Instructors
Welcome to Tony Sewell’s Martial Arts Academy. Meet our dedicated team of Black Belt Instructors who under the guidance of Master Tony Sewell provide our students with a vast array of technical ability and knowledge. Below is information on each of our instructors:
Master Tony Sewell 7th Degree (Chief Instructor)
Click here to read about Tony Sewell
Mr. Paul Hamilton 3rd Degree (Senior Instructor)
I started my training in Taekwondo under Instructor Master Tony Sewell in Derby in 1988 and during my years of training in Taekwondo I have always been involved with the events organised by my instructor and the GTI, Squad training, competitions, International tournaments and I have won numerous titles over my 14 years of competing. I took my umpires certificate in January 2004 and also took my instructor certificate under Master K. Stone. I was also promoted to Assistant Instructor which took me by surprise but was truly honoured and privileged to have been considered for this position. 2005 was packed full of highs and more highs for me – not only have I realised some of my goals this year. I have worked hard on the ground work side of my fighting that we do at the Academy and I have seen a fantastic standard from all of the students in the school and all of us are a reflection of what a brilliant Master we have. I continue to work hard on my fitness; my journey is after all only just beginning. I will continue supporting the school, work towards improving my Taekwondo skills grappling skills and share with others what I have learnt.
Dave Tapp 2nd Degree (Senior Instructor)
Dave Tapp has been studying Martial Arts for almost 25 years. He has been a qualified Global Taekwondo International Instructor since 1994 and gained his advanced coaching and assessing status by the Martial Arts Development Council in 1996. He is also a Senior Umpire and Referee since 1994 and during his career been involved at various stages in all the Major events.
As a former Police Sergeant, Dave is well versed in both Self-defence and Restraint techniques. He specialises in education and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.He promotes conflict resolutionand always advocates this during his training sessions and seminars.
He is also an acclaimed fighter and holds many medals for his achievements, his greatest being a member of Tony Sewell’s Elite Team and winning the Global Taekwondo International team championships for 4 years in a row and retiring undefeated.
Dave, who was the former Press and Publicity Officer for GTI with many publications in all the Major Martial Arts Magazines in both the United Kingdom and Ireland, is currently the Press and Publicity Officer for Derby Central Taekwondo. He is also a Senior First Aid Instructor and Assessor (HSE) and advisor to Mr Sewell.
All of our instructors are fully qualified, and first aid trained. In addition we take pride in the fact that all our instructors have had enhanced CRB (police) safety checks, which ensures a high standard of instruction and safety.
Mr. Lewis Sewell 1st Degree (Instructor)
I started Taekwondo at the age of 5 in 1988 after going to watch a class in Derby. I was inspired by my dad to start Taekwondo and I wanted to be able to do the things that he did. My dad took me to a class with him because of his high reputation and numerous titles. I had it hard from the start as my dad made me train very hard to make sure that this is exactly what I wanted to do. I discovered that I was naturally very flexible and good at kicking, as well as being fit to start with, so I took to Taekwondo easily. Soon, I found that I was making good progress, becoming fitter and more confident. I enjoyed training at my club and made lots of friends, so this became another rewarding aspect of my training. I’ve won a number of national competitions sparring when I was actively competing in Taekwondo tournaments.
As a 1st Dan, I now have different responsibilities and achieving my Instructors qualification has presented me with opportunities to pursue a different aspect of the art. I have always been interested in teaching others and I really find assisting in my club to be rewarding. In addition to this, it has proven to be a useful asset. We do all kinds of things, including fitness training, bag work, self defence, and line work and stretching, and grappling work. We put on demonstration for new student’s who may be interested in joining the academy so they can see what a great school they are joining.
Mr Rizwan Shafiq 1st Degree (Instructor)
I have been training in Taekwondo for over 12 years and do a little boxing as well. I’ve been teaching Taekwondo to children and adults of mixed ability for 4 years. I have 4 sons who do Taekwondo between the ages of 6 to 20, two of my sons have achieved black belt. I enjoy all aspects of my training and find that it really does provide all-round, positive effects on the individual. Taekwondo has made me stronger, fitter and more flexible, as well as providing me with opportunities to do things that I may not otherwise have had the chance to do. Moreover, it has improved my confidence and taught me to believe in myself.
Mr. Simon Nguyen 1st Degree (Instructor)
Simon Nguyen is a Second generation Taekwondo Instructor. His Father is a 7th Dan Master and former World Champion. His Mother is a 3rd Dan Black belt and came second in the World Championships, so Taekwondo is in his blood.
Simon has been training under Master Tony Sewell for a total of four years with the plan to start teaching as soon as possible in order to follow in his parent’s footsteps. Now he has achieved his black belt, completed the instructor’s course, and teaches classes at Master Sewell’s club as well as teaching children at Lakeside Primary School in Alvaston.