Testimonials

“Tony, in a nutshell is the first teacher I've had that I've ever wanted to listen to. I respect his words and listen intently when he speaks because he's a man of authenticity. Tony practices what he preaches, which is rare in a world of snake oil salesmen and vanity, and so whatever Tony’s selling I'm buying! Personally, he has helped me as a martial artist and helped me with his knowledge of nutrition, and most importantly spiritually, with a mutual love of philosophy, specifically stoicism. Mind, body, and soul Tony has helped me with it all and I can't thank him enough.”

Pete Soteriou (33), Fire Fighter (UK)

 Tony is one of the most inspiring men I’ve ever had the pleasure to call my friend. Throughout the 12 years I’ve known him, professionally and personally he has an unerring ability to see through the smoke and mirrors we construct around ourselves and tell you the crux of the issue in his inimitable straight-talking style, in too short a time. It takes guts to tell people what they know deep down inside but are refusing to acknowledge and Tony always does it calmly and with a smile on his face and accepts no excuses. ever!

He inspires people by being totally authentic, teaching from his own experience and sharing his successes and his failures. He’s a man that knows that by being human you make mistakes, but that strength is measured in the ability to get up after a fall, again and again.

If you want down to earth, real advice delivered in a no nonsense but gentle way, Tony is your man and I can’t recommend him highly enough, just being around him is inspiring.

Liz Phelps (57), Therapist / Trainer (UK)

I met Tony briefly about a month before our session and from the offset our meet felt instantly natural, very organic and like we’d been friends long before our initial brief meet. Being in Tony’s company feels so informal, a wonderful breath of fresh air to conventional therapy.

When we met for our full session, this instant relaxing atmosphere continued throughout the whole period. Tony has a gifted knack of making whoever is in his company feel instantly relaxed. Our session flowed effortlessly while covering his vast knowledge and wisdom of life along with a fusion of humour, listening to you, lived experiences good and bad, and just chewing the fat along the way on current topics and general chit chat. Friendly, fun, informative and highly educational! Tony bypasses the generic formal side of therapy and cuts to the chase right away. Tony provided some great tools for me going forward to use to deal with my own personal situation, and some were so simple that when used during our session the result was instant! 

Tony’s wealth of knowledge, life experience, humour, listening, and straight down the line approach is the perfect blend that makes him the amazing mentor he is!

I can’t thank you enough for our session, it feels life changing already and has been less than a week!

Mark Hand (50), HVAC Engineer. (UK)

Tony is one of most authentic people I have encountered. His philosophy and coaching style will bring out the best in any group as he fosters an environment of honesty and respect, and one that is free from judgement and discrimination. Through his continued support, advice, and encouragement he has aided so much in my personal development. My wellbeing has improved, and his guidance has helped to manage not only my physical health, but also my mental wellbeing.

Ben Warwick (38), Paramedic (UK)

Tony was instrumental in my return to world class Olympic level Judo. His strength and conditioning sessions in his own gym-garage are amazing and totally tailored towards your needs. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he can install the mental toughness required for top level athletes. I would thoroughly recommend his sessions and would still be attending them if I hadn't moved away.

Christopher Sherrington (37), Royal Marine Commando and Elite Athlete. (UK)

I started training with Tony at a point in my life where I had concerns over my wellbeing, and I credit my drastic improvement in life to working with him. I find Tony to be an incredibly empathetic person and an insightful mentor, when he gives advice, he speaks from a place of honesty and understanding. I've taking his words of wisdom and training techniques and have gone on to accomplish things I never thought possible. He is truly inspirational human being and I'm grateful to know him.

Shay Maloney (31) , Profession: CSA (UK)

"Whether it is your business, your martial arts, or your wellbeing that needs a healthy correction, I can think of no better mentor to guide you than Tony Terranova. He is the living embodiment of everything he teaches; a congruent, wise, and esteemed man. When I need advice that goes straight to the truth, Tony is the man I'll call. I highly recommend this beautiful human being".

Geoff Thompson (61), 8th dan British Combat Association Instructor (UK), BAFTA winning writer.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Tony Terranova for many years. He has vast life experience in many areas and uses his undoubted wisdom to mentor others. He is kind, empathetic, very honest and lives by example. I highly recommend Tony as a leader and mentor.

