Club: Checkmat – England South
Belt: Black – 1st degree
Mark Duda is a highly accomplished 1st Degree Black Belt coach in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a British/ English Gold medallist and experienced BJJ and MMA referee.
Mark started training in BJJ over 17 years ago starting first under Spencer Hewitt BJJ (now Checkmat Essex) and later, due to relocation, moved to Checkmat VN Team in Gravesend. He received his Black Belt from Valmyr Neto (5th Degree Black Belt) on 22nd June 2022.
Mark is known in the BJJ community as an active referee working across various events including the British Open, the English Open, IBJJF, Grappling Industries, All Stars, the Essex Open, Kent Open, Surrey Open, Sussex Open and many others.
He also holds a Level 1 (Head Referee) certificate from UKBJJA. As well as refereeing he is actively teaching at Dragonz Lair Sittingbourne and occasionally covers classes in his home club, Studio BJJ. Actively competing in tournaments, he was ranked 2nd in the Master Black Belt category in the 2025 UKBJJA National Rankings.
In his personal life, Mark works as a 3D Technical Engineer in the water industry and both his wife and daughter train in BJJ as well (4th stripe White Belt and Blue Belt respectively). He is primary carer for his disabled son, and often takes him to classes and events as an observer. Mark began volunteering at Woolwich Community Centre as part of an initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged children and adults in the area. His role involves running BJJ seminars every couple of months, providing participants with access to high-quality training completely free of charge.
Project Goals
- Empowerment through Physical Training: Promote health, fitness, and discipline among individuals who may not otherwise have access to structured training
- Consistency and Structure: Help participants develop habits that foster resilience and personal growth
- Community Engagement: Create a safe and supportive environment for learning and social interaction
- Create safe environments for children, women and vulnerable individuals.
Qualifications/ relevant professional experience
- 1st degree Black Belt
- L1 UKBJJA Referee
- IBJJF referee
- UKBJJA Licensed Coach
Social Media
Instagram – @machidabjj