ABOUT TSX MARTIAL ARTS

TSX Martial Arts is one of the largest and longest-established Taekwon-Do groups in Yorkshire, helping children, teens and adults build confidence, discipline, leadership and resilience since 1993.

 What started as a single club has grown into a family of clubs across Yorkshire, Calderdale and Lancashire, providing high-quality martial arts instruction in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Today, TSX Martial Arts consists of five academies:

  • TSX Bingley Academy (Head Office)
  • TSX Wharfedale (Burley in Wharfedale)
  • TSX East Morton
  • TSX Pendle (Kelbrook)
  • TSX Calderdale (Hebden Bridge)

Together, our clubs support hundreds of students ranging from complete beginners to national and international competitors.

Whether your goal is to build confidence, improve fitness, learn practical self-defence, become a black belt, compete at the highest level, or simply be part of a positive community, TSX provides a structured pathway to help you achieve it.

Our students have represented England at international championships, developed into instructors and leaders within our organisation, and gained skills that benefit them both on and off the training floor.

More importantly, we’ve built something that is increasingly rare today — a genuine community where students support one another, families become lifelong friends, and people of all ages can challenge themselves in a safe and encouraging environment.

At TSX Martial Arts, we’re not just teaching martial arts. We’re developing people.

OUR MISSION

To help every student become the best version of themselves through martial arts.

We achieve this by developing:

✓ Confidence
✓ Discipline
✓ Respect
✓ Leadership
✓ Resilience
✓ Fitness
✓ Self-Defence Skills
✓ Community Spirit

Welcome to the TSX FAMILY

MEET THE TEAM

Experienced instructors. Positive role models. Dedicated mentors

Our Instructors are passionate about helping every student unlock their potential through martial arts. With decades of combined experience, our team is committed to providing a safe, welcoming & inspiring environment for students of all ages & abilities

PHILIP DOWNING - FOUNDER, DIRECTOR & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

6th Degree Black Belt | International Instructor | Over 25 Years Teaching Experience

I began my martial arts journey as a child with the same doubts & uncertainties many students experience today. I wasn’t the most confident child, nor the most naturally talented athlete. What martial arts taught me was that success isn’t about where you start – it’s about commitment, perserverence & having the right guidance along the way.

Since founding TSX Martial Arts in 1993, my mission has been to help children & adults discover their potential through martial arts training. Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of students build confidence, improve their fitness, develop leadership skills & achieve goals they once thought were beyond their reach.

My background extends beyond martial arts, having worked in the fitness industry, coached athletes to national & international level, & developed instructors who now lead successful classes of their own. Today, TSX Martial Arts continues to grow through a dedicated team of instructors who share the same vision & values.

Whether your goal is to build confidence, learn self-defence, improve your fitness, compete at a high level or simply become the best version of yourself, my commitment remains the same as it was when I taught my very first class:

To help every student become stronger, more confident & more successful in life.

EMELIA MAY - DIRECTOR, SENIOR INSTRUCTOR & WELLBEING COACH

5th Degree Black Belt | International Instructor | Over 15 Years Teaching Experience  | Tai Chi & Meditation Teacher

Emelia brings a unique combination of martial arts excellence & personal wellbeing coaching to TSX Martial Arts. As a senior black belt & experienced instructor, she has helped countless children, teens & adults build confidence, improve fitness & achieve goals they once thought impossible. Her positive energy, patience & ability to connect with people make her a valued mentor to students of all ages.

In addition to martial arts, Emelia is highly experienced in Tai Chi, meditation & mindfulness practices, helping students develop not only physical skills but also focus, resilience & emotional wellbeing.

She believes martial arts should empower people both on & off the training floor, giving them the confidence & life skills to succeed in whatever challenges they face. 

“Martial arts is not just about learning techniques – it’s about building confidence, balance & strength for life.”

MAXINE SAINS - NINJA CUBS LEAD INSTRUCTOR

TSX Martial Arts Instructor | Mentor | Role Model | TSX Family Member Since The Beginning

Few people have had a bigger impact on TSX Martial Arts than Maxine.

