Welcome
Meet our team
Meet our team
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our academy.
Edyta Opalka
Academy Founder & Head Coach BJJ
1st Degree Black Belt. Over 10 Years Coaching Experience
Kids, Juniors & Teens (Ages 4–17), Adults & Dedicated Ladies Self-Defence Programmes (All Levels)
I began my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2012, starting at Carlson Gracie Club before continuing my journey at Memento Mori Martial Arts (Checkmat). What started as a personal challenge quickly became a life-changing path that shaped my mindset, discipline, and purpose.
I have competed extensively across the UK and internationally, including at the World Championship, and have earned titles at major events such as the British Open and British Nationals. But medals and achievements are not what define me or my work today.
Coaching became a natural extension of my journey, driven by a passion for the sport. I believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective tools for building confidence, resilience, discipline, and mental strength in both children and adults.
My focus is on creating real change in people’s lives.
In Woking, my mission is to build a strong, supportive community where people of all ages can develop skills that go far beyond the mats. For children, this means confidence, structure, respect, and emotional control. For adults, it means stress relief, improved fitness, mental clarity, and the ability to handle pressure in everyday life.
I am especially passionate about youth development and mental health. In a world where many young people struggle with confidence and direction.
At the heart of everything is community. This is not about ego or personal gain — it is about building something meaningful and lasting in Woking, where people support each other and grow together.
For new students, my advice is simple: don’t fear failure, be kind to yourself, and show compassion to others. Embracing your imperfections isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the key to clarity and self-acceptance.
💬 Favorite Quote:
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." – Benjamin Franklin
Richard Briggs
BJJ Coach, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Over 10 Years Coaching Experience
Adults Programme (All Levels)
Designated Safeguarding Lead both within an educational school setting and at our academy
I began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in 2013, during a transitional period in my life. After years of playing competitive rugby, I found myself looking for something that could challenge me both physically and mentally, without the toll that rugby had taken on my body. BJJ offered that balance—highly technical, endlessly challenging, and deeply humbling. I quickly found a new passion on the mats, two nights a week training quickly went to 4 due to how addictive it is.
From white belt to black belt, I committed fully to training and competing. I tested myself at every level, stepping into tournaments with the aim to win but always open to learning. Every match, win or lose, added to my understanding of the art and myself. The journey through the belts was not just about progression, but about persistence, humility, and growth.
Now, as a BJJ instructor and Year 9 Director of Learning at The John Fisher School, it’s incredibly rewarding to guide others along their own paths. Watching students develop their technique, confidence, and understanding of BJJ under my instruction is a privilege. Seeing them apply what we’ve worked on in real time—whether in training or competition—is a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place. Teaching has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my BJJ experience.
💬 Favourite quote :
"Where there is no struggle,there is no strength"
Oliver Imrie - Cook
Submission Grappling Coach / No-Gi Programme
Adults (All Levels)
Oliver, our submission grappling instructor. He loves learning, teaching, and developing strong technical understanding, especially when it comes to leg attacks and modern grappling systems.
Meet our team
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our academy
Kadeem Perkins
Undefeated Pro MMA Fighter | MMA & Striking Coach
(Adults All Levels)
Kadeem Perkins brings active, elite-level fight experience directly to our academy mats. Fighting out of Great Britain Top Team under UFC legend Brad Pickett, Kadeem holds an unblemished professional mixed martial arts record, competing in premier European promotions including Cage Warriors.
His insight reaches to the sharpest edge of the sport: alongside his own competitive career, Kadeem regularly corners and prepares top-tier teammates on international stages, including fight weeks in the UFC.
Despite competing and operating at the highest level of mixed martial arts, Coach Kadeem is widely recognised for his calm temperament, humility, and methodical coaching style. He excels at stripping away unnecessary chaos and translating elite fight science into clean, structured fundamentals—ensuring every student builds genuine technical skill, discipline, and composure on the mats.
Edward Hayes
Youth Striking & Grappling Instructor|Kids and Juniors Ages 6–12 Programme
Edward began his martial arts journey at an early age, developing a solid technical foundation that naturally led him into coaching. Today, he channels his experience to the next generation, deepening his own craft while teaching young athletes discipline, movement, and problem-solving on the mats.
Guido Scalise
Assistant Coach - Youth Programme
My Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 2022, shortly after my son Luca started, and it was love at first roll! A few months later, I eagerly stepped into the role of assisting Edyta with the children’s classes, and it’s been a joy to see my son Nico and my daughter Milena join the fun on the mats too. For me, assisting with the kids' sessions is incredibly rewarding. I love helping them grasp the details of BJJ and seeing that moment of understanding when they successfully apply a technique. My experience as a parent helps me connect with them, and in turn, guiding them has deepened my own understanding of BJJ, which is invaluable for my own progression. I firmly believe BJJ offers children so much more than just physical skill; it builds resilience, self-control, camaraderie, and confidence – attitudes and skills transferable to all areas of life. It's wonderful to see these qualities blossom in our young students within our gym's fantastic, family-like community spirit. I was promoted to blue belt in December 2024. I'm committed to my own learning and aspire to one day achieve a black belt. I’m excited to continue sharing my passion and supporting our youngest members as they grow! Outside of BJJ, I’m a software engineer, a science nerd, an amateur musician, and a sports fan!.
💬 Favourite quote :
"A mind is like a parachute.It doesn't work if it is no open" ~Frank Zappa
About Us
At our Academy we are more than just martial arts .
We are a community built on trust, respect, and support. Our goal is to empower individuals of all ages and sizes on their journey through martial arts training. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, we welcome you to join our family.
Our instructors are fully insured, DBS-checked, First Aid certified, and trained in safeguarding—because your safety and trust matter just as much as your progress.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help individuals achieve their goals through great-quality training. We have successfully helped people of all ages reach their potential, whether it's gaining confidence, learning self-defence, or competing .Our focus is on personal growth, both physically and mentally.
Why Choose Us?
What sets us apart is our dedication to fostering a sense of community and support. We believe that through mutual respect and trust, our students can thrive and excel in their martial arts journey. Our instructors are highly experienced and passionate about what they do, ensuring that each student receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed.
Join Our Community
Contact us today to book a trial class and experience the sense of camaraderie and empowerment that our community has to offer.
Start Your Martial Arts Journey Today
Join our community of passionate martial artists and experience the benefits of training with us.