Tony Somers (59), Therapist (UK)

Tony has given me the tools over many years of physical and mental tuition to cope with the worst year of my life. I genuinely think if I had not met this man then I would be coping with my situation totally differently…  What Tony has made me realise is we always have a choice of how to deal with a problem. He is completely selfless and is huge support and role model for not only his family but his friends and students. I believe the way he conducts himself has a contagious effect on the people around him, he has shown me how you can walk through hell every day and say to yourself “I’m the boss here”.

Here is a message I sent to Tony recently after having the news that my mum will die soon… “Thank you Tony that means lot. I am a product of what we have been doing and your influence all these years. I’m happy to say I feel tough now, I’m not having to try I just am, being tough for the family around you is what being a man is about. My sisters and Jennie have all been really upset last week and I could have felt sorry for myself and joined in and I chose to be the rock for them that they could lean on to get them through instead. My mum is an insanely positive and strong woman, so I owe it to her to at a least be strong with her. I can’t imagine how you’ve dealt with the pain you’ve been handling for 25 years but I truly hope you take some comfort in how that the way you conduct yourself has been a strength for your friends going through hell and saying fuck you I’m the boss. I never appreciated all those years ago what your lessons are truly preparing us for, but from the bottom of my heart Tony, what you have taught me above all is to be strong and be a man for the people around me that need it and for that I’m grateful”

James Lowdell (33), Head Chef (UK)

Having known Tony for many years now he has seen me at my best and seen me at my worst. When I was at my worst Tony was on my doorstep. He has mentored me through many of life's challenges, depression, anxiety, and addiction. As an addict Tony provided new tools to overcome my addictions, ones I still use to this day which I am proud to say had helped lead me so far to almost 6 years clean and sober. My biggest tool in turning my life around has been training. And although today I lean mostly towards bodybuilding, for many years I competed in MMA with Tony as one of my coaches. The lessons learned on AND off the mats are invaluable in the gym and in life and I thank you Tony for those lessons. I have spent countless hours with so called counsellors and can honestly say 1 hour with Tony is worth 100 hours of them. Today I live my life with gratitude, humbled in the lessons of life and finally see a future worth living because I have people like Tony and others like him in my life.

Shaun Millin (38), Profession Senior Optics Consultant (UK)

I care for Tony’s wife Jenny. During my time working alongside him I have seen the value of putting “the care back into health care” and benefits of incorporating homeopathic/holistic practices alongside conventional medicine/methods. He also has unique way in explaining the fundamental principles of nutrition, fitness and wellbeing which makes it easy to understand and apply. He has taken time to mentor my 10-year-old boy Riley who is autistic using his own life experience as he is also on the spectrum. And he spent some time with my partner giving advice on sustainable fitness and nutrition and life balance challenges that we all encounter. I have found his mentoring methods to be easy to listen and apply as he uses his own life experiences as working examples. He also has a unique sense of humor which has made me laugh on many care shifts.   

Dannielle Whiting (32), Carer (Specialist Huntington’s Disease Care) – (UK)

I have trained with Tony on a consistent basis for the last decade. I refer to him as coach, however he is much more than that. I would call him a father figure, however he would lose his shit, so we will go with older brother. Tony gives advice in a “mentor-non-judgmental-see if it works for you” basis on all aspects of my life, based on his lived it, breathed it experiences, not “I read this somewhere”. That being said, he is exceptionally well read and in short, I would not be the man I am today without his help and support

John Lewis (38), Businessman/Entrepreneur/Mixed Martial Artist

I’ve known Tony for over 4 years, and he has always been a source of inspiration. Through a few of my own personal experiences, Tony always helped me by offering advice and putting things into perspective in a way that was not only unique, but incredibly insightful. He has a Greta sense of humour too, and I’ve never hesitated to talk with Tony about anything that I needed to get off my chest and couldn’t recommend him enough, as my Jiu Jitsu coach, a mentor, and a friend.