A loyal and dedicated member of the TSX family for many years, Maxine has helped shape generations of students and families within our academy. Both of her sons achieved black belt level, with her eldest son, Alex, being one of the very first black belts produced by TSX Martial Arts.

Although physical limitations prevented Maxine from continuing her own grading journey beyond 2nd Dan, her knowledge, experience and contribution to the academy are recognised and respected by everyone who knows her. Had circumstances been different, there is little doubt she would have continued to achieve the highest levels within martial arts.

Today, Maxine leads our Ninja Cubs programme for children aged 4 to 6 years and is responsible for delivering the Ninja Cubs curriculum and gradings. Her unique ability to combine fun, energy and enthusiasm with clear boundaries and discipline makes her the perfect instructor for our youngest students.

To many children, Maxine is their very first martial arts instructor, helping them take those important first steps towards confidence, focus and self-belief. In fact, many Ninja Cubs become so attached to her classes that they are reluctant to move up into the junior programme!

Known as the heart of the TSX family, Maxine brings warmth, humour, loyalty and an infectious personality to everything she does. TSX Martial Arts simply would not be the same without her.

“For many students, Maxine isn’t just an instructor—she’s the person who made them fall in love with martial arts.”

PAULA IRWIN - LADIES ONLY LEAD INSTRUCTOR

3rd Dan Black Belt | Instructor | Mentor | Team Supporter

Paula is the living proof that determination, perseverance and hard work can achieve extraordinary things.

Her martial arts journey has never been the easiest, but she embodies the belief that consistent effort will always overcome obstacles. No matter what challenges are placed in her path, Paula refuses to give up. Through dedication, practice and an unwavering commitment to improvement, she continues to inspire everyone around her.

As the first student from our Ladies Only programme to achieve Black Belt, Paula became a role model for countless others. Today, she leads our Ladies Only classes, setting the standard through her example, enthusiasm and work ethic.

Paula has a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. She is kind, supportive and always willing to help others succeed. Her sense of humour and infectious personality bring energy to every class, while her encouragement gives students the confidence to achieve more than they thought possible.

As both an instructor and parent within the club, Paula has dedicated countless hours to supporting TSX Martial Arts. Whether she is helping students prepare for gradings, supporting competitors at tournaments, cheering from the sidelines or simply making people smile, she gives far more than she ever asks for in return.

Paula is also one of the club’s biggest supporters at competitions. She loves the camaraderie, team spirit and shared experiences that competition brings, and nobody celebrates the success of others more enthusiastically than she does.

Known for her energy, loyalty and passion, Paula reminds us all that enthusiasm truly is infectious.

“Paula may not always realise it herself, but she inspires people simply by refusing to quit.”

MASTER JO ARSOL - SENIOR INSTRUCTOR & TSX TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

8th  Dan Black Belt | World Renowned International Instructor | TSX Technical Director | Over 50 Years Teaching Experience

Paula is the living proof that determination, perseverance and hard work can achieve extraordinary things.

Her martial arts journey has never been the easiest, but she embodies the belief that consistent effort will always overcome obstacles. No matter what challenges are placed in her path, Paula refuses to give up. Through dedication, practice and an unwavering commitment to improvement, she continues to inspire everyone around her.

As the first student from our Ladies Only programme to achieve Black Belt, Paula became a role model for countless others. Today, she leads our Ladies Only classes, setting the standard through her example, enthusiasm and work ethic.

Paula has a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. She is kind, supportive and always willing to help others succeed. Her sense of humour and infectious personality bring energy to every class, while her encouragement gives students the confidence to achieve more than they thought possible.

As both an instructor and parent within the club, Paula has dedicated countless hours to supporting TSX Martial Arts. Whether she is helping students prepare for gradings, supporting competitors at tournaments, cheering from the sidelines or simply making people smile, she gives far more than she ever asks for in return.

Paula is also one of the club’s biggest supporters at competitions. She loves the camaraderie, team spirit and shared experiences that competition brings, and nobody celebrates the success of others more enthusiastically than she does.

Known for her energy, loyalty and passion, Paula reminds us all that enthusiasm truly is infectious.

