Instructors

Bournemouth

Jimmy Johnstone

Jimmy is the founder of Phoenix MMA, and a highly decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Instructor, under Professor Fernando Terere. He holds a number of prestigious titles, including Naga World Champion, Gi and No-Gi Golds, ranked 15th in the world in his division in the IBJJF rankings. as well as many other European and international gold and silvers. 

His dedication to the art of BJJ has seen him take on the roll as Head Coach for the British Royal Marines and Royal Navy, where he also assists with the REORG Foundation that helps serving personnel and veterans to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as part of their recovery.

Hard work, commitment, and a dedicated team has given Jimmy the opportunity to expand the Phoenix empire into new towns, helping more students learn self-defence and increase awareness of the Mixed Martial Art sports.

Also Founder of Warwolf BJJ a UK based Brazilian Jiujitsu affiliation 

Nathan Johnstone – MMA/BJJ Coach

Starting in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a youngster, Nathan is perfectly placed to teach the Phoenix Kids and help mould them into confident, disciplined young students. He also assists in the teaching of the British Royal Marines and Royal Navy.

Now the youngest person to receive a black belt in the UK , Nathans Jiu jitsu continues to excel 

No stranger to competition, Nathan has compiled an impressive number of accolades, including, 6 x BJJ British Open Champion, 6 x Naga Elite Class Champion, Naga European Champion and more than 50 regional competition gold medals since 2008.

Since his step-up into MMA at the age of 16, he holds an impressive record and is now the Cage Warriors Amateur Flyweight Champion!

Trevor Chamberlain – BJJ, Ultra MMA Coach

Trevor has been involved in martial arts for over 20 years, with a competitive background in boxing and kickboxing. He was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 17 years ago and has trained ever since, achieving his black belt in 2015. Now with a focus on teaching, he has since helped numerous students achieve their full potential in BJJ and MMA.

He has over 20 years experience as a personal trainer and sports-therapist, specialising in working with combat athletes, maximising their strength and conditioning, and helping treat their injuries with sports massage techniques.

Trevor’s clients include hobbyists, full time fighters, actors and even Olympic athletes.

Janine Davis – Muay Thai Coach

Janine has won an array of Titles across three disciplines the first being Thai boxing where her 3-year career as a fighter was achieved in Southern Area Thai Boxing Title, British Kick Boxing Champion (2001) World Muay Thai boxing Champion (2003).Also power lifting in 2003 and in 2005 was British Power Lifting Silver Medallist, 2007 British unequipped Power Lifting Champion, BPC British Power Lifting Champion (2008) BPC British Power Lifting Champion (2009), WPC World Power Lifting Champion (2009). Janine started Olympic Weightlifting in 2010 and have since gone on to become 75kg Bronze Medallist British Seniors weightlifting 2013, 75kg British Masters Weightlifting Champion, 2013, 2014 & 2015. English Weightlifting Champion 2013. 75kg European Weightlifting Champion 2015.

David Kun – BOXING COACH

David started boxing when he 9 years of age. Quickly falling in love with martial arts he has competed constantly.

David is Hungarian Champion in his weight and also had secured 2nd and 3rd place  in different weight categories. He was  member of the Hungarian Boxing Team and  competed in the amateur world championships in Cadet age group where took 8th place lost against the Russian World champion.

David was also a competitor for the 2012 Olympics and massively enjoyed the training and competing.

A few years ago David became an amateur boxing coach and continues with his certifications and qualifications.

Knowing what the sport has offered David his love and compassion is clear to see in his coaching. David will be coaching kids, Adults and fighters of all levels.

Southampton

JON WELLSTEAD

Jon teaches Friday’s BJJ beginners class, as well as the Kids BJJ classes – which were started after ‘a bit of a push’ from his eldest daughter, demanding she be able to train more (she was just 5 at the time!). He also coaches on the Ultra MMA courses, preparing everyone for their charity fights.

He previously trained in Muay Thai, Boxing and MMA over the years, which showed him the joys of grappling and lead to him focussing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2013, where he currently holds a Brown belt.

Keen to challenge himself, Jon has run many of the obstacle courses and mud races including Tough Mudder, Spartan Beast, Grim Challenge and the Rat Race where he tackled 200 obstacles over the 20+ mile course! In BJJ he’s competed and medalled both regionally and nationally through the belts and is looking forward to returning to the competition mats to break in his Brown belt.

Joanne White

Joanne has been involved in combat sports for a number years, including taking part in a charity MMA fight, but BJJ has become the one for her since she started a few years ago. Since then she’s won numerous medals at regional competitions and has the honour of being Phoenix MMA’s first home-grown female blue belt.

David Mckenzie-Phillips

David, an accomplished Martial artist and coach, teaches the BJJ white belt beginners class at our Southampton gym. He has a wealth of knowledge having trained for many years in Karate, Judo, iado, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, MMA and now BJJ.

After focusing on BJJ since 2009, David has competed and medalled nationally at white and blue belt, and competed at the British No-Gi championships, achieving Bronze in the Brown belt category, with other competitions planned for the future.

With a passion for teaching, David has passed on his knowledge and helped many club members advance to their blue belts and beyond. Always happy to jump in and teach a class, his presence on the mats, sense of humour and team spirit is always a sight to behold!

Ryan Sellwood

Ryan has been involved in martial arts most of his life, being involved in kickboxing from the age of four then progressing into Muay Thai later on in life. He’s coached an array of disciplines, from boxing to rugby, to all shapes, ages and sizes.

His work as a PE teacher, alongside personal training (specialising in functional training), has built up a great knowledge base and the experience to provide a great class.