Our Instructors
David & Simone Hodson are married and live in West Sussex with their two sons. Together they founded fortitude in 1997 and began with just one school. Fortitude now has a full time centre in east Grinstead, West Sussex & 12 other locations situated in the South of England teaching over 800 students each week.
Started Training: David started in September 1992 and Simone started in June 1996
Passed to Black Belt: David September 1995 and Simone March 2001
Current grade: David passed to 5th Degree in April 2004 and Simone 
is grading for 2nd Degree in October 2008. (after returning to training in 2007)
Position with Fortitude: David Hodson is the chief examiner and international instructor, Simone Hodson is the office coordinator and is a qualified instructor
Additional Achievements: David is also a fully qualified hypnotherapist (since 1997), NLP practioner, reiki level 2 practioner. He was also able to train with the late Father and Founder of Taekwon-Do Grand Master General Choi Hong Hi 9th Degree on two separate occasions. He has also trained with and continues to train with various Masters throughout the world. Simone has trained with Master Sahota and is a BTC recognised instructor.
Favourite Quote: David “What we think, we become.” Simone “Know your goal, be patient and enjoy your journey””
Michael Simmonds 3rd Degree Black Belt ITF
Started Training: January 2001
Passed to Black Belt: 10th April 2003
Current grade:3rd Degree
Position with Fortitude: Chief Instructor
Additional Achievements: Fortitude Weapons Specialist Including: Bo Staff, Sword and Sai’s. Various medals in competition including Gold in patterns and Sparring at recent Fortitude Competitions. International Instructors Courses in Dorking 2004 and Leicester 2008.
Favourite Quote:There is no such thing as a great talent without great willpower.
Simon Hadlow 3rd Degree Black Belt ITF
Married & father to three teenagers
Started Training: January 2001
Passed to Black Belt: 4th October 2003
Current grade: 3rd degree
Position with Fortitude: Senior Instructor
Additional Achievements: International Instructors Course Dorking 2006, BTC instructors course, various Master Sahota courses
Quote: Teaching gives me the opportunity to pass on the knowledge and experiences given to me, its fulfilling to see others achieve
Mrs Alison Longhurst 3rd Degree Black belt ITF
Married & mother to four daughters
Started Training: 1991
Passed to Black Belt: 8th September 1996
Current grade: 3rd degree 26th April 2008
Position with Fortitude: Senior Instructor
Additional Achievements: 1997 England Team European Championships Slovinia, 1997 Gold Medal England Team in World Championships St Petersburgh Russia, 1998 Bronze Medal England Team European Championships Greece, 2003 Bronze Medal England Team World Championships Poland
Favourite Quote: You can – because you think you can. Virgil
Mr Russell Bellinger 2nd Degree Black Belt ITF
Married & Father to two children
Started Training: 18th March 2001
Passed to Black Belt: 26th September 2004
Current grade: 2nd Degree 4th May 2007
Position with Fortitude: Instructor & Tournament Referee
Additional Achievements: Various medals in various competitions, International Instructors Course Dorking April 2006, Various Master Sahota Seminars
Favourite Quote: “With perseverance almost anything is possible”
Miss Fern Bellinger 2nd Degree Black Belt ITF
Started Training: January 2000
Passed to Black Belt: first degree 1st March 2005
Current grade: second degree 2nd April 2008
Position with Fortitude: Instructor
Additional Achievements: Training with Master Sahota, becoming an instructor and running a school with Mr Russell Bellinger (father), various medals in competition from 2005 to present including Gold in 1st degree patterns 2007 UKTA
Favourite Quote: Learn from Your Mistakes, and become a better person
Mrs Jackie Bellinger 1st Degree Black Belt ITF
Married and Mother of two children
Started Training: 18th March 2001
Passed to Black Belt: 4th May 2007
Current grade: First degree
Position with Fortitude: Head Office Manager/Instructor
Additional Achievements: Various medals in various competitions, Master Sahota Seminars, my husband Russell achieving his 2nd degree and instructor status and both my children achieving 2nd degree
Quote: Whatever it is that you really want to do just Do It!”
Mr Mark Watts
Mr Mark Watts 1st kup Black tag
Started Training: March 2005
Passed to Black Belt: Testing in October 2008
Current Grade 1st kup Black Tag
Position in Fortitude Assistant Instructor/Instructor from Oct 2008
Additional Achievements: Fortitude Instructors Course March 2008, Master Sahota Seminars 2007/08
Quote: “Challenge yourself to be your best everyday”
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