“Paula may not always realise it herself, but she inspires people simply by refusing to quit.”

JENNY LEWIS - SENIOR INSTRUCTOR & TSX SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

3rd Dan Black Belt | Instructor |TSX Safe Guarding Officer | 

Paula is the living proof that determination, perseverance and hard work can achieve extraordinary things.

Her martial arts journey has never been the easiest, but she embodies the belief that consistent effort will always overcome obstacles. No matter what challenges are placed in her path, Paula refuses to give up. Through dedication, practice and an unwavering commitment to improvement, she continues to inspire everyone around her.

As the first student from our Ladies Only programme to achieve Black Belt, Paula became a role model for countless others. Today, she leads our Ladies Only classes, setting the standard through her example, enthusiasm and work ethic.

Paula has a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. She is kind, supportive and always willing to help others succeed. Her sense of humour and infectious personality bring energy to every class, while her encouragement gives students the confidence to achieve more than they thought possible.

As both an instructor and parent within the club, Paula has dedicated countless hours to supporting TSX Martial Arts. Whether she is helping students prepare for gradings, supporting competitors at tournaments, cheering from the sidelines or simply making people smile, she gives far more than she ever asks for in return.

Paula is also one of the club’s biggest supporters at competitions. She loves the camaraderie, team spirit and shared experiences that competition brings, and nobody celebrates the success of others more enthusiastically than she does.

Known for her energy, loyalty and passion, Paula reminds us all that enthusiasm truly is infectious.

“Paula may not always realise it herself, but she inspires people simply by refusing to quit.”

MEET OUR JUNIOR INSTRUCTORS - THE NEXT GENERATION

Sophie Burrows

Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt Instructor

Isabel Corby

Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt Instructor

Seth Irwin

Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt Instructor

Ned Crabtree

Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt Instructor

We Share & teach The Same Values You Teach At Home.

Our programmes have a strong focus on personal development. The foundations of our morals, values and core character traits are formed in our early years. For this reason, the programmes at TSX Martial Arts are an essential way to enhance the growth and personal development of young students of all ages. 

TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN: SELF DEFENCE & AWARENESS SKILLS FOR THE REAL WORLD

You may have experienced boredom with your usual fitness routine or reached a plateau in your performance or physical fitness results. Our adult programmes are the perfect alternative to a boring gym routine, as they help you develop into your maximum potential both physically and mentally by providing real-life self-defence strategies in a fun, focused environment.

What Makes TSX Martial Arts Different From other Karate & Taekwondo Schools?

We focus on the personal development aspect of martial arts, not just self-defence moves.

Our instructors are all certified black belts, qualified, and professionally trained to teach martial arts.

Our facility is always clean and features a viewing area for parents, as well as matted floors throughout.

Our Promise at TSX Martial Arts:

To Train in the
Highest Quality Martial Arts
Programme Available

To Focus On
Personal Development
in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programmes
Accessible & Enjoyable
by People of Any Age

WHAT IS TAEKWONDO

Tae Kwon-Do is the style of martial arts practiced by TSX Martial Arts students.
The journey from White Belt to Black Belt is one of incremental learning and skill development, that students of any age and fitness level can embark on.

FUN, EXCITEMENT & PREPARATION: STUDENTS & PARENTS LOVE MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENTS!

One of the most fun parts of martial arts training is the ability to test your skills by competing in a tournament. Tournaments are not only fun for competitors, but they also become a great social experience for parents as well!

From sparring to forms to team demos, these awesome competitions are not only a place where our students can test their skills, but also a place where team spirit is built, fears are overcome, and character is developed. Most importantly, they are tons of fun!

One more reason you will love martial arts at TSX Martial Arts!

Our classes fill out quickly, therefore

Limited Trial Offers are Available, Act Now!

This is your chance to try our martial arts programme at a reduced price with no commitments!

CHOOSE PROGRAM OF INTEREST :

TSX Bingley Academy

Unit 7 – 5 Rise Shopping Centre, Entrance via the Service Bay off Burrage Street, Bingley, BD16 1GL