Heart of England Martial Arts
Instructor Profiles
All Heart of England Instructors are fully qualified, insured, certificated and CRB checked through the British Taekwondo Council. These credentials can be checked by visiting the Instructor Pages at the BTC.
Click the Instructor name below for a brief summary of each individual;
Mr Bradshaw is a man of many hats within the Heart of England group; Chairman, Child Protection Officer, Chief Instructor, Grading Examiner and Head Coach for the Heart of England Squad. As well as co-ordinating and overseeing the activities of all the Heart of England Schools Mr Bradshaw runs 4 schools of his own at Eastwood, Hucknall, Kimberley and Nottingham. With over 21 years of Taekwon-do experience and teaching Taekwon-do full time for the last 18 years Mr Bradshaw has succeeded in taking over 200 students to Black Belt, 20 of whom he has subsequently helped to develop into new school Instructors.
Qualified as an International Instructor and Referee, Mr Bradshaw has also been a regular on the International Coaching circuit with tremendous success having trained 26 ITF World Champions. He has been the ITF National Team UK coach on 4 occasions coaching the England Teams to many International successes including the British, Korean, Australian and Argentinean ITF World Championships as well as being the PUMA National Squad Coach for many years. In 2009 Mr Bradshaw was the Coach to the RAF Taekwon-do Team which won the Inter-forces Championships. In 2010 he took a Heart of England Team to the ITF World Championships in Korea resulting with 5 World Champion Titles and 19 medals in all.
Mrs Elaine Bradshaw - 4th Degree
Mrs Bradshaw is the Company Secretary for the Heart of England Group. Training for over 15 years and a full time Instructor for the last 10 years Mrs Bradshaw is also an International Instructor and Referee. She has been responsible for training 6 World Champions and over 20 International Champions from the Alfreton School alone.
In 2007 the Alfreton Taekwon-do School received the Amber Valley Sports Club of the year award in recognition of not only its World Champions, but its inclusive policy of giving everyone a chance to succeed at Taekwon-do, whatever their circumstances or natural abilities.
Mrs Bradshaw states, “I am proud to have been given the responsibility to train and develop such a large number of individuals, with such varying abilities, to Black Belt status. Alfreton is an all inclusive, successful school with over 90 students training regularly twice a week. A great deal of that success is down to my two valuable Assistants, Kimberley and Gavin Bradshaw, who are also my children”.
Ms Kimberley Bradshaw - 4th Degree
Miss Bradshaw has been training for 14 years from 5 years of age and is now a fully Qualified Instructor.
Kimberley is also a very successful International competitor becoming British
and European sparring champion in 2001 at the age of 11. This proved to
be a turning point for her and she subsequently competed in 5 World
Championships;
Argentina 2002 - winning 4 Team silver medals
Korea 2004 - winning 4 Team Bronze medals
Australia 2006 - winning Individual bronze patterns medal, captaining the Girls team to 2 silver medals and 1 gold and helping achieve the best overall trophy
Birmingham 2007 - winning Individual silver in sparring, captaining the Girls team to 3 gold and 1 bronze also winning the overall team trophy Kimberley was also given the honour to recite the oath at the beginning of the championships
Korea 2010 - Individual World Champion in Adult Female Sparring and Silver for Adult Female Team Sparring.
In 2006 Miss Bradshaw Captained the Girls Team in the European Championships in Germany winning the individual Silver for sparring and in the Team event winning 1 Gold medal & 3 Silver medals.
Her competition successes are a result of dedication and hard work in her training. To date Miss Bradshaw has won over 130 National and International medals.
Kimberley also won the Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Young Sportswoman of the year for 2006 & 2007 and then went on to win the Derbyshire Young Sports woman of the year for 2006 & 2007
Kimberley is the Instructor at Clay Cross Taekwon-do School and also runs the Junior Taekwon-do class at Alfreton for 4-7 year olds. Her enthusiasm and inventiveness makes these classes run very smoothly. She regularly assists in teaching the Taekwon-do classes at Alfreton and her knowledge and experience in Taekwon-do is of great benefit to the Alfreton School and has certainly contributed to the successes that the school has achieved both in terms of student gradings and competition results.
Miss Bradshaw also the coach for the Heart of England Demonstration Team
The youngest but tallest member of the Bradshaw clan is 18 years of age and has been training for 13 years since the age of 5 and is a fully qualified and insured Instructor.
