The people behind the sessions

Morley · Leeds · Since 2002

Meet the trainers.

The people who turn the LMA standard into practical sessions in Morley, Leeds — clear coaching, honest work and a team where everyone has a next step.

Three coaches and two teaching assistants. Different routes in. One shared belief: good training should leave you more capable than when you walked through the door.

Meet the coaching team

30 years

Paul's full-time coaching

Since 2002

LMA in Morley

One family

Beginners to fighters

The coaching team

The standard, in practice.

Coaching at LMA is not a performance. It is paying attention, explaining the detail and asking people to do the work that will make the difference.

LMA / coach

Paul Lynch, founder and head coach of LMA.

The standard setter

Paul Lynch

Founder & Head Coach

Paul founded LMA in 2002 and still sets the pace at Team LMA. He has been coaching full time since 13 September 1996, with a clear eye for detail and the calm authority of someone who has done the work himself.

A World Champion, 13-time British Champion, 2000 European Champion and 5th Dan, Paul brings a competition-tested standard to every session — whether someone is tying their first belt or preparing for a fight.

World Champion

13-time British Champion

5th Dan

Paul's full story

Charlie Lynch-Spence coaching at Leeds Martial Arts College

LMA / coach

Charlie becoming a champion.

The work continues

Charlie Lynch-Spence

Head MMA Coach & Team LMA Fighter

Charlie grew up on the LMA mats. Paul’s son, he earned his black belt at Leeds Martial Arts and has learned what the standard asks for by living it, round after round.

He became UK and Ireland No. 1 Amateur Lightweight and EMMA Four Nations Tournament Champion. Now moving from amateur competition towards the professional stage, he brings that edge back into the classes he coaches at the academy.

UK & Ireland No. 1 Amateur Lightweight

EMMA Four Nations Champion

LMA Black Belt

Follow Charlie's next chapter

Coach Steven Benning coaching at Leeds Martial Arts College

LMA / coach

Coach Steven Benning coaching at LMA.

Experience that translates

Coach Steven Benning

Martial Arts Coach

Coach Steven Benning brings a deep competitive and teaching background to Leeds Martial Arts, with 15 years of teaching experience at the club.

A former British Champion and Team GB member, Steven holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt, a 1st Degree in Jiu Jitsu and a 2nd Degree in Kickboxing.

2nd Degree Black Belt

1st Degree in Jiu Jitsu

2nd Degree in Kickboxing

Former British Champion

Team GB Member

15 Years Teaching at LMA

Ronan Smith in Team LMA fight kit at Leeds Martial Arts College

LMA / coach

Ronan Smith at Leeds Martial Arts College.

Learning by doing

Ronan Smith

Mini Ninjas Instructor

Ronan Smith leads Mini Ninjas sessions with energy, clear instruction and the encouragement young students need to keep moving.

As Mini Ninjas Instructor, Ronan helps younger students build confidence, coordination and good training habits from the very beginning.

Mini Ninjas Instructor

Matside support

Good habits, built daily

Temporary portrait

LNLMA / coach

Temporary portrait placeholder — trainer image to be added.

Part of the team

Luke Naylor

Teaching Assistant

Luke Naylor helps make the sessions welcoming, purposeful and easy to follow for students at every stage.

As a teaching assistant, Luke supports the coaches with demonstrations, drills and the steady encouragement that helps students keep progressing.

Teaching Assistant

Session support

Progress through consistency

Ready when you are

Come and meet the team.

Try a session, ask a question and find the class that fits. Beginners are welcome.