Meet The Instructors

Our Jiu Jitsu Foundation mandated instructors have spent years training in jiu jitsu and through various levels of instruction courses have similarly developed their instructing skills. Instructors are DBS checked, qualified first aiders, and fully insured.

The club also hosts visiting instructors from around the region and regional events where you can train with a wide range of instructors from around the region.

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Tom Dugmore

Lead Instructor

Tom Dugmore is a lecturer in the Chemistry department at the University of York and has trained at various clubs over the years, but he began his jiu jitsu studies at the University of York and picked up the mantle of lead instructor several years ago. In late 2019 he also took over as lead instructor of the city centre club. He has been a Level 2 Coach since 2008, has had full British Jiu-Jitsu Association teaching mandate since 2013. He is qualified in First Aid in Sport, Safeguarding Juniors and Vulnerable Adults and clear DBS record.

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Simon Pickersgill

Instructor

Simon makes regular visits to the club to run assessments for the Juniors and act as a guest instructor. He taught at Leeds University for ten years, acts as regional coordinator and was recently promoted to secondary tutor.

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Gigi Dugmore

Assistant Instructor

Gigi is President of the club and gained her assistant instructor qualification in 2023 .

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John Clegg

Assistant Instructor

John has trained in ju jitsu since 2017 and gained his assistant instructor qualification in 2023. He is also DBS cleared and a first aider.

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Ted Clegg

Assistant Instructor

Ted started jiu jitsu in 2017 and gained his assistant instructor qualification in 2023. Our first junior assistant instructor.