 3rd Dan
Junior Syllabus Head Coach
David Hall leads the children’s Aikido classes at Mirfield Martial Arts Club. With a focus on respect and self-discipline, David provides a safe and fun environment for young students to develop their martial arts skills. He helps children grow in confidence, coordination, and self-defence while nurturing a love of martial arts that can last a lifetime.
Took my two boys to the kids class in 2007 to learn a self defence martial art, and I became transfixed watching the calm and serene flowing motions of the techniques. Decided I had to give it a go, and never stopped. Now I run the kids class, go figure!
Greg Lambert – 2nd Dan
Mirfield Martial Arts Club Treasurer
Greg Lambert is an Aikido instructor at Mirfield Martial Arts Club who specialises in teaching the junior classes. With a focus on respect, fitness, and self-defence, Greg ensures that young students enjoy their martial arts training while developing life skills they can carry beyond the dojo. His engaging teaching style helps children build confidence and discipline in a safe and supportive environment.
It’s a pleasure to teach the junior class. Its enjoyable to watch the children grow in technique and confidence.
Charlie Cox – 2nd Dan
Senior Instructor
Charlie is an Aikido instructor at Mirfield Martial Arts Club who demonstrates that you can train in martial arts at any age. His inclusive approach shows that Aikido is not limited by age, and he inspires students of all generations to join the dojo. Charlie’s teaching highlights that martial arts training builds fitness, confidence, and lifelong self-defence skills, no matter when you begin.
I began Aikido at the late age of 57 and got my 1st dan 10 years later. Began as a means to keep fit… and if it helped in a difficult situation that would be a bonus
Kelsey Bates – 1st Dan
Head of Communications & Marketing
Kelsey Bates teaches the junior Aikido classes at Mirfield Martial Arts Club, helping children take their first steps into martial arts. With patience and encouragement, she supports young students in developing balance, focus, and confidence while enjoying their training. Kelsey’s role is central in proving that Aikido provides valuable skills for children and that martial arts training can be safe, fun, and rewarding.
I have learned so much going from eager student to instructor. And I get to enjoy it all over again, helping upcoming students on their own journies.
Hope to see you soon.
An exciting new chapter awaits.
