Meet our Team
Master David Hodson VIII
Founding Master Instructor - Oxted, Westerham, Sevenoaks & East Grinstead
Founder of Fortitude Academy and National Taekwon-Do Alliance (UK)
Full profile
Mrs Simone Hodson VI
Founding Chief Instructor - East Grinstead & Safeguarding and Child Protection Officer
Founder of Fortitude Academy and National Taekwon-Do Alliance (UK)
Mrs Kirstie Andrews-Millson VI
Senior Instructor - Tunbridge Wells, Southborough & Burgess Hill
Professional Background & Expertise :
I love teaching technical aspects of movements and patterns. I’m always trying to encourage students of all ages and grades to focus on the big goals as well as the smaller goals. I get them to think of their black belt self to tap into higher accuracy of techniques. I draw on my past experiences with Masters and Grandmasters and bring them to class to help my students grow.
Teaching Philosophy & Style :
I am firm but fair and fun. I empathise with all students as I remember being in their position, where nothing made sense and everything was a challenge. I break challenges down so that they are able to tweak small pieces at a time to help the bigger picture emerge. I always try and keep students smiling and laughing and having fun whilst they learn. I encourage everyone to be kind and have built a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued.
Personal Connection & Story :
I love helping people understand things. I work from the perspective of how I learned things and share those with them. I helped and taught classes in Haywards Heath before opening my own Dojang in Tunbridge Wells. It was something I wanted to do even before becoming a black belt. It is such an honour and a delight to captivate even the youngest of students and inspire them to become Black Belts.
Personality & Fun Fact :
I am such an open person that people know lots about me. I have 3 things that I love in life – Taekwon-Do, Cats and cheese! I teach on 5 days of the week, I have 3 cats and I make cheese when I can! I can also make sausages! I won 3 gold medals at a World Championship in 2015, so I am a former world champion too! I have a tattoo of an angel on my shoulder in remembrance of my wonderful Auntie.
Quick Picks
“One word students use to describe you :
Encouraging and supportive. Although, they don’t tend to tell me! They just call me a silly sausage!
Favourite Quote :
I always tell students not to worry and that there is no such thing as can’t. They have to make mistakes in order to grow and learn. I always refer to the tenets of Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit, to encourage them. I remind them that we are ‘Fortitude’ – we don’t give up and we keep pushing forwards.
Mr Chris Moat V
Senior Instructor - Oldham
Professional background and expertise:
I'm a 5th Degree Black Belt and ITF Taekwon-Do instructor and have been training for just over 18 years. I started training with Fortitude in the Oxted and Sevenoaks area and some years later moved to the North West where I've been running a Fortitude franchise school in Oldham for the past 7 years.
As well as regular training with Master and Mrs Hodson, I look to develop my coaching skills and Taekwon-Do knowledge by seeking out opportunities to train with Pioneers and Grandmasters of Taekwon-Do. So far I’ve trained with pioneers such as First Grandmaster Rhee Khee Ha; GM Hwang Kwang Sung K-9-1; GM Wim Bos; GM Willy de Van Mortel; GM Sheena Sutherland; GM Bhupinder Sahota; GM Peter Sanders; GM Jerzy Jedut; GM George Vitale; GM Paul Cutler; GM Raymond O’Neil, Master Jaroslaw Suska.
Teaching philosophy and style:
I believe Taekwon-Do is truly for everyone, my philosophy is to help everyone focus on improving themselves a little more each time they train. Improving on your own capabilities is the surest way to make progress. It’s irrelevant whether you are improving faster or slower than those around you, as long as you’re consistently improving on your own capabilities.
In Taekwon-Do, much like life itself, you will get out what you put in, the harder you work the more you’ll achieve. Through Taekwondo I like to help students develop great habits so they can realise their own full potential. Our syllabus sets goals and rewards progress as students progress from belt to belt; there’s always another goal and another set of techniques to challenge yourself with and this fosters a cycle of continuous improvement. It’s these type of life skills that I like to pass on to my students, it’s incredibly rewarding to see confidence grow, focus and discipline become second nature and self improvement a way of life.
Personal connection and story:
Following a house move from one end of the country to the other my kids started to get bullied. I enrolled them with Fortitude and shortly afterwards, enrolled myself. We trained together, supported each other through our gradings and all achieved our 1st black belts. Needless to say the bullying stopped - not because my kids ever had to use their new found skills, but because the self confidence they developed through Taekwon-Do, helped them stand up to the bullies.
Such was the positive impact of Taekwon-Do on my kids and I, I’m passionate about helping others benefit in the same way. So we offer age appropriate classes from age 3 upwards, we offer family classes so you can all train together, and there are classes for seniors and adults.