Gavin has had many successful National competition results being undefeated Scottish Junior Champion for 10 years. To date he has won over 70 National medals. He has recently moved into the adult competition category and despite this being one of the hardest groups to compete in has made a very impressive start winning several Gold Medals.
Gavin was awarded the Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire Junior Sportsman of the Year Award for 2006 and was runner up in the Bolsover awards for 2007.
Gavin is a valuable member of the Alfreton Taekwon-do school and an inspiration to all who he trains with.
Miss Gemma Curtis - 2nd Degree
Miss Curtis is the Junior Taekwon-do Instructor at the Kimberley School.
I first started training in Mr Bradshaw’s Eastwood Taekwon-do School in 2001 when I was 11 years old. I decided to join the club because I had been looking for a sport that would keep me fit after school and my friend was already a member of the school. Instead of a sport, I found a martial art and within weeks of training was completely taken in by all that Taekwon-do had to offer me. I loved every aspect of it and still do. It wasn’t long before I started realising that Taekwon-do wasn’t just a martial art, it was a way of life.
When I was younger I took part in many Competitions, winning various medals for different events but once I passed my black tag grading I decided that Competitions weren’t for me. I started helping Mrs Mandy Hallam with her Junior Taekwon-do School and found that I loved teaching children. I passed my 1st degree black belt in 2005 and gained my Assistant Instructors qualification in 2006. I was really starting to enjoy teaching Taekwon-do to various ages and was given more responsibility teaching groups of adults and children within the school.
After four years of assisting Mrs Hallam with her Junior Taekwon-do School, she was unfortunately unable to continue in her own training due to injury. I was very honoured when she asked me to take over running the school in January 2008. The school has continued to be a great success, producing some fine young martial artists.
In April 2009 I passed my 2nd degree black belt and also my instructor’s qualification. Two big achievements in one year made me feel really proud of myself. I am currently studying at Derby University to become a Primary School Teacher and I also have a part time job at the local Decathlon sports store. Taekwon-do has taught me a great deal and given me the confidence to achieve my goals and continues to do so. I have gained a great deal from my training and I would never give it up.
Mr Anthony Ducker - 1st Degree
Tony Ducker is an Instructor at the Calverton and Arnold TKD Schools.
Mrs Sharon Ducker - 2nd Degree
Sharon Ducker is the Instructor at the Calverton and Arnold TKD Schools as well as being the Junior Taekwon-do instructor at the Leabrooks and Kirkby-in-Ashfield TKD Schools. Sharon as one of the Fund Raising Officers for Heart of England has raised considerable sums of money for the group over recent years with her Bag Packing Session, Raffles and Pie & Pea Night.
Mr Darren Elliott - 3rd Degree
Darren Elliott is the Instructor at Leabrooks and Kirkby-in-Ashfield Schools.
I began looking into the different martial arts at the age of 27. The reason being is at this time in my life, I was going through a rocky period and was feeling really low. I began Kick Boxing in 1997, at Hucknall, with Master Vorra and it was ok but not quite challenging enough for me. However, I began Taekwon-Do that same year, with Mr Gary Bradshaw and was instantly addicted. This was the major turning point in my life that guided me through my career as a martial artist. It was through the T.A.G.B. that I progressed with Mr Bradshaw & gained my 1st degree. As a 1st degree I became an Instructor at a time when I transferred with Mr & Mrs Bradshaw to P.U.M.A. & gained my 2nd degree. I’ve now been an Instructor for 7 years and found that Taekwon-do is much more than just a martial art. I believe Taekwon do is a path to follow and having incorporated it into my everyday life, has helped me to become a stronger person spiritually, mentally & physically.
I now have 2 established clubs with the Heart of England Association and enjoy all my Taekwon-Do, as this art has true progression and will for years to come. I was promoted to 3rd Degree in April 2010!
Mrs Sarah Harris has been teaching for 6 years and is the Instructor for Ilkeston and Derby (Oakwood) TKD Schools as well as the Junior TKD Instructor for Hucknall. Sarah is also the Junior Taekwon-do Co-ordinator for the Heart of England Group.
I’m married with 3 children, 2 boys 14 years and 15 months and a girl 10 years. I work as a nurse at a GP practice by day, and in the evening and weekends I’m a Taekwon-do instructor, so as you can imagine I’m very busy.