Cynneth Bonanos (34) Architectural Design Coordinator

I first meet Triple-T (AKA Tony) 10 years ago when I literally drew blood. I could say he’s a man of honour, integrity, and respect but I’d be lying. He’s all of that but above all else he’s a man of pedigree, and in martial arts pedigree is all you need to know. Whether it’s martial arts or a nicknamed ‘chill-iron’ session in the church (i.e., his bespoke fitness and conditioning concepts in his gym garage), you know what you’re going get Triple-T, pain suffering but when it’s all said and done, respect.

Matt Francis (40) Paramedic (UK)

It’s hard to sum Tony up in a few lines. When I first started training with him, I knew very little about nutrition and mindset. With the education and guidance, he has given me, my whole life and body has completely changed. From reading recommendations to simple advice regarding nutrition and macros, he’s a wealth of knowledge. The workouts are hard and challenging but push you to your boundaries. An authentic and real guy who “won’t let you believe his bullshit until you experience it yourself” (his words). His mentoring made me realise the value of having the right mindset to beat life’s challenges.

Ellie Greenway (23) Apprentice District Nurse and Carer (Specialist Huntington’s Disease Care) – (UK)

I can’t recommend Tony Terranova and his mentorship program highly enough. I’ve personally known Tony for over 20 years and known of him for much longer. His reputation as a martial artist and karateka preceded him, and when I met him, I was disarmed at his warmth and generosity of spirit. Regarding his teaching of physical training when I first met Tony, He was already researching a more pragmatic approach to his personal training and his teaching. His background in engineering and his analytical approach to movement, gives him a unique insight into physical culture and not just about combat.

Tony’s credentials and skills in teaching are impressive, an ‘old school’ karateka from the ‘blood and guts era’ of Karate. He then moved onto reality-based training with the legendary Geoff Thompson and finally in my opinion he demonstrated the white belt mentality by embracing BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and attaining the coveted Faixa Preta (black belt) becoming one of the select few in martial arts to become the 1% of the 1%. 

All these talents and achievements pale into insignificance though when you look at his life experience, and the example he leads just by being a husband, father and friend. He’s one of the select few people in martial arts that lives a truly authentic life, and he has now finally realised that he has a lifetime of experience from all of the differing spheres he’s been involved with to share with others.

If you want a healthy mind, healthy body, healthy worldview and embrace the hard work ethos you need to attain the above then give Tony a call.

I still refer to Tony in my top five examples I follow... and apparently, I’m kind of a big deal. Seriously though, I’ve personally kept on my BJJ journey in no small part due to Tony’s example. Apologies on the length of this Testimonial, but when asked to speak about a man of substance and character, a couple of sentences will never suffice.

Mick Tully (51) Plasterer, occasional martial artist, teacher, comedian, social commentator, and raconteur.

I have not known Tony for many years, but one night I came round his place to do an assessment of his foot pain and he had a lasting impact on my life. I don't quite know how to explain how he influences people, but he has a unique ability to guide someone and help them realise what they already know. This was certainly my experience anyway. He let me chat about a few things that were going on in my life and a few ideas and plans I had for my future, and without much obvious interference, I left his house that night with such clarity that it has put me on a path, that 6 months later I was still walking.  

This is a real skill, and I would recommend Tony to anyone who is looking for coaching or mentorship. I trained under his tutelage for over a year or so prior to covid and have been training with him since we have been allowed to, and I honestly think he brings more out of me than any other coach I have worked with. I have been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 5 years now, and, having already achieved several "belts" in pervious martial arts, I really don't care what colour the bit of material that keeps my Gi on is, but when I do get my next belt. It would mean more than any other belt that I have ever received if this comes from Tony. I think with his life experience in business, engineering, martial arts, caring and balancing work, training and family, coaching and mentoring is a natural catalyst for his mentoring services, and I would support and promote him in any way I can. 

Sam Chadwick (34), BSc. MSc. HCPC. , Sports Podiatrist (UK)

I have known Tony for many years as I know both his daughters. After a chance encounter in our local village Tony and I got chatting and with great ease I opened up to him about some struggles I was having in my life. Within days we met again, and he imparted some of his wisdom on me (and he has a lot). Tony made me see my situation in a completely different way, this enabled me to feel empowered and much more positive and in turn completely changed how I handles things going forward. Things improved for me as soon as I had guidance from Tony. To put it simply, he changed my mind set and life. I felt that my brain had been rewired by someone who completely understood life’s struggles and genuinely cared for me. We have laughed a cried and I would not hesitate to turn to Tony in a crisis. I have told him on many occasions he is a true angel and it’s true, he has a wide range of knowledge which he selflessly imparts on anyone if he thinks he can help with his mentoring style. Tony also helped a friend of mine and we often say, ‘everyone needs a Tony’.

