Meet Our Expert Coaches aT Thrive, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Mark Day, founder and head coach at Thrive Academy in Yaxley Peterborough, smiling.

Mark Day - Founder & Head Coach Yaxley, Peterborough

Mark 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.

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.

All coaches are DBS checked & first aid trained.

Robbie "The Flame" Olivier - Head Coach St Ives

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

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 judo 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.

Vinicius Schmitz - Coach

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.

Vini is also a judo blue belt and enjoys No Gi grappling in addition to the Gi.

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 judo 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 brown 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.

Naomi - Coach

Naomi, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, embarked on her jiujitsu journey in 2019 to equip herself with self defence skills.

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

Naomi also works on reception and manages the day to day running of the gym.

Outside of jiujitsu she enjoys keeping fit with running, cycling and personal training with Gemma. Expect her classes to be fitness based and fast paced!

Sam Sterna - 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.

Sam leads our kids programme, 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 is a jiu jitsu purple belt and is also a judo brown belt - assisting coach Ian in judo for BJJ.

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 offers private 121 personal training in our private gym facilities.

Gemma is a BJJ white belt and has been training since 2024.