I started Taekwon-do with my son when he was 4 years old to give him support and for me to keep fit , and also because my sister and her younger sons were training at the time and said it would be good for me??? Well 10 years down the line and I’m still training and still enjoying my Taekwon-do training. I passed my black belt in 2002, and then went on to complete all the courses to become a Taekwon-do instructor. I now have my own Taekwon-do clubs and have been teaching for 6 years. I was also promoted to 3rd degree this year.
Taekwon-do must be infectious because my whole family are training now.
Vicky Hart is the Instructor at both Wollaton and Bilborough TKD Schools and is also the Junior Taekwon-do Instructor at Eastwood School. 'I'm 38 years old, a 2nd degree Black Belt, a mother of 2 girls and partner to David Paulson. 1 of my children is also a 2nd degree Black Belt but no longer trains. I've achieved some very good results when grading, and won a lot of medals when competing. I still compete regularly and enjoy it. My most notable achievement to date was in the World Cup Veterans held in Birmingham in 2007, where I won the GOLD in the heavy weight Black Belt ladies sparring division and then won GOLD in patterns. A dream came true'. Selected by England ITF for the 1st Senior World Championships in Korea 2010 Vicky won three Silver Medals in Sparring, Patterns and Special Techniques.
Martyn Lloyd has been training in Taekwon-do for 6 years. He's an Instructor with the Lloyd Taekwon-do Schools covering Rainworth, Mansfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Huthwaite and Pilsley. 'I never intended starting Taekwon-do but used to sit and watch my family train. On the lead up to Gradings I would help them with their theory and eventually it got to the point where I was learning as much as them so decided to give it a go. I haven't looked back since. I thoroughly enjoy teaching especially when students show a genuine interest in the art and want to develop to their full potential. I'm a very keen competitor and have enjoyed a good deal of success during my 6 years of training, winning several National and International awards in the Seniors Categories. The Highlight of my TKD to date was being selected by England ITF for the 1st Senior World Championships in Korea in 2010 where I became World Champion in Senior Male 1st Degree Patterns and Senior Male Special Techniques. I was also awarded Best Overall Senior Male. As Webmaster for Heart of England ITF and Lloyd TKD Schools, and with a full time job at The University of Nottingham and teaching TKD 6 days a week, life is very full. I'm also hoping to fit in my 2nd Degree Grading this year!'
Mrs Suzanne Lloyd - 2nd Degree
Sue Lloyd is the Instructor for Lloyd Schools at Rainworth, Mansfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Huthwaite and Pilsley. With 7 years TKD Training under her belt nearly 4 years of which have been as an Instructor, Sue has decided to make TKD her full time career. 'I teach 7 days a week and whilst it becomes a bit testing at times I thoroughly enjoy teaching the art. The ethos for my schools is family. In this age where every one is busy, it’s not always easy to spend time together, get fit, work & generally enjoy life. Taekwon-do brings people together and is one of the few arts/sports where families can train together as equals. My family and I all train and teach together and we help each other to progress; certainly we have our share of disagreements but we all have the same goal of developing both ourselves and the students at my schools to their full potential'.
Sue is also one of the regular coaches for the Heart of England Squad and Treasurer for the Heart of England Group. Sue has also been active in Fund Raising activities organising Fun Days, Patterns Seminars and Sparathons.
Steven Noble is the instructor for the Noble Dragons Schools at Burton-on-Trent, Stapenhill and Swadlincote. Steven has been training in Taekwon-do since 1996 under the TAGB. He obtained his 1st Degree Black Belt in April 2002 and then went on to pass his full instructors qualification in October of the same year. Steven, who passed his 3rd degree black belt in October 2007, is now a full time instructor. Steven is also the Marketing, Promotions and Press Officer for the Heart of England Group.
Mr Nathan Nunnick - 4th Degree
Mr Nunnick is a regular stand-in Instructor for the Bradshaw Schools at Alfreton, Eastwood, Hucknall and Kimberley. Nathan was promoted to 4th Degree in April 2010 following a testing grading by Master Nicholls, Head of England-ITF.
Ms Alexandra Page - 4th Degree
Ms Page is a regular stand-in instructor at Mr Gary Bradshaw's and Ms Vicky Hart's Schools. Alex has been a regular in both National and International Competitions and has been selected to represent the England ITF Squad and the PUMA England Squad on many occasions including the World Championships in Korea 2004, Australia 2006 and Birmingham 2007. I was promoted to 4th Degree in April 2010 following a testing grading by Master Nicholls, Head of England-ITF.
