Ronin Grappling is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team I established at the tail end of 2018 as a way to train in an environment that truly represents my values.
I first started training martial arts when I was six years old, primarily studying Karate, with a bit of Wing Chun & Ninjutsu, before I found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007. I started training with Rick Young in Edinburgh, before joining Royce Gracie Academy Scotland (now known as Connection Gracie) in October 2010, and then moving to Marcos Nardini Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the summer of 2016 before setting up Ronin Grappling in 2018.
I was awarded both my blue & purple belts by Royce Gracie, getting my purple belt in May 2014. In October 2018 I was awarded my brown belt by Christian Graugart, founder of BJJ Globetrotters, who then also awarded me my black belt in October 2020 with the blessing of fellow camp instructors Shanti Abelha, Wim Deputter, Priit Mihkelson and Francesco Fonte.
Over the decades I have trained in martial arts clubs where the culture ranged from the hyper traditional to the super relaxed. In Ronin Grappling I hope to create a culture with as near a flat hierarchy as possible, where members are not afraid to question any decisions made and everyone feels valued and able to contribute to the club.
In line with my values Ronin Grappling is proudly affiliated with BJJ Globetrotters, a world-wide community sharing a common set of values including – among others – training with anyone regardless of affiliation, believing everyone is equal on and off the mats, and always welcoming visitors.
Some of my more notable achievements include:
IBJJF British Nationals 2018 – Gold at Weight – Purple Belt
IBJJF Paris Open 2018 – Gold at Weight – Purple Belt
IBJJF Munich Open 2018 – Gold at Weight – Purple Belt
Kleos Grappling 2015 – Silver at Weight – Blue Belt
Scotia Grappling 2013 – Gold at Weight – Blue Belt
Naga Paris 2011 – Double Bronze – Advanced No-Gi Divison
Fighters Only Invitational 2011 – Silver at Weight – Blue Belt
European Festival of Martial Arts at Disneyland Paris, 2009 – Bronze at Weight – White Belt
Semi-Professional MMA 1-0-0
Muay Thai – C-class 2-0-0
I’ve been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes across different gyms since 2012. One of my greatest achievements in Jiu-Jitsu has been seeing my students successfully utilise the techniques I’ve taught in rolling and competition. I am also proud to say that Ronin Grappling is growing to be a team that is truly inclusive and supportive of its members regardless of their gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Since its inception as a team Ronin Grappling has now expanded to include a team of three more coaches helping me provide with a full and varied schedule of classes!
Giles x