Heseltine Sensei began boxing training at the age of eighteen. At twenty-one he started to practice Aikido under Arthur Lockyear Sensei and was promoted to Shodan (1st Dan) by Tamura Sensei 8th Dan in London five years later. To enhance his Aikido training and gain a better knowledge of a striking art, Tony took up Muay Thai (kickboxing), which he practiced alongside Aikido for several years.

He first practiced with Shane Riley Sensei in the early ‘80s Which led him to join White Rose Aikido because of it’s dynamic and practical approach to training. This led him to open a dojo at Sherburn Village Sports Centre with the full support of Riley Shihan where he practiced and taught for several years before moving to Hild Bede College, which is part of Durham University where practice is currently held.

Tony is both the senior White Rose instructor in the north east and a senior grading officer.

He was awarded Shichidan(7th Dan) by Shane Riley Sensei on behalf of the White Rose Aikikai in April 2018. Over the years he has taken several students upto dan grade level, a number of which regularly train and help instruct at the club.