MEET THE COACHES

AND SOME INFORMATION ABOUT US

OUR COACHING TEAM BRINGS WITH THEM A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF COMBAT SPORTS

We're proud to have BJJ black belts, former Professional MMA fighters, multiple tournament gold medallists, European champions, and Paralympic candidates among our ranks.

Each coach shares a deep passion for martial arts and a genuine commitment to passing on their knowledge and experience.

Adam Gunning (Gunner)

Founder / Head Coach

BJJ Black Belt - 1st Degree

Mad Hatters / Gorilla Grapplers

Founder of Collision Invitational

Has had success competing in Submission Grappling, Kickboxing & MMA

Favours Grappling and is a Multiple Tournament Gold Medallist in both Gi and NoGi

Father to 2 x Daughters

MMA Enthusiast with previous experience providing MMA commentary

Loves a Burger

Brett O’Brien (Bob)

Assistant Coach/MMA

BJJ Black Belt

Mad Hatters / Gorilla Grapplers

Ex Professional MMA Fighter With an Official Record of 3-1-0

Life Long Martial Artist with Experience in Muay Thai, Submission Wrestling, K1 Kickboxing & MMA

Multiple Tournament Gold Medallist in Gi

Father to 1 x Son and 1 x Daughter (who competes in Cheer)

Thomas Shelby impersonator

Jamie Irish

Head Kids BJJ Coach/Assistant Coach

BJJ Purple Belt

Gorilla Grapplers

Dedicated Kids BJJ coach who is Committed to the Development Of our Young Warriors

Kimura Trap Fan

Dislikes Gi Grips

Father to 2 x Daughters of whom both Train and Compete Regularly

Will BBQ Rain or Shine

Local Heart Throb

Dan Quartermaine (Q)

Assistant Coach/MMA

BJJ Brown Belt

Gorilla Grapplers

Multiple Tournament Gold Medallist in Gi and NoGi

Multiple Wins Across Grappling Invitationals

“Mr Guillotine”

Ex Amateur MMA Fighter with an Official record of 3-1-0

Sadistic Strength & Conditioning Circuit Builder

Is a Porsche Technician

Owns a British Bulldog name Pablo

Nathan Harris

Striking Coach

Black Belt Kickboxing

Trained under the Legendary Omar Elkilany

Has Trained Multiple Styles Over the years including Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Boxing, and several styles of Kickboxing

Mum was a Third Degree Black Belt

Proud Dad of Three

Has his own Groundworks and Maintenance Company

Loves Thai Food

Fleur Gardner

Assistant Coach/Yoga Instructor

Fully Qualified Yoga Instructor

Recently completed 300hrs at Rishikesh Yogkulam in India

200hr Hatha Vinyasa

BJJ Blue Belt

Mad Hatters / Gorilla Grapplers

A big fan of Music Ranging from Heavy Metal to Mantra

A Keen Wine and Cheese Enthusiast

Fully Qualified Motorcycle Mechanic

Martin Whiteley

Assistant Coach

BJJ Purple Belt

Gorilla Grapplers

Veteran Royal Marine Commando

Father to 2 x Daughters

Managing Director at a Recruitment Consultancy

Favourite Technique - Gi Chokes (Any and All)

Identifies as 6ft 2

Brad Maplestone

Assistant Coach/Boxing Coach

Boxing 30+ Years

Coached Boxers to National Titles

BJJ Blue Belt

Gorilla Grapplers

Father to 2 x Daughters

Illegitimate Offspring of Andre The Giant

Favourite Technique - D’Arce Choke

Shamelessly Wears Spats without Shorts

Alfie Cunningham

Assistant Coach/Striking

Karate Black Belt / BJJ Blue Belt

Cobra Kai/Gorilla Grapplers

Multiple Times European Champion in Karate

Trained Muay Thai in Thailand with Team Powerhouse

Aspirations in MMA

Name Drops himself at The Pelham Arms

If MMA doesnt work out will give Modelling a go

Took 7 Attempts to Pass his Driving Test

Mok Rahman

Assistant Coach

BJJ Purple Belt

Gorilla Grapplers

Ex Professional MMA Fighter With an Official Record of 9-4-0

First Bengali MMA Fighter

Aggressive Fighting Style - Nicest Guy out of the Cage

Proud Father to 1 x Son and 1 x Daughter

Local Celebrity

Ben Wason

Striking Coach

Decades of Experience Striking - Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA

Has had success competing in Kickboxing, Muay Thai & MMA out of Lumpini Southampton and Colloseum Haslemere

Also Enjoys Weight Lifting, Jiu Jitsu, Generally Staying Fit

Runs His Own Plumbing & Heating Firm

Proud Father of 3

Favourite Technique - Head and Arm Choke

Loses his eye brows when the sun touches his skin

Jimmy Alderson

Assistant Coach/Judo Coach

Judo Black Belt / BJJ Purple Belt

Priory Judo/Gorilla Grapplers

British Parapotential Fighter

Experience Competing Internationally

Fluent In Japanese

Plays Piano (Beautifully) - Classically Trained

GB Paralympic Judo Candidate currently targeting LA 2028

Also interested in History, Maths, and Physics - Nerd

Jack Magee (The Mad Hatter)

Head Honcho / Boss / Overseer / Don

BJJ Black Belt - 3rd Degree

Mad Hatters Founder - Head of our Affiliation

Gordo Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

Owner of the Mad Hatters Asylum in Chichester

Ex Professional MMA Fighter with an Official Record of 7-5-0

Lived in Brazil from aged 18-25 actively training and competing

Previously #1 Ranked UK BJJ Competitor

Father to 1 x Daughter and 2 x Sons

WHAT MAKES UP THE GORILLA GRAPPLERS?

GORILLA GRAPPLERS

Founded in 2021 by Adam Gunning, Gorilla Grapplers has one core mission: to build strong, disciplined, and technically sound combat sport athletes. At the heart of the academy is a belief in intelligent aggression, controlled technique, and constant evolution.

Gunning or Gunner as most now him, is a First Degree BJJ Black Belt under Jack Magee, a multiple tournament gold medallist, and has been a dedicated member of the Mad Hatters since 2014. With well over a decade in combat sports, he's developed a teaching style that combines precise technique with a no-nonsense, hard-working approach. That’s earned him a reputation as both a respected coach and a tough competitor. His approach is based on functional, pressure-tested combat sports. He believes in training smart, rolling hard, and building an environment where both hobbyists and high-level athletes can thrive.

The coaching team at Gorilla Grapplers reflects the same values. Adam has brought together high-level practitioners who match his work ethic and commitment to quality. From seasoned Black Belts to ex-Professional MMA fighters the Gorilla Grapplers coaching staff is made up of dedicated athletes and mentors who are active in the sport and committed to the growth of their students. All have experience competing and winning at national level, all the coaches bring real, hands-on knowledge to every class, along with a clear focus on helping students reach their potential.

What sets this club apart isn’t just technical depth or a competitive mindset - it’s the ability to break down complex movements, foster resilience, and lead a community where mutual respect and personal growth are paramount. This team-centered approach to coaching creates a dynamic learning environment where knowledge is shared, standards are high, and everyone is held accountable to improve.

MAD HATTERS ASYLUM

Mad Hatters Asylum was founded by Jack “The Mad Hatter” Magee, a well-respected BJJ Black Belt under Roberto “Gordo” Correa, a former pro MMA fighter, and a fierce Gi and No-Gi competitor. With years of training and competition experience around the world, Jack brings a deep level of knowledge and intensity to his students in West Sussex.

More than just a gym, the Asylum is an institution - built on technical excellence, controlled aggression, and a serious commitment to progress. Based in Chichester, the team has grown into one of the UK’s most respected and recognised BJJ and MMA academies, known for producing top-level competitors, dedicated coaches, and a clear team identity: tough, technical, and tightly united.

As Head Coach, Jack is known for his analytical style, uncompromising standards, and a proven track record of developing high-level athletes. His coaching blends technical detail, intense drilling, and real-time application, helping students build true confidence under pressure - not just knowledge, but instinct.

The team at Mad Hatters is tight-knit and competitive, forged through hard rounds, honest feedback, and shared goals. From BJJ and No-Gi to Muay Thai and MMA, the Asylum is built for performance across disciplines.

Jack’s coaching influence now extends far beyond the Chichester mats. He has developed a growing network of affiliated teams, including The Gorilla Grapplers in Portsmouth, Garden Club in Gosport, Legacy JJ in Christchurch and the BJJ Exchange in Brighton.

Jack and Adam share a close friendship and continue to collaborate on training, seminars, and shared projects. Students regularly train across gyms, taking full advantage of the complimentary schedules and short travel time between academies.