Instructors
Our incredible team is truly the heart of Bushido Martial Arts. It’s their dedication, passion and talent that keeps students invested in the learning process. Our Chief and Assistant Chief Instructors are all fully qualified, DBS checked and insured martial arts instructors and complete regular first aid and instructor training refresher courses. Take a look below to learn more about the team.
John Robertston
Chief Instructor
Chief Instructor and founder of Bushido Martial Arts, John D Robertson began training in Jiu-Jitsu with the Kirkby Jiu-Jitsu association in 1972. His reasons for following Jiu-Jitsu came after severe and prolonged bullying at school and it was decided that he needed something to boost his self esteem and at the same time equip him to defend himself. During his time studying Jiu-Jitsu John also studied Shotokan Karate. The marriage of Shotokan with Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be a very effective and productive union which has thus far seen over 5000 students train with Bushido Martial Arts during its 35 year history.
John is the England Kata Manager for the W.K.C. This role allows John to further develop and improve the competitive division of Kata / Forms across the many styles that compete.
Helen Baldwin
Assistant Chief Instructor
Helen started jujitsu with Bushido in 2003 to help with her self confidence, fitness and to learn self defence and she hasn’t looked back since! Helen was one of our first two female Jiujitsu black belts. With a few years away from training here and there due to university and work, Helen returned to us in 2018 and is now a 2nd Dan and one of our fully qualified and insured Assistant Chief Instructors. Helen’s special interests include throws, street defence, women’s self defence and martial arts theory. Helen has published literature in the International Journal of Martial Arts (the most recent publication is available here). Helen also enjoys weight lifting, has competed in Strongwoman competitions, is a keen swimmer and has completed a relay of the English Channel. Outside of the club she works as a veterinary surgeon and lecturer.
Jacob Haynes
Assistant Chief Instructor
Jacob has been at Bushido since he was 6 years old and has earned a 2nd Dan black belt in both Jiujitsu and Freestyle Karate. Jacob is also a WKC world champion in kata and a bronze medalist in kickboxing. Although Jacob is proficient in all the styles currently taught at Bushido, he predominantly teaches the Jiujitsu and kickboxing classes. Outside the dojo Jacob remains active and has most recently taken up climbing.
Holly Hague
Senior Instructor
Holly has been a member of Bushido since the age of 6 and in this time, has gained a 2nd Dan black belt in both Jiu-jitsu and freestyle karate. Holly is a WKC English champion in kata and a WKC world champion in sports sword. Outside of martial arts, Holly is currently in her final year of university studying paramedic practice with North West Ambulance Service.
Nicholas Brindley
Senior Instructor
Nick started at Bushido in in 2005, attained his 1st Dan in Jiujitsu in 2007 and his 2nd Dan in 2018. Nick has trained in various other martial arts and although he did not take official gradings with them, he brings a breadth of experience and knowledge to the instructor team and to his training. Outside of work, Nick enjoys philosophy, reading, painting and cooking and he works as a care assistant in a dementia focused care home.