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