A martial arts teacher has been charged with the sexual abuse and rape of a young girl. 

Tony Swanson, 73, is accused of numerous sexual offences against a girl when she was aged between 13 and 15 in the early 2000s. 

He is the founder of the Taoist Arts Organisation (TAO) based on Wren Road, Sidcup, and teaches Tai Chi across south east London including in Bexley, Lee and Eltham. 

Swanson is charged with 28 sexual offences including eight counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault. 

He appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday (October 23) but was not asked to formally enter pleas. 

But prosecutor Tim Forster said there is no doubt that Swanson will be entering not guilty pleas at a later date.

A trial date was set for August 2025. 

The TAO website states that Tony was previously the UK national team coach and has judged martial arts competitions nationally and internationally.