TRIBUTES have flooded in for martial arts instructor Tom Ashe, who has passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 52.

Tom moved to Weymouth from Birmingham in 1995 and started working as a nightclub doorman, where he became a popular figure.

He started teaching Muay Thai kickboxing at the Weymouth Martial Arts Centre soon after and his 'King Tiger' fighters quickly gained a formidable reputation.

The club's fighters have won several world titles and even travelled as far as Papua New Guinea for a championship bout.

Maurice Teague, who will take over teaching at the club, said that he and Tom became "more like brothers than friends".

He added: "I know Tom meant so much to so many people.

"He was a role model, mentor and example of how to moderate being a tough Muay Thai coach and doorman and a genuinely kind, generous caring man, who will be greatly and sadly missed by all.

"I will endeavour to keep Tom's legacy alive through the continuation of King Tiger Muay Thai, though I cannot say it will ever be the same."

Joanne Jones, who was one of the first kickboxers Tom trained to a championship, said: "I hated sparring but, under Tom, it really got my confidence up and I won a championship fight under his guidance.

"He was just like family."

Friend Steve Parker described him as "a giant of a man" and "an out-and-out gent".

Outside of kickboxing, Tom was a member of the Low Riders Scooter Club, with a keen interest in vintage Lambrettas and Vespas.

Kevin Benson, who runs the club, said that Tom was an "avid" member, who "played a massive part" in the club's committee.

Kevin said: "He would talk to anybody and he was always smiling.

"I found out Saturday morning whilst at work and it just destroyed me. Tom has always had my corner.

"He was just one of those all round guys; very respectful."

Carl Sams, who was Tom's friend and colleague for 25 years, said: "Meeting Tom in the early 90s was like a breath of fresh air.

"First professionally and then as true friends.

"We shared a love of combat sports and music and could speak for hours on either subject. He never let me down. Not once, which in our industry is a very rare thing.

"When I had my own brain tumour situation several years ago he was the first person on the telephone to my wife whilst I was in surgery, offering assistance and support.

"So to hear he was in a worse position was just heart breaking. You will not find a single skeleton in his closet and you wont find a single bad word for him anywhere. It is, the saddest loss for all of us."

The club has already raised £400 for The Brain Tumour Charity to sponsor a bike ride a friend is taking part in, from Skipton to Weymouth, in honour of Tom and another close friend who passed away.

Tom is survived by his wife Dawn, whom he married on June 1, and his son Thomas.