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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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September 2023 Level 2 BAB 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 BAB Coach
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August 2004 1st Dan
Ray Brown
​Godan, (5th Dan)
the Head Instructor of Torbay Aikido Club. With a wealth of experience and a passion for martial arts, Ray has been dedicated to martial arts since 1972. His journey began at a young age and led him to teach professionally for over a decade, sharing his knowledge of Judo and Aikido with local schools.
Ray holds a 5th Dan in Aikido and a 1st Dan in Judo, having also explored various other martial arts, including Hapkido, Karate, Jujutsu, Aikijutsu, and Karate Jutsu.
As a Level 2 coach with the British Aikido Board and a Shin Gi Tai Aikido Coach. Ray's training journey has taken him around the world, including a significant invitation to Japan to train with esteemed instructors. Through his dedication to martial arts and continuous learning he is committed to fostering a deep love for and skill in Aikido for all who train under him at Torbay Aikido Club.
Roger Priddes
Yondan (4th Dan)
Roger began his martial journey in 1968, transitioning to Taekwondo in 1973, where he earned 1st dan black belt in 1977 and 2nd dan in 1979. He successfully managed multiple clubs in the Norfolk area, helping many students achieve black belt status. With a keen interest in full contact competition, he became the British champion in 1978. In 2002, he started practicing Aikido, discovering Aikido's gentler approach was well-suited for older practitioners and effective against stronger opponents.
He achieved his Aikido Shodan rank in 2012 and obtained the British Aikido Board Coaching certificate in February 2013. He promoted to Nidan in August 2019 and Sandan in June 2023, with Yondan in August 2024. Roger appreciates Aikido as an excellent way to stay fit and maintain balance in various aspects of life, including coordination, balance, and overall well-being.
Helen Lonsborough
Nidan (2nd Dan)
Helen has been involved in martial arts for most of her life, with a special passion for the internal practices of Tai Chi and Qigong. She joined our group in 2014, beginning her Aikido training with Ray at Torbay Aikido Club, drawn by Aikido's internal martial arts elements. After carefully choosing a club that aligned with her experience in internal energy while also providing the martial effectiveness she sought, she found her fit at Torbay Aikido, which blends Ki with traditional aikido forms.
Helen adapted to Aikido remarkably well, achieving rapid advancement through the ranks. She was awarded her Shodan in August 2018 by Gwynn Jones Soke, the head of Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society, and the following year, she successfully completed her British Aikido Board Coach level one award. She passed her 2nd Dan with SGTAA in April 2022.
Now, Helen has taken on a more active coaching role during sessions, and her approach has been a valuable addition to the team.