Personality and fun Fun fact:
As well as Taekwon-Do I enjoy cycling, it’s another hobby that started out as a way of keeping fit before turning into a Charity fundraiser, cycling from London to Brighton, which then evolved into London to Paris, before Paris to Spain, and last year into Lands End to John O’Groats. You’re getting the picture - I just can’t do things by halves
QUICK PICKS
• One word students use to describe me:
Encouraging
• Favourite quote:
"A black belt is a white belt who just wouldn’t give up."
Mrs Nicola Holland IV
Senior Instructor - Sevenoaks - Platt, Borough Green, Wrotham
Professional background and expertise :
I’m a 4th Degree Black Belt ITF Taekwon-Do instructor with 12 years of teaching experience, and I’ve been running our own Fortitude franchise here in Platt for the past 6 years. I hold a BSc (Hons) degree with the Open University that incorporated child development and education, and I am also a Chartered HR Professional and diploma-trained yoga teacher. My background includes teaching gymnastics and swimming to children, which has given me a deep understanding of how young people learn movement skills, build confidence, and develop physical literacy. I specialise in helping children grow their self-confidence, focus, and discipline while developing strong, technically correct Taekwon-Do skills. My classes welcome families from Platt, Borough Green, Wrotham, Addington, West Malling, Ightham, and many more nearby villages, guiding complete beginners all the way to black belt.
Teaching philosophy and style :
I teach with a lot of energy and fun while developing respect, discipline, and self-control. My approach is structured yet encouraging, I break down techniques step-by-step so students understand why we do each movement, not just how. I believe learning works best when students feel supported, challenged, and inspired, so I blend skill-building drills with high-energy activities that keep everyone engaged.
Personal connection and story :
I started Taekwon-Do 15 years ago, after my son had been training for 6 months and my husband had joined a few months before me. Seeing him practising his kicks in the kitchen while we cooked dinner made me decide to give it a go too! From that moment, I was hooked. I love the community we’ve built, one where everyone grows together, encourages each other, and celebrates each success, big or small.
Personality and fun Fun fact :
I used to be a national swimmer and have run the London Marathon twice, so yes, I know a thing or two about perseverance!
Quick picks
· One word students use to describe me: Passionate
· Favourite quote: “A family that kicks together, sticks together.”
Full profile
Mr Graeme Holland IV
Senior Instructor - Sevenoaks - Platt, Borough Green, Wrotham
Professional background and expertise :
I’m a 4th Degree Black Belt in ITF Taekwon-Do and also trained in kickboxing earlier in my martial arts journey. I have a degree in Sports Science and represented England in lacrosse in my teens, competing at a high level for over 20 years. I’ve been training in Taekwon-Do for 15 years, teaching for 12, and running the Fortitude franchise in Platt alongside Nicola for the past 6 years.
I specialise in teaching students not just how to perform techniques correctly, but also why, blending the science of movement with the art of Taekwon-Do. I love seeing the physical and mental growth in my students: strength, agility, coordination, and balanced brain development through training both sides of the body equally. As students mature, they develop self-control, perseverance, and the ability to defend themselves confidently.
Teaching philosophy and style :
I believe in building both the body and the mind. My classes are detailed, technical, and focused on long-term growth, ensuring each student understands the reasoning behind techniques. From physical skills to mindset, I want every student to leave class stronger, more disciplined, and more resilient than when they walked in.
Personal connection and story :
After 20 years in lacrosse, I decided to hang up my stick and find a new challenge. I’d always wanted to achieve a black belt in a martial art, so when our son started Taekwon-Do, I knew this was my moment. I quickly fell in love with the training, the community, and the chance to share what I’d learned. That’s what inspired me to build a welcoming, supportive martial arts community right here in Platt.
Personality and Fun Fun fact:
There’s a secret TikTok account for our club that we started to keep ourselves entertained during lockdown, and yes, some of those videos are still out there!
Quick picks
· One word students use to describe me: Motivating
· Favourite quote: “I can’t means I won’t.”
Mr Greenwood IV
Senior Instructor - Oxted
Senior Instructor - Oxted
Mr Mark Harrold IV
Senior Instructor - Coulsdon, Caterham, Kenley, Carshalton and Merstham
Senior Instructor - Coulsdon, Caterham, Kenley, Carshalton and Merstham
Mr Isaac Hodson IV
Senior Instructor - East Grinstead
Instructor - East Grinstead
Mr Tim Pitman IV
Senior Instructor - Beckenham
Instructor - Beckenham
Miss Kitty Pitman IV
Senior Instructor - Sevenoaks
Instructor - Sevenoaks
Mrs Nichola Bayliss III
Instructor - East Grinstead
Instructor - East Grinstead
Mr James Baldery III
Instructor - Horsham
Professional Background & Expertise :
I believe my area of expertise is based around competitions. Ever since I became a black belt, I wanted to compete. I have been to competitions across the UK and then taken it to the international stage in both Belgium and the Netherlands. I know first-hand what it takes to compete at a high level. This goes hand in hand with my teaching, as I would like to produce confident students who can not only follow their dream, but make it happen.
