Coaches

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Thrive Coaches

Mark Day - Head Coach

Mark began his martial art journey taking up Judo in 1990 and went on to earn his black belt in 1996 competing on an international level. During this time he also competed in MMA, Sambo, Wrestling and Thai boxing. He discovered his passion for Brazilian Jujitsu watching Royce Gracie in the UFC in 1993 and was awarded his black belt in 2019 and is currently a first degree.

He is an accomplished competitor and has won numerous competitions ,such as NAGA and the English Open, in both Gi and NoGi. Mark has been teaching both Judo and Jujitsu for over 25 years and loves to pass on his wealth of knowledge to the next generation.

Robbie "The Flame" Olivier - Head Coach St Ives

Rob's journey in martial arts and combat sports has been a lifelong passion. He started with Judo at the age of six and achieved his Black belt in 1998. From 2002 to 2014, known as Robbie "the Flame" Olivier, Rob concentrated on MMA, competing professionally in 32 fights and securing numerous national and international titles including Cage Rage and Cage Warriors.

Rob's expertise isn't limited to MMA; he has also been actively involved in BJJ and grappling as a competitor and coach. His dedication to these disciplines has allowed him to share his knowledge with athletes worldwide, including those in the UFC. In 2024, he received a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from his long-time coach, August Wallen.

Rob is Head Coach of Thrive St Ives and specalises in No Gi grappling.

Vinicius Schmitz

Vinicius was born in Sao Jose – Brazil, always passionate about sports, played football till his 20s, then he discovered the martial arts world. Vini has been practicing jiu jitsu for over 10yrs, competing, learning and teaching. Awarded his Black belt in 2022 in Brazil by his professor Aquiles Barroso – Rillion Gracie. As a coach his prime focus is to share knowledge, make friends and see the development of his students within the sport.

Ian Forrest - Judo Coach

Ian Forrest, a distinguished coach at Thrive Judo specializing in Jiu-Jitsu. With an extensive 35-year journey in judo with a 3rd Degree Black Belt , Ian boasts a rich background in national and international competitions. His expertise lies in honing fundamental judo techniques, empowering practitioners to confidently maneuver opponents to the ground. Ian also has a Purple Belt in Brazillian jiujitsu.

Join us on a transformative journey under Ian's guidance, where the art of judo seamlessly converges with the principles of Jiu-Jitsu.

Darren Souch - MMA Coach

Darren embarked on his martial arts journey at the age of 12, ignited by a passion for Taekwondo sparked by the legendary Bruce Lee. His dedication to training led him to transition into amateur boxing, where he excelled and competed in national competitions. Upon retiring from active boxing, Darren embraced a coaching role at St Ives Boxing Academy, sharing his wealth of experience with aspiring athletes.

Continuing his martial arts journey, Darren delved into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training with Cambridge Free Fight and Tsunami Gym. Through years of rigorous training alongside high-caliber competitors, he honed his skills and knowledge, eventually transitioning into coaching both amateur and professional fighters, guiding them to victory in Cage Warriors titles.

Today, with over four decades of martial arts experience under his belt, Darren's passion lies in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Naomi - Women's Coach

Naomi, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, embarked on her martial arts journey to equip herself with the skills to defend herself. She champions women's empowerment through the sport, helping women to discover their strength and confidence.

In addition to her personal training, Naomi is an assistant coach in mixed and kids classes, sharing her expertise and fostering a supportive community.

Every Friday, she leads a specialized women's-only Jiu-Jitsu session, honing in on self-defense strategies tailored for women with larger, stronger opponents.

Sam Sterna - Kids Coach

Sam started his Jiu Jitsu journey in May 2021 and quickly became enticed by the martial art attending every session he could and seeing quick progress.

After achieving his blue belt in September 2022 he stepped into the roll of assisting with the kids classes, looking to support them in a hobby which helps to instill discipline and gives children new learning methods that can help in all aspects of their lives, as well as having fun on the mat.

Sam was awarded his purple belt in March 2025 and holds his own weekly BJJ essentials class on a Wednesday.

Gemma Skells -PT, Yoga & Flexibility

Gemma brings extensive experience in guiding both competitive and recreational athletes towards achieving their strength, mobility, and flexibility goals.

Gemma also offers personal training in our private gym facilities.

Gemma is a BJJ white belt.

Ross Martin

Ross is a Chartered Physiotherapist registered with the HCPC. He specialises in musculoskeletal conditions and has a strong background in sports injuries. He has previously worked with Peterborough United Football Club and is currently a key member of the Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club medical team. Ross also has a long history as a successful strength and conditioning coach working with recreational athletes all the way through to professional athletes in this capacity. Ross also has a Purple Belt in BJJ.