Mark is a highly accomplished martial arts instructor and owner of the Gracie Barra Trafford Quays. Mark has trained extensively in Silat, Kali, Thai Boxing, Combatives, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, CQC, and Catch Wrestling under the guidance of some of the world's best teachers. Mark's commitment to safety and professionalism is evident in his full enhanced DBS check, licensing, and insurance. He is ICP6 qualified and actively pursuing the ICP Legacy designation, and is also trained in first aid.
Meet Przemyslaw Szczepanski... or Prem, for short. Prem is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and has been training in the martial arts since 2007. He enjoys JKD, Muay Thai and BJJ. He is also an active competitior on the BJJ circuit. Some of his achievements are: Purple belt: 2014-Noth West Open-Bronze & Absolute-Bronze 2014-Nottingham Open-Silver 2015-Manchester Open-Bronze 2015-Blackpool Open No Gi-Bronze MMA record:1-0-0 Black Belt: UAEJJF British Nationals 2019 - Bronze IBJJF British Nationals 2019- Bronze (no-gi) IBJJF British Nationals 2019 - Double Silver
Gavin Conhye is a highly experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor with over a decade of experience training in the sport. As a skilled black belt, he is known not only for his impressive technical ability but also for his exceptional teaching skills. Gavin is passionate about helping his students at the academy achieve their full potential and is committed to providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed. In addition to his extensive experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gavin has also trained in various other martial arts disciplines. He has had several jiu-jitsu matches and MMA fights, winning many of them and earning the award for "fight of the night" for his performances. His wealth of experience and knowledge make him a valuable asset to the academy, and his dedication to teaching is evident in his work with the LC1 class and running all levels on Saturdays. Overall, Gavin is a respected member of the jiu-jitsu community, and his commitment to the sport is an inspiration to his students. His passion for teaching, combined with his technical expertise and broad range of experience, makes him a highly sought-after instructor and a valuable asset to the academy.
Anna is a talented purple belt in jiu-jitsu, with an impressive competition record and a reputation for excellence as an instructor. She is highly respected by her peers and is sought after for her ability to impart knowledge and inspire growth in her students. In addition to her skill as an instructor, Anna is also deeply committed to empowering women through jiu-jitsu. She is in charge of GBF, the ladies-only program at the academy, and has helped many women develop their skills, build their confidence, and achieve their full potential on and off the mats. Her teaching style is patient, supportive, and encouraging, and she is always willing to go the extra mile to help her students achieve their goals. Thanks to Anna's leadership and dedication, the GBF program has become a vital part of the academy and has helped countless women discover the transformative power of jiu-jitsu. She is a true asset to the jiu-jitsu community, and her passion and commitment to the sport are an inspiration to all who know her.
Anne's remarkable record of success in jiu-jitsu has made her a role model for many aspiring competitors. Despite holding the rank of number one in the UK, Europe, and the world for her age and belt, Anne remains humble and committed to improving her skills. Her passion for jiu-jitsu extends beyond just her own accomplishments, as she also enjoys working with kids and coaching the competition team. Anne's focus on fitness and conditioning has been instrumental in the team's success, and her dedication and hard work have helped elevate the team to the next level. Overall, Anne's commitment to excellence, both on and off the mats, is a testament to her character and dedication to the sport. Her passion for helping others and pushing herself to be the best make her an inspiration to the jiu-jitsu community.
Coach Chris is a highly dedicated and accomplished jiu-jitsu competitor who also plays an important role in coaching at the gym. As a first-degree purple belt, he is a valuable member of the coaching staff, and regularly assists with the Juniors and GB1 classes. In addition to his coaching duties, Chris is also an active competitor who has achieved notable success at various events. He has earned medals at competitions like the Manchester Open, Blackpool Open, North West Open, and UAEJJF British National Pro. He also earned a silver medal at the IBJJF British Nationals in 2019. Despite his busy schedule, Chris still finds time to run early morning open mats, providing an opportunity for students to train before their busy day begins. Chris's favorite technique, the triangle submission, is a testament to his technical proficiency and the depth of his knowledge in the sport. Overall, Coach Chris's dedication to both competition and coaching is a testament to his love of jiu-jitsu. His passion for the sport and willingness to help others improve make him a valuable asset to the gym and a respected member of the jiu-jitsu community.
Rich Hawkins is a jiu-jitsu practitioner who started training a long time ago but had to stop due to a change in his career path. However, he has recently returned to the sport and is now a regular competitor. Rich is not only dedicated to his own training but also contributes significantly to the jiu-jitsu community. He helps out with the kids' classes and competition training for the entire competition team. Rich's experience and passion for jiu-jitsu make him a valuable asset to the team.
“A real Jiu Jitsu fighter does not go around beating people down. Our defense is made to neutralize aggression” - Helio Gracie
