Club: Neon Martial Arts and Fitness – Southampton, England South
Belt: Black
I am writing to formally apply for the role of Universities Officer within the UKBJJA. I am deeply passionate about the growth and long- term development of grassroots Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) across the UK, and I believe my diverse experience in coaching, leadership, education, and professional practice places me in a strong position to contribute meaningfully in both roles.
Over the past few years, I have gained extensive experience working with children and young people, both on and off the mats. At my club, I currently coach children’s classes for a wide age range. In doing so, I have developed an understanding of how to tailor sessions to meet the specific needs of each age group, while ensuring that training remains fun, safe, and engaging. I focus on building confidence, instilling discipline, and helping children enjoy their time on the mats as much as they develop technical ability.
Beyond BJJ coaching, I recently managed and delivered a summer holiday programme for children aged 5–13 at Testlands Hub on behalf of HAFF. This role required me to plan a wide variety of activities, manage different behaviours and learning needs, and ensure that the environment was inclusive and positive for every participant. The experience not only strengthened my organisational and planning skills but also reinforced the importance of creating accessible, inclusive opportunities for young people from all backgrounds.
My wider professional and personal background also brings valuable perspectives to these roles. During my time in the Army, I developed a strong foundation of leadership, teamwork, and resilience—qualities which I continue to apply in both my professional and sporting life. I currently work within the NHS, where inclusivity, service to others, and supporting people from a wide variety of backgrounds are at the heart of everything I do. These experiences, combined with my ongoing studies in Occupational Therapy, provide me with a strong understanding of accessibility, inclusion, and mental wellbeing.
One of my key priorities as Universities Officer would be to bridge the gap between youth BJJ and long-term progression in the sport. This means not only ensuring that young people have clear pathways into competition and higher levels of training but also embedding educational and personal development opportunities along the way. I believe there is huge potential to integrate development courses for juniors, introduce assistant coaching pathways to nurture leadership, and make sure that involvement in BJJ complements—not conflicts with—their wider education and wellbeing.
My aims would be to:
- Strengthen grassroots opportunities by supporting juniors from entry level through to competitive and leadership pathways.
- Develop clear bridges between junior and university BJJ, creating sustainable opportunities for progression.
- Promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring young people from all backgrounds feel supported to participate and continue in the sport.
- Support the educational and developmental needs of young athletes, making BJJ a tool for growth both inside and outside the classroom.
I would be honoured to bring my experience, passion, and commitment to this position and to contribute to the UKBJJA’s mission to grow and develop Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the UK. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Qualifications/ relevant professional experience
- Extensive experience in supporting people to grow, whether that’s through sport, education, or community work.
- Studying Occupational Therapy at Bournemouth University, which has given me a strong understanding of how to support different needs, build inclusive environments, and help people reach their potential.
- Professional experience in the NHS where I’ve developed communication, organisational, and teamwork skills in a professional and often challenging setting.
- Managed and ran a children’s summer camp for Testlands Hub on behalf of HAFF, which gave me hands-on experience in planning, leading, and delivering activities for young people in a way that was safe, engaging, and structured.
- On the mats, I coach kids’ classes as well as team jiu-jitsu at my club, Neon. This has shown me how important it is to create the right environment for juniors, not just for their technical development but also for their confidence and enjoyment of the sport.
Social Media
Instagram – @fitness_mad89