Jen Hunt (33) Clinical Nurse Specialist (UK)

I’ve known Tony for over 15 years. We met whilst training in the Martial arts (which I have been training in for over thirty-five years). Tony has always been an authentic martial artist and a man of integrity. Whilst training under and alongside him he has guided me (and countless others) with subtle words of wisdom and knowledge along the way. His experience not only in martial arts but also in life has enriched many of us. What is unique about Tony is his way of gently putting across powerful life lessons in a manner that is clear, concise, and enlightening. He is a man that doesn’t often talk the talk as I have found he has always been too busy walking the walk. But, with that said he has always had tine for those he cares about and those that he doesn’t even know to shine a light in their darkest times.

To say I’d recommend him as a mentor would be a gross understatement. Not only do I recommend him for mentoring but also as a valuable well of knowledge and advice for life’s ups and downs. He is a powerhouse of practical positivity that will help those that feel helpless to seek a new outlook on life and how to handle the most difficult of challenges. His advice ca come in the guise of going through physical training, life lessons or downright hard work and determination and other ways. He is a without doubt one of the most understanding and heartfelt men I have ever met. If you’re path has become a little too hard to walk alone then Tony is the go-to guy for you.

Peter Skillen BSc, 4th Dan Blackbelt kickboxer, 4th Dan Geoff Thompson’s real self-defence and blue belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu , Author, Public speaker, Screen writer and film maker

Tony has regularly mentored me with over many years concerning my fitness and mental well-being. As a more mature ‘student’ of mixed martial arts, I have had to cope with the pressures of an increasingly demanding job and the need to regain my fitness and confidence enough in order that I can travel and work with international clients on all four continents. Being able to remain grounded, as he often mentions in his sessions, has meant that even after several years of intensive pressure of completing jobs and tasks I am still managing to cope well and stay the course with no thought of retirement. The Pandemic brought its own challenges which have been moderated due to the above support in both physical and mental terms, that Tony provided. I would recommend anyone wanting to improve their lifestyle in terms of fitness, confidence, and mental wellbeing as they near the end of their working lives to consider Tony’s mentoring services.

Roger Gilbert (72) Publisher/Entrepreneur (UK)

I’ve known Tony for over twenty years. We first met as business acquaintances, and he had helped my company avert a major disaster with our client by helping us in ways we never expected anyone (other than Tony) could.  From that time, we quickly became good family friends. Until today and on multiple occasions he had mentored us to solve critical issues in Engineering to PR issues with our clients.  No matter how complex, he will see things in absolute clarity and home in on the things that matter. His strength comes from a real compassion for people and his capacity to empathise and listen intently at the deepest level. He has a way with handling difficult people without ruffling feathers in a calm almost poetic way that has to be seen to be believed.  He is not only an engineer with superior logic and formidable knowledge, but he is also a philosopher. I never cease to be amazed by his wisdom and his sharp wit.  He is a man of integrity and authenticity. His knowledge on health, be it physical or mental health is profound.  I am honoured and grateful to have him as my mentor and a friend I could turn to.

Yeng Fook Chek (66) Mechanical Engineer/Managing Director (Malaysia)

I have known Tony for 25 years and of that time he’s been a mentor to me for almost 10 years.

Tony helped me to focus my energy into nutrition, fitness and martial arts and has been there as a pivotal figure in my life. He has acted as both a sounding board and advice giver in my early twenties into my mid-twenties, which helped me whilst navigating various changes in my life. Tony provides mentoring which is both practical and philosophical and that has helped me accomplish goals whilst also gaining perspective on what I want and what’s important to me. I would recommend Tony to anyone who’s looking to make a change in their life whether that’s mental or physical and needs a mentor who can help them get there

Steven Connolly (25) Military Dog Handler/Trainer (UK)

Tony is authentic, wise and has admirable strength. He has an amazing perspective on life which inspired me to find the outlook on life that he does. Tony’s mentoring advice is nothing but real and honest. His mental and physical strength helped me to find my inner ‘warrior’ through all aspects of life which he inspires others to do the same. Tony’s understanding of people and the way the world works allows you to feel an inner peace and calmness. I cannot recommend Tony enough for anyone who needs a little guidance along the journey that life takes us on.