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I’ve been training in Taekwon-do for around 8 years and was a member of the TAGB and PUMA under Mr Gary Bradshaw until we moved away in July 2009 to form the Heart of England ITF Taekwon-do Association.
I’m now a 2nd degree in Taekwon-do studying for my 3rd. I also train in Kickboxing and come from a Boxing background. I run three Martial Arts schools; Chesterfield TKD School, Holmesfield TKD School and Newbold School where I have both Junior and Full TKD students. I’m also the Assistant Instructor at the Staveley TKD School as well as being the Junior TKD Instructor there. I was also Captain of the Chesterfield Storm Team that won the Inter Clubs TKD League Cup 4-5 years ago.
I have 3 children who keep me busy when I’m not training, and for my sins I’m a huge Tottenham Hotspur fan but don’t get to go to as many games as I’d like to!!
Mr Anthony Tolley - 4th Degree
Anthony Tolley is the Instructor at the Bestwood and Selston TKD Schools. Anthony is also the Bookings and Events Officer for the Heart of England Group.Mr Tolley was promoted to 4th Degree in April 2010 following a testing grading by Master Nicholls, Head of England-ITF.
Mr Stephen Wagstaff - 4th Degree
Steve Wagstaff is the
Instructor at the Staveley and Arkwright Town TKD Schools. Steve is also
one of the regular coaches for the Heart of England Squad.
Born in 1971 I started training in Taekwon–Do at the age of 16 in 1987 at a club in Chesterfield Town Centre under Mr. Roy Slater, who was the original teacher of my current instructor, Mr. Gary Bradshaw.
I gained my 1st Degree Black Belt in 1992, grading under Hee ll cho. Shortly after this I sustained a serious injury to my elbow, which put me out of training for several years, undergoing Physio and strength exercises to help me regain full use, which then enabled me to get back into training. When I restarted Taekwon–do, although being a black belt, I had been out of training for a long time and had to familiarise myself with all the syllabus from white belt up to my current belt, after this long process I started entering competitions winning a selection of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for Patterns, Sparring and Breaking.
I then gained my 2nd degree black belt in 2003 and also completed my assistance instructors course in 2004, at this time I cross trained in other styles of Martial Arts, taking part in Kick boxing, under Steve Ball and John Stevenson, this class closed due to the instructors other commitments so then decided to try Hap Kido under Matt Lyons and Master Sam Plum.
I then completed my full instructors Course with a credit in 2005, I also took part in 2 Fast Defense courses. Shortly after this I was given the great opportunity to take over the Chesterfield Taekwon–do class, which has gone from strength to strength, I then had to stop Hap Kido to concentrate on my own club, but training in the other styles has also helped me with ideas in the way in which I train. I subsequently opened a new school and added extra nights.
After 3 years of hard work I gained my 3rd degree with a credit in 2006, I then started back at Kick Boxing under Rob Beeson, which I still do to this day.
My Goals for the future are to continue training and teach and promote Taekwon–do and the Heart of England Association as long as I am fit and able. Mr Wagstaff was promoted to 4th Degree in April 2010 following a testing grading by Master Nicholls, Head of England-ITF.
Mr Peter Whitehead - 4th Degree
Mr Peter Whitehead is the Instructor at the Sutton Bonington School.
Mr Chris Woolcock - 4th Degree
As an experienced martial artist, Chris Woolcock has recently been promoted to the rank of 4th Degree in Taekwon-do. He currently teaches Taekwon-do at his school in Wolverhampton. Over the years his experience of combat training has covered many disciplines. “Personally I’ve experienced many martial arts and stuck with Taekwon-do. At the time I was able to complement my sparring with techniques from other arts, which kept the motivation levels high”.
As a teenager there were many distractions, however through Taekwon-do an opportunity to take responsibility for my own training and development changed my outlook on life. Another bonus was the opportunity to train under a respected instructor and alongside a range of students, both younger and older from many walks of life.
A successful weekend at the AIMMA world championships in 2004 which included Gold for sparring and silver in 3rd/4th degree technical breaking, led to a quiet departure from competitive Taekwon-do. Although training continued, it was while working in the East Midlands where a chance meeting with Heart of England, led to a renewed interest in Taekwon-do.
“As a 4th degree, yes I'm classed an expert, but still there needs to be room for humility as there is so much to learn”. After joining Heart of England and attending some of the Imperial seminars and training sessions, it’s nice to hear and experience genuine guidance and development. The words “check and correct” I'm hearing regularly and the technical aspect makes the training enjoyable.