I found martial arts in 2009, after having spent my teens and twenties pursuing a career as an actor, while eschewing any form of exercise. I spent 3 years being completely obsessed with Muay Thai, and even travelled to Thailand to train and compete. At the beginning of 2012, I stumbled into a Jiu Jitsu gym, and never looked back.

Being small of stature, and having avoided exercise for most of my ife up to that point, I was drawn to BJJ for two primary reasons. Not only was I able to train and spar with much bigger people, I also managed to survive the experience unscathed. Training BJJ has helped me to deal with insecurities surrounding physical confrontation, and opened my eyes to the positive impact BJJ can have on others.

My teaching style is centred around a conceptual understanding of Jiu Jitsu principles with a focus on good finishing mechanics. I believe that this is what will enable a smaller and weaker person to control and submit a larger opponent. Ultimately, I think that Jiu Jitsu should be fun. Knowing that BJJ puts people in uncomfortable situations, my classes prioritise safety and consent – people are encouraged to speak up, and “no” is always respected. Having witnessed BJJ change the lives of countless people, including myself, I love that teaching gives me the opportunity to help others and find what it is that Jiu Jitsu can offer them.