Lottie Wight (27) Primary School Teacher (UK)

I first met Tony in 2012, travelling from Australia to help with instruction at his BJJ academy. The time I spent with Tony on our walks, training together and generally getting to know one another was some of the best time in my life. Tony is a true renaissance man, well versed in the martial arts, fitness, business but also the study and pursuit of what true, deep living is all about. We spent many talks delving into how to better harness the human potential, sharing one another thoughts and experiences always walking away the better for it. Anyone that has the opportunity to work with Tony will quickly learn how unique, insightful and caring Tony is. I can’t recommend Tony’s mentoring highly enough. I just wish we didn’t live on the opposite of the planet so I could spend more time with him.

Cam Rowe, (47) 3rd deg BJJ Black Belt / Martial Arts Instructor (Australia)

I have known Tony for many years as he has coached MMA (mixed martial arts) to my son Ailbe. We have exchanged many conversations supporting each other through difficult times. His mentoring is earthy, hardy, authentic, non-judgmental and he uses his own life experiences a point of reference. His approach it to empower you to test run and use tools he suggests may help you as he believes there is no “one way fits all fix for any human being” as we are all unique. I know from my son Ailbe’s experiences being coached and mentored by Tony that he starts from a position of love in that he genuinely cares about helping people. As an experienced counsellor/psychotherapist myself I would recommend Tony to anyone looking for some clarity or direction in life or a methodology that they can customize to help them get through challenging times.

Breda O Neill (64) Counsellor/Psychotherapist IAHIP Accredited (Ireland)

I work in the Security industry where I am faced with challenges daily. I have known Tony Terranova for over 8 years and in that time, he has Coached me in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). His standard of coaching-mentoring is outstanding. I have won the British open championship twice and it’s in many ways all down to the way he teaches. I lost my son and then my brother and Tony was there checking in on me and offering gentle advice as and when I needed it. Not only is he and outstanding coach but he is now a very good friend.

Sean Evans (51) Security Sector (UK)

You can't teach tough, and most people struggle when life gets difficult but when you are faced with challenges that is your opportunity to become tough or tougher than before instead of being defeated. Just like in fighting and in real life you need to develop a spring on your ass so when you fall you immediately get back up. Tony is a great advocate for this; his life has never been easy. Tony has been through hell so many times he is not a casualty of hell; he is the tour guide. Tony has mapped out all his experiences and is ready to give you the guidance and support that you need. Since I met him, he has been like a brother and guardian angel to me offering encouragement and sage like advice while others would instead criticize me.  It's always a pleasure to share a coffee or a gym/outdoors workout with him.  It doesn't matter how bad your day was going before you met Tony but afterwards you will feel better, tougher, brighter, and better educated to face your current crisis.

Ailbe Marius Moore (33) Creative Writer & MMA fighter. (UK)

I have known Tony for over 2 decades. I had the privilege to work with Tony and for Tony on many Engineering projects when he was first recruited as a consultant to work at Yuba Tulsa Oklahoma USA in January 1996. We share a great respect for the indigenous native American Indian people and the knowledge they learned on their own. I gave Tony a nickname (Chief Joseph) a legendary American Indian. Tony returned the favour by naming me Chief Looking Glass. We still use these names. Tony has always sought true knowledge about every aspect of life be it Engineering, martial arts, spiritual or helping others. He has found his calling in life thru seeking true knowledge. He learned that the way to true happiness in any aspect of his life is by helping others, be it Engineering, martial arts, spiritual, advisory, or taking care of others. I have witnessed first-hand his mentoring on engineering business and international negotiation skills having worked with him in several parts of the world. I would trust Tony with my life and in any subject as I know he will seek and find the true way to assist all that ask.

