White Lotus Martial Arts

Instructors

• Management
• Senior Instructors
• Instructors
• Trainee Instructors

Michelle Gardiner (Sensei)

Owner and Senior Chief Instructor

Founder and Chief Instructor of White Lotus, a seventh dan blackbelt in freestyle kickboxing and a first dan blackbelt in Aiki Jitsu. She has been formally training in the martial arts for over 20 years, and has developed the style taught in White Lotus Clubs from the diverse instructors and styles that she has trained in over the years. She holds qualifications in sports nutrition, personal fitness training, yoga instruction, acupressure, acupuncture and Tai Chi Chuan instruction. She has won English, British, European and World titles in kickboxing with a variety of governing bodies. Training includes: Qualified teacher in adult Ed, Nvq level 5 teaching disabled learners, Cancer rehab clinical exercise specialist, Otago leader, Maas 2023 kickboxing coach of the year, Police and crime commissioners award for excellence 2019.

James Gilding began his martial arts journey at the age of 12 with Judo, which he continued until his early 20s. After a long break, he returned to martial arts in his mid-30s, initially resuming Judo training until 2014, when he started focusing on Taekwondo and kickboxing. Over the past decade, James has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, earning black belts in both disciplines and competing at various levels, including regional, national and international tournaments. His achievements, including numerous medals, reflect his commitment to continuous learning and excellence in martial arts. James serves as an inspiration within the martial arts community, embodying discipline, perseverance and a passion for lifelong learning.

To follow.

To follow.

I started kickboxing in 2005, but after 12 months of training had to give up because of work commitments. I rejoined in 2009 with my son. I really enjoy the training and fighting side and hope to keep competing in tournaments. I always get a buzz when helping others train.

I joined White Lotus at the age of 8. I was a young boy scared and bullied. I have been training at White Lotus over 20 years and during this time I've grown not only in confidence but also as a person. The association has helped me through many issues - personal and training. Through White Lotus, I have won multiple British titles and a bronze medal for team GB in Germany; I have helped train many fighters and enjoy seeing new talent grow, while still hungry to improve my skills and fight competitively.

Black belt - I started coaching in 1975 running my own club with my two brothers. I took a break to have a family but kept up with padwork and fitness. In 2021, I joined White Lotus with my daughter and grandson. It is nice to train with my family while also offering support and advice to others.

Black belt - White Lotus has helped me become the best version of myself and has challenged me both mentally and physically which has given me a profound sense of self belief. A few months later I got my son involved with White Lotus as I wanted to give him a solid foundation for him to develop the values of respect, honour, integrity and discipline. This has enabled him to shape his view of the world around him to demonstrate the characteristics of appropriate judgment in confrontational situations. White Lotus has enabled me to meet people of all ages and from all walks of life to learn from and pass on my knowledge too.

To follow.

Black belt

I’ve been training since I was 3. I am a third Dan blackbelt and silver medal at wko world championships in boxing and a boxing coach.

I joined White Lotus in 2021 and since then haven’t looked back. Through my time as part of this wonderful association, I now have so much more confidence in myself and am amazed at both the physical and mental strength I have gained. I am so grateful to be a member of such a brilliant team and to be taught by many amazing instructors. I am now ready to take my black belt and I couldn’t be more excited as to where I will go next in my martial arts journey here.

To follow.

My name is Megan. I started to do kickboxing in 2020 as a friend was also doing it. As time progressed my enjoyment and ability increased. When I started I was quite shy but as time went on my confidence began to grow. I enjoy both the sport and social sides of kickboxing. Due to having eye surgery I had to stop the fighting side for a period of time so I then started to teach and coach. I'm currently doing my black belt training leading to a better understanding of the sport.

To follow.

Black belt

To follow.

To follow.

To follow.