Meet the team
Head of S&C & Fitness -
Dr Tom Rickaby
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I have loved sports and fitness from a young age. Rugby was my first sporting passion and I played at premiership academy and regional level as a junior.
Although injuries led me to hang up my rugby boots whilst studying for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Bath I couldn’t be kept away from training for long... whilst completing my degree I gained both my level 2 qualification in fitness instruction and level 3 qualification in strength and conditioning and was also lucky enough to work on placement as a strength and conditioning coach at Gloucester Rugby Club.
When I moved to Leicester as a post-graduate medical student I wanted to try a new sport and quickly fell in love with the martial arts training here at Total Combat Academy. The coaching is top class and the atmosphere is incredibly friendly. Even though my medical studies keep me busy I spend my spare time working and training at the academy and run the Saturday morning strength and conditioning classes.
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Head of Striking & MMA -
Coach Harcus
My martial arts journey began in 1990 at the age of seven, when I first stepped onto the mats under the guidance of Tae Kwon Do instructor Simon Betts. From the very beginning, I was recognised as a powerful striker, developing an explosive boxing style that became my trademark.
I transitioned into amateur boxing, where I honed my craft until 2006, before discovering the dynamic and practical world of Krav Maga in 2010. Through years of dedication, I rose through the ranks and proudly earned my Black Belt in Concept Krav Maga in 2013 under Roger Hunt.
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In 2012, I met Mastru Antonio Faedda, who introduced me to the art of NUDDA - a discipline that reshaped my perspective on combat arts and teaching. After intensive training, I achieved my Level 2 instructorship in 2015 and was later awarded my Black Belt in 2019.
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With over three decades of experience, I remain “forever a student” - constantly evolving, learning, and pushing boundaries. Alongside my own development as a Coach, I have had the privilege of training fighters who have gone on to compete in Boxing, Muay Thai, K1, and MMA.
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For me, martial arts is not just about fighting - it’s about discipline, growth, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. The journey continues…
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Head of BJJ & Grappling -
Coach Raj​
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I have been part of the martial arts world for the past 28 years, beginning my journey with traditional systems that gave me a strong foundation. As martial arts entered its acceleration phase in the mid-90s, Tae Kwon Do became my building block, and I dedicated 13 years to mastering its discipline.
Seeking to broaden my skills, I moved into Kickboxing and later embraced Krav Maga, a highly effective and direct fighting style. To further sharpen my striking ability, I also spent several years studying NUDDA, which added unique depth and versatility to my approach.
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In recent years, my focus has been Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - an art I often describe as "combative chess" for its strategic and technical demands. In March 2025, I was honoured to be awarded my Black Belt under the guidance of Nathon Beeby, a milestone that represents both dedication and a new chapter in my martial arts journey.