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Coaches
All of our coaches are qualified by the British Aikido Board, fully insured, and DBS certified. Torquay Aikido Club is part of the Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society, which promotes Aikido as a vibrant, living art as taught by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Under the leadership of Gwynne Jones Shihan 9th Dan , Torbay Aikido fosters a continuously evolving practice that welcomes practitioners of many styles and encourages mutual growth, ensuring our Aikido remains a dynamic art form, true to the vision of Morihei Ueshiba.
Aikido Qualifications
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August 2025 6th Dan
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September 2023 Level 2 British Aikido Board Coach
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April 2022 5th Dan
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September 2015 4th Dan
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August 2010 3rd Dan
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August 2007 2nd Dan
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August 2005 Level One British Aikido Board Coach
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August 2004 1st Dan
Ray Brown
​Rokudan, (6th Dan)
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Head Instructor, Torbay Aikido Club
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Ray brings over 50 years of martial arts dedication to the mats as the Head Instructor of Torbay Aikido Club. A certified Level 2 Coach with the British Aikido Board and a Shin Gi Tai Aikido Coach, Ray offers a teaching style that seamlessly blends traditional discipline with a pragmatic understanding of body mechanics.
Ray holds the distinguished rank of 6th Dan in Aikido and a 1st Dan in Judo. His expertise is further enriched by additonal study in Hapkido, Karate, Jujutsu, and Aikijutsu. This broad cross-disciplinary background allows him to offer unique technical insights to experienced martial artists, while providing a structured, safe, and professional foundation for complete beginners.
His commitment to the art led to a prestigious invitation to train in Japan under esteemed instructors—a pivotal experience that continues to inform his high standard of instruction. Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the first time or seeking to deepen a lifelong practice, Ray is dedicated to fostering technical excellence and a genuine passion for Aikido in every student.
Roger Priddes
Yondan (4th Dan)
Roger’s journey is a testament to the lifelong evolution of a martial artist. Starting in 1968, he initially made his mark in the high-impact world of Taekwondo, eventually becoming the British Full-Contact Champion in 1978. After decades of managing successful clubs and producing high-ranking black belts, Roger discovered Aikido in 2002.
This transition marked a turning point. Roger found that Aikido’s "gentle way" provided a sophisticated answer to aggression, proving that technical precision can overcome raw strength. Now a 4th Dan (Yondan) and a BAB Certified Coach, Roger focuses on the well-being of his students, teaching Aikido as a path to physical balance, mental clarity, and longevity