Dennis Francis (AKA Chief Looking Glass) (78) Mechanical Design Engineer (Thailand)

Tony and I hit it off from the moment we first met at a full contact self-protection martial arts training course. We always say that we are Cosmic Brothers. I have learnt so much from him that it is difficult to only say a few words in this short testimonial. He is an innovator, a thinker, a martial artist, a sage and more importantly a beautiful person who puts his family first. I have witnessed his mentoring first-hand when he has talked at the training courses, we both attended and how his relaxed authentic approach puts everyone at ease. I am so grateful to have crossed paths with Tony and I hope you get the chance to learn from this wonderful man as well. 

Eddie Quinn (55) Full time professional Martial Arts Teacher (UK)

I met Tony when I went training at his Mixed Martial Arts academy many years ago and it was quickly clear that Tony was an exceptionally gifted martial arts expert and trainer, but most of all a powerful motivator and mentor.

Over the years I have been involved in supporting Tony’s health and rehab after his training injuries and during these sessions we always talk deeply about all things to do with the health of mind, body and spirit - and science and politics… They are fascinating discussions and I always leave feeling educated and inspired - and with more books to read!

However, if ever there was a true example of strength of human character, it’s his support and devotion to his dear wife Jenny, living with Huntington’s disease. Pushing himself to emotional and physical limits to support her and charitable fund raising - Tony has truly “walked the walk and talked the talked”. Literally.

He is the living embodiment of a true ‘Warrior’

Geoff Layland, (61) Businessman, Engineer, Pain Relief Practitioner (UK)

I have known and trained with Tony since 2008, he is a great coach, mentor, and friend. This short passage has taken me weeks to formulate, not only because it’s fun to annoy Tony but because it is hard to condense the experiences into a few words which others will understand. With Tony at the helm, we train hard but, more importantly, we talk, we interact- the great skill of a mentor is not to give speeches or one-way lessons, it’s to be involved in the conversation. To sometimes be steered as well as steer. The outcome is clarity and a whole picture – not just the ability to regurgitate rote lessons from another. Tony’s tenacity is clear for all to see, and his example has helped me get to where I want to be. I value my time with Tony and recommend his skills to anyone- whether you have a perceived problem or just want to navigate life. Unfortunately, his great sense of direction for the soul does not extend to his sense of direction on roads and his jokes are terrible, so be warned.

Martin Febery (49) Financial Consultant (UK)

I first met Tony around 7 years ago when a friend of mine introduced me to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Tony made me feel at home in the male dominated academy right away. I immediately felt comfort and a calming energy whenever Tony was around. Not only did he mentor me in my sportsmanship and teach me to control my breathing, we also became friends outside of the academy. Tony has a wonderful, nurturing and understanding presence, with a wealth of knowledge.  His dedication to his wife and family is an inspiration, and his constant appetite to learn, understand new concepts and people, never stops growing. Tony has taught me more things in life than he may even be aware, but I trust this man with everything. It’s not often you meet someone with a good, kind, genuine and open heart. Thank you for everything Tony.

Laura Hickman (30) Business owner (TexasUSA)

So how do I write a great testimonial for Tony Terranova in a few words? This is the question I have been asking myself ever since I agreed to jot down a few words for my friend Tony and I arrived at this simple truth… I can’t. I can’t find the words to appropriately sum Tony up as he deserves so much more than words on a page. A few words will only scratch the surface of what Tony and what he and his family mean to our group of friends and wouldn’t even make a dent in describing the depth of the man himself.

I suppose the best way to think about writing a testimonial is to first think about where I would be had I not met him. The honest answer to that is that I don’t know… having suffered from anxiety and lack of confidence for several years and combining those things with working in pressurised and stressful environments I can only imagine that the answer wouldn’t be great. So, whilst I don’t know where I would be had I not met him, I do know where I am after 15 years of friendship and that is in a much better place. I still face the anxieties, self-doubt and stresses that life throws but Tony has introduced me to build a strong group of friends (he tends to attract good people to him like a magnet), he has helped to develop a toolbox with a variety of tools that focus on body, mind and nutrition that I can reach in to when I need to and he has helped me to build a path that I can always return to when I find myself heading the wrong way (which is ironic given his sense of direction is so poor).

