Mike commenced Aikido in 2002 under Ken Fisher Sensei 4th dan and David Luddington Sensei 4th dan where he was graded to 1st dan in 2004.

Regular training with Professor Rick Clarke 8th dan Ryukyu Kempo, on his trips to Europe lead to Mike being awarded 1st dan in Ao Denko Jutsu also in 2004.

Between 2004 and 2007 Mike taught a weekly class at United Dojos in Taunton, augmenting his own practise with regular attendence at local clubs and courses.

Mike also trains twice a week at Hagakure Fudoshin Iaido with Mick Simmonette Sensei 4th dan Iaido, 2nd dan jodo, 1st dan kendo at Creech St. Michael, Somerset.

Mikes main influences include Barry Gibson 4th Dan of Isshin Dotai Aikido, a very good friend, a nice guy and an Aikidoka whose exceptionally practical and dynamic style he finds a joy to behold and Toby Threadgill Kaicho,by far the most accomplished and knowledgable martial artist he has met. It was a pleasure to be able to attend one of his much saught after seminars.His jujutsu is soft, relaxed yet incredibly devistating.

Over the last 3 years, Mike has sought out and trained with many different teachers and attended seminars and courses in an effort to improve his understanding and open mindedness towards teaching Aikido. Recent courses have also included Professor Rick Clarke Ao Denko Jutsu and Toby Threadgill Kaicho Takamura ha Shindo Yoshin ryu Jujutsu. Mike is currently training with Phil Benge Sensei at Rising Sun Aikido, Weston-Super-Mare.

On the 14th June 2008, Mike was graded to 2nd dan Aikido by Barry Gibson Sensei 4th Dan A.M.A and John Shields Sensei 4th Dan A.M.A. His grade is recognised by the A.M.A and the B.A.B

On the 19th August 2008, Mike was graded to Shodan in Seitei Iaido by the British Kendo Association

Mike has completed Coach level 1 with the British Aikido Board, 1st Aid certification from the Red Cross and has Instuctors Insurance from the B.A.B.

Tony was awarded his Shodan in July 2010 by Sensei Phil Benge (4th Dan), Sensei Pete Gillings (6th Dan) and the teaching element of the grading was also assessed by Mick Simmonette (4th Dan BKA).

Tony also trains in Kenpo Karate under Jon Finlayson (6th Dan) and albeit 'Karate', Kenpo is very self defence orientated and complements his Aikido. It is a relatively young art that was developed by the late Grand Master Ed Parker and combines elements of many different martial arts, delivering a very effective close quarter system.

Tony started his martial arts training back in 1985 when he joined a local Tae Kwon-Do club in Scunthorpe that was part of the European Tae Kwon-Do Union and graded to 6th Kup. Due to moving location he switched to the TAGB (Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain) and trained under Ian Marriage, Les Wright, Andy Lamb and Ralph (Cool Dude!) Minott. Tony was graded to 1st Dan in 1990 in front of Master Hee ll Cho so was a special honour.

Tony's Aikido continues to develop under Mike Higgins Sensei's instruction and with influences from Barry Gibson Sensei (5th Dan Isshin Dotai Aikido), John Shields Sensei (5th Dan Isshin Dotai Aikido), Robert Mustard Sensei (7th Dan Yoshinkan Aikido) and his original instructor Malcolm Copp-Taylor Sensei (5th Dan Aikido, 4th Dan Iaido).

Tony has completed Coach level 1 with the British Aikido Board and has Instuctors Insurance from the B.A.B.