Teaching Philosophy & Style :
I would describe my teaching style as hybrid. I can switch my style depending on the student. Everyone learns differently and so I must be able to adapt to my student’s needs. My teaching style has been developed through over 8 years of teaching Taekwon-do as well as completing multiple teaching and leadership courses with the Army Cadets. This has all been put into practice and was strengthened throughout my college days becoming an outdoor instructor.
Being able to teach in a variety of fields has enabled me to learn different teaching techniques and styles so that I am able to adapt to what is required of me as an instructor.
Personal Connection & Story :
There have certainly been multiple influences that inspired me to become an instructor. I wouldn’t say there is a standout reason, however I have always admired those that teach and share their knowledge. I began assisting when I was 11 in preparation for my black belt grading. Since then I have progressed and developed, and just over eight years later I now have my own school.
Personality & Fun Fact:
I never used to enjoy sparring! Though I love it now, I used to be scared of getting hurt. It was only when I started playing rugby that I was able to come to terms with the idea of contact not being a bad thing.
Quick Picks
One word students use to describe you :
Ambitious
Favourite quote:
Bodhi Holland III
Assistant Instructor - Sevenoaks - Platt, Borough Green, Wrotham
Professional background and expertise :
I’m a 3rd Dan Black Belt in ITF Taekwon-Do and have been training since I was 4 years old. Martial arts has been the backbone of all my sporting achievements, including placing 3rd in the world in Taekwon-Do sparring when I was younger. I’m now a 19-year-old engineering student, but Taekwon-Do is still my passion and the lens through which I approach discipline, perseverance, and skill.
I specialise in the demonstration element of Taekwon-Do. Rather than simply telling students what to do, I show them, physically guiding them into position so they can feel the correct technique. I see myself as the bridge between technical precision and class engagement, making sure focus is always high while ensuring students genuinely enjoy their training.
I take particular pride in my padwork and sparring expertise, challenging every student, regardless of age or experience, to strive for their best even when they don’t believe they can. I have been helping to teach martial arts since the age of 8, gradually taking on more responsibility as I progressed.
Teaching philosophy and style :
I’m known for my hard, long workouts that push students to their limits, because that’s where growth happens. I focus on building superb sparring foundations, especially in guard and stance, so that as students develop, they have a rock-solid base to build upon. I love seeing students, particularly children, master challenging moves they once thought were impossible.
Personal connection and story :
I never missed a single day of school, which I credit to the perseverance and drive that Taekwon-Do instilled in me. This discipline has shaped not just my training, but my approach to life and study. The community at Fortitude has been my second family, and I now get to play my part in helping it grow.
Personality and fun Fun fact :
I’ve been wearing an adult large helmet since I was 12 years old!
Quick picks
· One word students use to describe me: Relentless
· Favourite quote: “Belief is built, not born.”
Summer Holland III
Assistant Instructor - Sevenoaks - Platt, Borough Green, Wrotham
Professional background and expertise :
I’m a 3rd Dan Black Belt in ITF Taekwon-Do and have been training since the age of 3. I achieved my first black belt at 11 and have been teaching alongside my family for over 10 years. Taekwon-Do has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it was an amazing experience to be part of the decision to start our club in Platt 6 years ago.
I specialise in demonstrating kicks that demand high levels of core strength, balance, and body control. I also love teaching patterns, carefully explaining each movement so students understand them deeply, which makes their learning faster and more meaningful.
Teaching philosophy and style :
I believe in teaching by example, showing students exactly what to aim for, then guiding them through the steps to get there. I love breaking techniques into simple, achievable stages and seeing the moment when a student realises, “I can do this!”
Personal connection and story :
Taekwon-Do has shaped my confidence, discipline, and resilience, and given me the chance to inspire the next generation. Teaching here means I get to help others experience the same growth and community spirit that’s been so important in my own journey. Outside of martial arts, I swam competitively to a regional standard from the age of 8 to 16. This required enormous dedication, training seven times a week — including early mornings before school — which built a strong work ethic that I still carry into everything I do.
Personality and fun Fun fact :
I can hold a side kick at head height for longer than most people can balance on one leg!
Quick picks
· One word students use to describe me: Inspiring
· Favourite quote: “You can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Mr Aaron Hodson III
Instructor - East Grinstead and Oxted
Instructor - East Grinstead and Oxted
Mr Joshua Beato I
Instructor - Reigate & Redhill
Instructor Reigate & Redhill
Damyanti Chauhan I
Office Manager
Office Manager
Debs Wheeler II
Office Administrator
Office Administrator