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MEET THE TEAM self-defence COACHES
JOANNA
Joanna has been practising martial arts for over two decades, actively competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): (2004-2018), Judo: (2002-2003), Kick-boxing: (2002), Submission Wrestling and MMA: (2008). Having spent 15 years of BJJ training under the legendary Roger Gracie, she transioned into a full time teaching career in 2017.
Her previous work in the security sector was a turning point and led to the creation of Women's Self-Defense UK, realising that martial arts systems did not always provide tools to deal with unpredictable safety concerns in day to day situations. Equipped with a degree from the department of Linguistics and Psychology at UCL, she embarked on a mission to study the psychology of modern threats in order to create a comprehensive curriculum suited for individuals living in big cities like London.​
In 2024, she launched her book 'She Fights Back', on the Psychology of Self-Defense,
which is available on all the major bookstores.
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BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS
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Gold Medal at the 2017 IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Las Vegas
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Gold Medal at the 2018 IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu European Championships in Lisbon
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Gold medal at the 2018 UAE Jiu-Jitsu Grand Slam in Rio de Janeiro
DIPLOMAS
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2nd Degree Black Belt in BJJ under Roger Gracie
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Level 3 Self-Defence Instructor
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Level 3 Personal Trainer
rohit
Rohit is one of our corporate and private coaches, with over 25 years of experience in martial arts. He has extensive experience in teaching defence strategies, and is also a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer.
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Rohit has conducted self-defence seminars across Europe and beyond and is passionate about bringing realistic and practical techniques to his students. He emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, confidence-building, and tailored strategies to suit individual needs. Rohit’s approach combines his deep understanding of martial arts with a focus on empowering participants to feel safe and capable in any environmen​​t.​
DIPLOMAS
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Roger Gracie
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4th Degree Black Belt in Taeguk (chief instructor and examiner)
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1st Degree Black Belt in Choi Kwang Do
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Level 3 Personal Trainer
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Certified MMA Strength & Conditioning Coach
viviana
Viviana’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Having experienced violence as a child, she found solace and strength in boxing, which ultimately saved her life. With only 200 euros and a suitcase full of dreams, she came to the UK, where she has since built a successful career as a project manager and launched her own company.
She continued to pursue boxing, but she was told "too old" and "too fat" to achieve anything in the sport. She defied all expectations to become a three-time national champion in two countries, in three different weight categories. Viviana has also wide experience in grappling: she became a Judo black belt in 2021, arguably the hardest martial art that exists. She is also an active competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which makes her a uniquely all-rounded athlete and fighter.
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Now, as part of the Women Self-Defense UK team, Viviana is dedicated to giving back to her community. With her extensive training and fighting expertise, she is ready to empower anyone on the journey of protecting their safety, giving them the courage and tools to learn how to act with resistance and assertiveness.
DIPLOMAS:
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Self-Defense Instructor
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Certified Personal Trainer
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Judo Black Belt
SPORT ACHIEVEMENTS:
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3 times national Boxing Champion (2010, 2012, 2013)
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Judo British Masters Champion (2017)
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Jiu-Jitsu Silver medalist from IBJJF European Championships 2021 in the adults division
