Instructors
John tomsett
Chief Instructor
With over 40 years of martial arts experience, John Tomsett is a lifelong practitioner and the driving force behind NCMA. His journey began as a passionate young student and has evolved into a lifelong pursuit of mastery in Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and Submission Grappling.
John has trained and competed across multiple disciplines, developing deep expertise in both striking and grappling arts. His extensive experience gives students access to a broad, balanced, and modern approach to martial arts training.
As NCMA’s Chief Instructor, John leads with clarity, patience, and precision. His lessons are structured to challenge every student at their level—helping beginners build solid foundations and advanced practitioners refine technical mastery.
Each class focuses on discipline, fitness, and focus, while creating a positive and inclusive environment where students can grow in confidence and ability.
For John, martial arts is more than physical skill—it’s a vehicle for personal development. He instils the values of respect, perseverance, and self-belief, guiding students to apply the lessons learned on the mat to everyday life.
John continues to train and evolve, leading by example and inspiring others to reach their full potential. His unwavering dedication to both his craft and his students defines the culture of NCMA: strong minds, humble hearts, and relentless effort.
Contact: john@newcityma.uk
Riley Tomsett
2nd Dan Instructor and Personal Trainer in Combat Fitness
Introducing Instructor Riley Tomsett
Meet Riley Tomsett, a dominant force in the world of kickboxing and a key member of the New City Martial Arts (NCMA) family. As the son of the esteemed John Tomsett, Riley inherited a passion for martial arts that has driven him to remarkable achievements in his journey so far.
With an awe-inspiring 2nd Dan Black Belt, Riley has honed his skills at the renowned Academy since 2017. His expertise has been put to the test in various high-profile tournaments, including multiple Interclub's, the BLCC light continuous ring bouts within the ICO (International Combat Organisation), and the prestigious WKO (World Kickboxing Organisation). Currently ranked 2nd in the world (2022) in his category, Riley's accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to his craft.
Beyond kickboxing, Riley's versatility shines as he has also excelled in Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, holding a Blue Belt under the esteemed guidance of Professor Samir Medjabeur at Next Level Jiu Jitsu. This diverse training background adds depth to his expertise and enriches the knowledge he brings to his students.
Not stopping there, Riley is also a Level 3 Personal Trainer with a specialization in sports combat-related fitness systems. His unique blend of martial arts prowess and fitness expertise makes him a powerful asset in elevating the performance of NCMA students and private individuals alike.
If you're seeking to enhance your skills, improve your fitness level, or achieve specific goals, Riley offers personalized training programs tailored to meet your individual needs. He understands that every journey is unique, and his dedication to helping others succeed is unparalleled.
Connect with Riley on Instagram (@rileypt_) to explore the world of personal training and embark on a transformative fitness journey under his guidance. With Riley by your side, you can unleash your full potential and conquer new heights in the world of martial arts and fitness.
Email him direct on riley@newcityma.uk
Josh Cook
1st Dan Assistant Instructor
Meet Josh Cook, New City Martial Arts' newest addition to our team of elite instructors. Josh, a dynamic and skilled martial artist specializing in Kickboxing, has quickly risen through the ranks to become an indispensable part of our community since joining NCMA in 2020. His journey, marked by dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence, reached a significant milestone in March 2024 when he achieved his Black Belt and was honoured with the title of 1st Dan Assistant Instructor.
Josh's path in martial arts is adorned with remarkable achievements, the pinnacle of which was becoming the WKO World Champion in 2022. His journey through a fiercely competitive division to claim this title demonstrated not just his exceptional skill and determination but also his ability to inspire and lead by example. Beyond the world stage, Josh has been a formidable presence in various local interclub events and has consistently shown his prowess on the National BLCC Circuit, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
But Josh brings more to NCMA than just his impressive competitive record. Known for his keen eye for detail, especially in the art of combining strikes, Josh excels in teaching Pad-work. His ability to break down complex combinations and relay them with clarity makes him an exceptional instructor, capable of elevating his students' skills in a way that is both effective and engaging.
Josh's approach to teaching is deeply appreciated within the NCMA community. His commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine respect for all students, regardless of their level, fosters an environment of growth and mutual respect. This has made him a well-loved and respected figure within our organization, embodying the values and spirit of NCMA.
Outside the dojo, Josh's character and integrity resonate just as profoundly. His presence at NCMA is not just as an instructor but as a mentor and friend to many. His journey, marked by notable successes and a passion for martial arts, continues to inspire both new and experienced practitioners.
As we welcome Josh Cook in his new role as Assistant Instructor, we look forward to the continued impact he will have on our students and the broader NCMA community. His journey is a testament to where dedication, hard work, and a love for martial arts can take you. Join us in embracing the wealth of knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm Josh brings to our dojo.
Email him direct on josh@newcityma.uk
Zoey Sapanidis
Assistant Instructor
Introducing Zoe Sapanidis, a beacon of energy and expertise at New City Martial Arts, particularly known for her remarkable work with our youngest martial artists. Since joining our community in 2020, Zoe has not only enriched our dojo with her vibrant presence but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the early martial arts journey for children under 10 years old.
Holding a Rank 7 (Blue Belt), Zoe's martial arts journey is one of dedication, skill, and an ever-evolving mastery that inspires both her peers and her young students. Her exceptional ability to blend martial arts training with fun, engaging games makes her classes a favourite among our younger members, fostering a love for the discipline from an early age.
Zoe's expertise extends beyond the dojo; she is a fully qualified Childcare Assistant, a background that enriches her understanding of children's needs and learning styles. This unique blend of skills ensures that each child not only learns martial arts techniques but also gains confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment in a supportive and joyful environment.
In 2021, Zoe showcased her own martial prowess, taking the local Interclubs by storm and emerging victorious in all her fights. This achievement not only underscored her dedication to her practice but also served as a powerful motivator for her students, proving that hard work, passion, and fun can lead to great success.
Zoe is described by those who know her as honest, fun to be around, and a "downright great human being." Her positive attitude and genuine passion for martial arts and teaching resonate through the dojo, making her an invaluable member of the New City Martial Arts family.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Zoe Sapanidis as part of our team, where she continues to inspire the next generation of martial artists with her boundless energy, dedication, and the sheer joy she brings to every class. Join us in celebrating Zoe's contributions to our community and the indelible impact she has on our youngest members' lives.
Email her direct on zoe@newcityma.uk
Jasmine Nutall
Assistant Instructor
Our coach Jasmine Nuttall joined us in 2024 and has brought incredible energy and enthusiasm to our club. Teaching our youngest fighters essential martial arts principles in a fun, engaging and playful way.
Jasmine trained consistently in Kick boxing and Muay Thai in her late teens. Last year she rediscovered her passion for the art, training up to six days a week and becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Over the years Jasmine has collected various physical practices including Contemporary Dance and Aerial, which she currently teaches to children aged 3-16.
Having studied somatic movement, flow state, improvisation and the intelligence of our bodies, Jasmine has opened up her own practice; where she teaches her interdisciplinary movement knowledge through techniques such as animal flow, Feldenkrais method and body mind centring.
A seasoned coach Jasmine brings a bounty of knowledge and physical intelligence to every class she teaches. Her positivity, enthusiasm and fighting spirit is infectious and inspiring for our youngest students, who have all made incredible progress towards their first belt under her guidance.
Sam Keeley
Assistant Coach
One of NCMA's newest Blackbelts to Join the hall of fame. Sam is a tough, strong and very durable Kickboxing specialist who is one of the original students of the club.
