Meet the coaches
“Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.”
After a martial arts journey starting at aged 8, and competing in karate and Thai Boxing, Jamie turned his focus and passion to MMA at the age of 29 after recognising the sport as the pinnacle of combat sports.
In 2014 Jamie turned professional, and most recently fought on top Spanish promotion, AFL in March 2019, before heading back to the UK to plan the opening of Hybrid MMA Academy.
He is a purple belt of over 5 years in BJJ under Gavin Boardman and Rodrigo Antunes, and has extensive grappling and BJJ competition experience to add to earlier bouts in karate, thai boxing and semi-professional kickboxing.
Jamie has a wealth of coaching experience with kids and adults, is a fully qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach, Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor, to support his passion of relentlessly learning from the worlds best coaches, fighters and gym. Including our affiliate gym Manchester Predators, Training Unit (Valencia, Spain), BJJ Torrevieja (Torrevieja, Spain, Mike’s Gym (Holland) and American Top Team (USA).
BJJ Coach
MMA Coach
Gaz Pilot is our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach and Professional Mixed Martial Arts veteran of some of Europe’s biggest promotions.
Gaz is a brown belt under Gavin Boardman and Rodrigo Antunes, and experienced coach and competitor.
In our BJJ classes you will be met by tuition that holds real legitamacy that has been earned through thousands of hours on the mat and under the highest quality BJJ lineage.
Gaz’s attention to detail is second to none and in his class you will get an appreciation for how he has made BJJ work in many practical situations, in MMA, BJJ and in security work.
Along with his undoubted high level as a competitor and coach, you’ll find Gaz very welcoming, funny and a massive help and support in your journey on the mats from complete beginner to competitor.
JJoe ‘Big Funk’ Biesty
Youth Academy Kickboxing Coach
Active Fighter
Joe is our Youth Academy Kickboxing Coach and active fighter.
Joe started training at age 12, initially in boxing and kickboxing.
In 2017 he made the decision to start training in MMA with the intention of competing. From then he went on to train at several gyms and competing in kickboxing, Thai boxing and boxing.
Away from martial arts, Joe has a wealth of experience in teaching children as a swimming instructor.
It was Joe’s work experience, calm nature, skill level, professionalism, attention to detail and his approachable, fun and likeable nature that meant he was the perfect person to teach our Youth Academy, as well as using the same attributes to excel in his own training and fight career.