I’ve been training, coaching and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 11 years and know first-hand it can be life-changing.

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I’ve worked in social enterprise and youth work for the same amount of time. Through my work I’ve met many young people who would love to train BJJ but thought it was intimidating or too expensive.

I set up Rise to change that!

I’ve been training Jiu Jitsu for 10 years now. I started BJJ because my brother was doing it and I was curious and wanted to try it, I haven’t stopped since.

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I like that when I’m training I always have to challenge myself mentally and physically, and that I’m always learning. My favourite submission is the armbar or maybe the Choi bar. I prefer to wrestle rather than play guard. I’m privileged to be a full-time competitor and instructor. I left school as soon as I turned 18 so that I could fully commit myself to training, teaching and competing internationally.

I enjoy teaching because I love the process of learning myself and seeing the kids learn and progress. I think I’ve always been inspired by my own instructors and other athletes I’ve watched since I was young. And I’m really happy to be working with rise because I think that working with kids in the community and giving them opportunities is really important and valuable. And I think that creating that kind of space/environment to move and outlet is so valuable and I’m really grateful to be part of it.

My Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began in Poland in 2009, though at the time, I had no idea what BJJ even was.

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It wasn’t until 2013, after relocating to the UK, that I fully embraced the sport. With no background in martial arts or sports, I stepped onto the mats as a complete beginner. Just a few sessions in, I was hooked. I bought my first gi, and I’ve been training ever since.

Looking back, BJJ has had a profound impact on my life. It’s shaped who I am today by giving me greater self-awareness, helping me improve my fitness, and providing the structure and routine I had been missing. Most importantly, it connected me with an incredible community.

Professionally, I come from an educational background and hold Qualified Teacher Status in both Poland and the UK. I’ve taught in both countries and bring that experience into every class I lead. I understand what makes a lesson effective, and I strive to deliver that same quality on the mats.
Though I now work in identity access management, BJJ allows me to stay connected to my passion for teaching and I’m grateful for every opportunity to share what I’ve learned with others.

My goal is to give you the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience possible on the mats, and I truly hope you enjoy training with me.

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.

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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 life 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 me eyes to the positive impact BJJ can have on others.

Ultimately, I think that Jiu Jitsu should be fun. I make the learning experience enjoyable through games designed to help make the complicated subject of Jiu Jitsu easier to understand. Knowing that BJJ puts people in uncomfortable situations, my classes prioritise safety and consent – the kids 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.

I run Jiu-Jitsu Social in Westbourne Park and teach kids classes at Studio NW2 in Cricklewood in London.

I got hooked on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2020 the same way I obsessed over skateboarding as a kid.

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I was drawn in by the endless creativity, problem-solving, and the challenge of mastering something that never stands still. Beyond the mats, BJJ has shaped how I see the world, teaching resilience, patience, and adaptability in ways that spill over into everyday life.

For years, I’ve worked with purpose-driven brands, helping them tell stories that resonate with real human experience. As Brand Director at Rise, my mission is to do the same—showing how Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a sport but a powerful tool for transformation. Whether it’s building confidence, finding community, or creating opportunities, Rise exists to make BJJ accessible to those who need it most. My goal is to help bridge that connection, bringing more people into the fold and proving that the lessons learnt on the mats extend far beyond them.

I started BJJ when I was 15 years old, and have never looked back since.

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The sport has not only helped me physically, but has also helped me grow as a person. The BJJ community is amazing, especially for young people to grow into. 

My goal is to help Rise reach more young people, grow the sport and create a supportive community for all. 

Hey, my name is Ryan and I’m a full time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete and coach. I started Jiu Jitsu at the age of 4 because of my dad who also trains and is a black belt.

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I love BJJ because it has increased my fitness, confidence and is extremely fun yet challenging to do! BJJ also has an amazing and extremely supportive community where I have made so many friends and met so many important people that have impacted my life.

I love working with Rise as it allows me to give chances to kids to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. BJJ can be positive for kids both physically and mentally but also give them the chance to try a new sport that may interest them and may not be accessible to them otherwise!

I’m Whylee, a lifelong martial artist who competed in TaeKwonDo from 6 until my early teens where I moved onto kickboxing and muay thai.

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By my early twenties I’d found a passion for MMA and fell in love with grappling. Now at the grand old age of 40 I’m a fully qualified PT (level 3) and focus on BJJ (purple belt) and Combat Jiujitsu (brown belt) where I relish my role as a mentor to young people in the Bristol area where I teach all ages self defence, blade defence and multiple attacker training.

I think what Tom and the guys are doing at Rise is quite inspiring and much needed in inner city areas. Jiu-Jitsu is a great sport for increasing confidence, self defence and building a sense of community irrespective of background. I thoroughly enjoy working with these guys!

You can follow my adventures on my Instagram and his martial arts accounts.