The People Behind Our Community
Get to know the people who help make our programmes, events and community activities possible.
Meet our wonderful team!
Claire Cullen
Membership Coordinator | Party Planner | Events Organiser
Claire is responsible for supporting our members and helping to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and looked after. Alongside her role as Membership Coordinator, Claire brings her organisational skills and creativity to our events and celebrations as our Party Planner and Events Organiser.
From coordinating memberships to helping organise exciting events, Claire plays an important role in keeping our community connected and engaged.
Sarah Hodson
Admin Assistant | Schools Liaison | Outreach Coordinator
Sarah supports the day-to-day administration of the organisation while also working closely with schools and community partners.
As our Schools Liaison and Outreach Coordinator, Sarah helps build relationships with schools and external organisations, supporting opportunities that allow us to reach and engage with more people within the community.
Dr James Gillies
PhD, DIC, BSc Hons, PGDE
Instructor
Dr James Gillies brings a strong academic background alongside extensive knowledge of specialist training disciplines.
Teaching:
- Kapap-Krav Maga
- Iai-Jutsu
- Light Sabre
- Tai Chi
- CQS
James’ varied teaching portfolio allows students to explore different disciplines while developing practical skills, confidence, awareness and personal development.
Andrew Riley
CQP, MCQI, IRCA | BMABA Level 2 Instructor | First Aider | IKF Certified Instructor
Instructor
Andrew brings professional qualifications and instructor experience to his teaching role, with a particular focus on practical self-protection and close-quarter skills.
Teaching:
- Kapap-Krav Maga
- CQS
- CQB
Andrew’s approach focuses on developing practical skills in a structured and supportive training environment.
Andrew Cullen
HND Sport Development & Coaching | Co-Owner | BMABA Level 2 Instructor | First Aider | IKF Certified Instructor
Instructor & Co-Owner
Andrew combines his background in Sport Development & Coaching with his experience as an instructor and co-owner.
Teaching:
- Kapap-Krav Maga
- S.E.N.D.
- CQS
- CQB
Andrew is passionate about creating an inclusive training environment and supporting students with different abilities and needs. His work with S.E.N.D. forms an important part of the organisation’s commitment to accessible and inclusive development.
David Whiteside
CQP, MCQI, AIOSH | TBBF Founder & Co-Owner | BMABA Level 2 Instructor | First Aider | IKF Certified Instructor
Founder, Co-Owner & Instructor
David is the Founder and Co-Owner of TBBF and brings extensive experience across a wide range of martial arts, self-protection and specialist training disciplines.
Teaching:
- Kapap-Krav Maga
- Ju-Jitsu
- Kick Boxing
- Iai-Jutsu
- Modern & Traditional
- Weapons
- Firearms
- S.E.N.D.
- Lil Dragons
- CQS
- CQB
David’s broad range of experience enables TBBF to offer students opportunities to develop skills across multiple disciplines, from early-years programmes through to more advanced training.
Graffiti Fielden
Lil Dragons & Pre-School Specialist | Child Development
Graffiti specialises in working with younger children through our Lil Dragons and pre-school programmes.
With a focus on child development, Graffiti helps create fun, engaging and age-appropriate sessions designed to support children’s physical, social and personal development.
The Lil Dragons programme provides an opportunity for young children to learn, explore and develop important skills in a positive and encouraging environment.
A Team With a Shared Purpose
Although each member of our team brings their own specialist experience and skills, we share a common goal: to support people in developing confidence, skills and a positive approach to personal growth.
Whether you’re joining us for martial arts training, a Lil Dragons session, SEND support, community outreach or one of our events, our team is here to help you feel part of the community.
Meet the team. Discover what we offer. Find the programme that’s right for you.