Meet our coaching team
INSTRUCTORS
Lead by Head Instructor Lewis Matthews, our coaching team offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We pride ourselves on having a team that combine their expertise with being friendly, approachable, and always eager to help our students progress.
Lewis Matthews - Head Instructor
Black Belt - 1st Degree
Professor Lewis Matthews is the head instructor and owner of Gracie Barra Harrogate, and has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2006. He was awarded his black belt in December 2017 from world champion and head of Gracie Barra Europe, Professor Victor Estima. Professor Lewis is a keen competitor and enjoys testing the efficiency of his Jiu Jitsu under pressure; but his main focus is in spreading the benefits of BJJ to members and supporting them in achieving their own goals. He places a strong emphasis on developing sound fundamentals and utilising intelligent grappling over the use of physical attributes to ensure longevity in the sport. Lewis believes in the ‘Jiu Jitsu for Everyone’ approach and ensures that Gracie Barra Harrogate caters for all students, from hobbyist to competitor alike.
Find out more about Lewis’ journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here.
Khalil Bostan - Instructor
Black Belt
Professor Khalil Bostan started training Jiu Jitsu in 2007 and is a long-time friend and training partner of Professor Lewis Matthews. He works in emergency services, as well as being a husband and father of three children, so is constantly balancing his responsibilities between home, work, and Jiu Jitsu. His Jiu Jitsu hero is Master Rickson Gracie, and he is a firm believer that everyone who trains should learn and practice the self-defence elements of Jiu Jitsu, as this is what separates Jiu Jitsu from other martial arts, and makes it a truly effective way to defend yourself from an aggressor! Professor Khalil regularly teaches classes in our Adults programme but also leads the midweek GB Kids classes.
Adam Marshall - Instructor
Black Belt - 1st Degree
Professor Adam Marshall started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu back in 2001. Inspired by the UFC, he started his journey under Royce Gracie in Sheffield, which eventually affiliated with Gracie Barra. After a initial 6 months of experiencing the intensity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he was hooked. Adam loves the constant learning and development that Jiu Jitsu demands, as well as helping our students improve - the amazing culture at the club is just a bonus!
COACH LUKE
COACH JOSIF
COACH & PROGRAMME DIRECTOR JACK
COACH MIKEY
ASSISTANT COACHES
Our incredible team of Assistant Coaches give their time, care and attention across all age groups. Our amazing team makes GB Kids possible. Every coach has completed comprehensive DBS checks, and are present throughout our GB Kids classes to ensure your child is kept safe and engaged whilst having fun.
We’re dedicated to ensuring we have a strong coach to child ratio in classes to maximise their tuition time for a more personalised lesson.
ASSISTANT COACH AARON
GB1 & Little Champs 2
ASSISTANT COACH HELEN
Tiny Champs, Little Champs 1 & 2
ASSISTANT COACH MIKE
Tiny Champs, Little Champs 1 & 2 & Juniors
ASSISTANT COACH HOLLIE
Tiny Champs, Little Champs, Juniors
ASSISTANT COACH ANDREW
GB1