Dr Charles Spring is our Principal Instructor and founder of Ronin Budo Martial Arts. His
Martial Arts career has spanned over 50 years and that has included participation in
competition to international level winning the world title for weapons forms at the WKC and
WKO world championships. He has also been English Veterans champion 2015-2022. He
started out under the guidance of Chief Instructor of the IBA Phil Milner doing Wado Ryu
Karate, after moving around a lot and experiencing instruction in several other styles
eventually stayed in Birmingham and trained under Coulson Sensei and gained his Shodan
(Black Belt) in Shukokai Karate in 1993. He has Dan grades in Karate and Kickboxing and
trained up to instructor level in Krav Maga.

He has taught martial arts in Germany, Finland, Thailand, China and Japan as well as at
camps for people with visual impairments and Breaking Down Barriers to Martial Arts
Events aimed at people with a range of disabilities. He is a Founder Fellow of the Institute of
Martial Arts and Sciences, currently their education officer and has been inducted into the
Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Over the years, Charles has had the honour of training with a number of instructors in other
disciplines including Kyokushin, Wing Chun, Kendo/Kenjutsu, Aikido, and Jujitsu, all of
whom have helped shape his approach to martial arts.

One of his highlights was at the University of Derby developing a martial arts degree, the BA
(Hons) Martial Arts Theory and Practice which was the first accredited martial arts degree in
the UK and Europe. He is a Senior Fellow of The Higher education Academy and has won
awards for excellence in Curriculum Innovation through Research and Innovative Programme
Leadership.

Previously he worked in the Leisure Industry as a gym manager, personal trainer, martial arts
instructor and coached in various other sports in and around Birmingham. His Doctorate was
in Education and Professionalisation in Martial Arts. He has published academic papers
around the area of Martial Arts including, professionalisation, coaching and teaching,
working with children with neuro diverse needs and helping people with mental health issues.

Charles teaches Karate, Weapons, Mini Ronins, tactical self defence and the advanced class.

Karen Spring, one of the senior instructors. She has over 20 years experience in martial arts.

Karen has a black belt in Aikido, 3rd Dan in Karate and 1st Dan in Kickboxing. Karen is happy to talk to you about Women’s self defence which she has researched extensively. Karen has had several successes in karate competitions, especially points fighting.

Karen works mainly behind the scenes at Ronin Budo but also teaches over 55’s karate and boxing circuits.

Senior Instructor Rob Haigh. 3rd Dan Kickboxing blackbelt with over 18 years experience in martial arts, Myoshinryu Ju-Jitsu Blackbelt and BJJ Blue Belt as well as holding a level 2 and 3 in Personal Training and Fitness. Rob teaches kickboxing at beginner level all the way through to the more advance level and runs circuit classes. Rob is available for 121 training (message for more information) focusing on beginners kickboxing/boxing, fitness and circuits, bag work or weight training. Approachable and friendly, Rob loves teaching and seeing new beginners achieve goals they thought weren’t possible and the more advanced students gain knowledge of training through his teaching style.

Charlie Tustin Spring

Co-owner of Ronin Budo -3rd Dan Black Belt in Karate and Weapons-2-time Black Belt Hall of Fame Winner -2-time World Champion -Multiple English Champion -European Champion

My journey within Martial Arts started from a very young age (as soon as I could toddle) and I have never looked back since.
I gained my black belt when I was 19 years old and started competing that same year. Since I’ve started competing its helped me tremendously to over come my anxiety and increased my confidence ten fold. After seeing how much competing and training has helped my mental health I started working on helping others to overcome their struggles. Therefore, my main role at the Dojo (along with teaching and assisting in classes) is Mental Health First Aiding and Safeguarding.

Joe Paine

1st Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing and Karate. Kata World Champion- Black Belt Hall of Fame Winner- European Champion- English Champion. Joe started his journey in Martial Arts at 19 and got his black belt in kickboxing at 25. Joe has provided invaluable support in classes and is often found assisting Charles in teaching classes as his Uke (receiver) to help demonstrate the techniques being learned by the younger students.

Joe Wright

2^nd Dan Black Belt- Martial Arts Hall of Fame Winner- 1^st round TKO victory in a amateur fight.

Joe has been training in martial arts for around 9 years and has also trained in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Joe teaches kickboxing on a Thursday and Friday evening. His classes are lively and suitable for a range of levels. Joe is known for his patient and clear instruction.

Philip Score

Philip has been training in martial arts, particularly in the kickboxing discipline for just under 9 years and became a qualified instructor on August 24, 2021. Philip achieved his black belt on March 23, 2022, and is now a 2nd dan. Philip was honoured with an award in the Black Belt Hall of Fame on November 9, 2022. He teaches on a Thursday evening and is an excellent coach. He is known for his innovative sparring style and his ability to teach complex moves.

Alfie Goodwin

1st Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing- Brown Black Stripe in Karate- Gold Medallist in Box Lite at Dragons Clash.

Alfie started Karate and Kickboxing at 8 years old and got his black belt in kickboxing at the age of 15. He has the honour of being Ronin Budos youngest ever black belt in kickboxing. Alfie assists in classes and sets a good example for other young people.