One of the greatest compliments I can pay Tony is that in addition to listening to his advice I often find myself passing on to others. This is reassuring for me as I know that it is working, but also scary as I do have a slight concern that I may start passing on his jokes. In short Tony is a great mentor, coach and friend and I am so very pleased to have met him and introduced him to my family.

Matt Viall (46) Partner, Quantity Surveyor, Construction Consultancy. BSc (Hons) MRICS (UK)

I have had the privilege of knowing Tony for many years. We met because of our mutual passion for martial arts, and we also did our NLP life coaching course together, and I’m forever grateful we did. In my humble opinion, Tony fully embodies everything I believe a martial artist should be. But it’s as fellow Engineers that I can see where Tony raises to another level. Engineers are problem solvers. We see every problem as a challenge, every adversity as an opportunity and every unknown as a potential source of discovery. When you combine this mindset with the compassion, the dedication, the relentless work ethic, the attention to detail and the love to see everyone around improve and be well, that is when you get close to someone like Tony. I frequently find myself referring to Tony and quoting some of his inspiring messages to friends and colleagues when they might need to hear them, and more often to myself. Tony also walks the walk and has lived a life that places him in an authentic position to be able to talk from experience and offer his advice, guidance, and mentoring support, selflessly. I highly and unreservedly recommend Tony, his coaching, and his ability to support others. Get in touch with him. You will not be disappointed.

Al Peasland (47) Head Of Partnerships Williams Racing F1 Team / BEng, CEng, FIMechE, CIM (UK)

“Tony is a no-nonsense coach in fitness, martial arts and life in general. He does it for his students, not for himself, and he has a unique perspective and depth of insight on all things. I’ve been training with Tony a short time and already he’s making a difference on and off the training mats.” 

Mike Newby (31) PR Account Director (UK)

Tony Terranova, what can you say about this guy in a few short sentences and truly do him justice? Tony and I met 8 years ago when some friends urged me to come and train with him. We hit it off straight away, as a coach and training partner Tony likes to challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone and find your limits. Quit is not in his vocabulary. Adapt, manage, ride the wave or swim through the crap as at the end of the crap there is always something good waiting, is Tony’s outlook. Tony has seen his fair share of troubles and strife and yet is a dependable guy who always finds a way to be positive and shares his own experiences with you when the chips are down. I have to say a huge thank you to Tony personally and I always look him up for training session and a cuppa when I am back in the UK. His advice, mentoring and coaching have helped me in both my career and my personal life.

Craig Lacey (47) PE Teacher & Rugby Coach (Cyprus)

I have known Tony for over 20 years and having him by my side while teaching Karate and Self-defence has been an asset. He is a fantastic Instructor with extensive knowledge and professionalism that brought to the team. On a side note, this was important to me as so many men at the time were treating females badly with no respect.  As a Female Instructor (not many of us around), I trusted Tony’s judgement on many occasions and his teaching skills were exemplary. He would enforce my core values, discipline, integrity, respect, self-confidence, and hard work and make sure that they were maintained.

His coaching and mentoring of my students was very professional. He was one of my gentle instructors in how he would demonstrate and explain the moves. Nothing was too much for him to answer and he was always available to help and advise the students to help them reach their potential, which I’m very grateful for.  Tony would teach many different students with vulnerabilities, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. Tony would adapt his teaching style to the individual which is a skill in itself. Tony has the communication skills, physical skills, the mental skills, and emotional intelligence which was detrimental to the job and made him a valued asset.

With my 4 Karate Clubs we also had many competitions, gradings and social events where Tony was always there helping and supporting me as I valued his option. I have had students that had suffered trauma in their lives and Tony stepped in without hesitation and set up a hub for students to talk about anything.  Tony would always find time to help other with their health and wellbeing.  Tony and I would often visit each other’s homes and the conversation would always be about Martial Arts, on how we could improve the student’s experience. Tony is a family man with a loving family I have and always will respect Tony for the help and support he has given me as a Female instructor over the years.

Pauline Hanlon (57) Police Officer; 4th Dan Black Belt, Chief Instructor of Nishi Karate Club, Woman’s Self Defence Instructor; with over 40 years’ experience.