Grow Jiu Jitsu coaches — Natalie, Iris, and Andrej

Our Story

Club Information

Grow Jiu Jitsu are very proud to be an affiliate club of Mauricio Gomes, the founder of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UK. We also train and teach under the guidance of world silver medalist Kevin Capel, holder of a black belt under the greatest competitive grappler of all time, Roger Gracie himself. We have a strong competition team fighting at all levels from local inter clubs to the world championships.

About BJJ

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu — translated as "the gentle art" — is a martial art focused on grappling and ground fighting. Using leverage and technique rather than size and strength, BJJ enables you to control and overcome larger, stronger opponents. It can be trained for self-defence, fitness, or sport grappling, and is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world.

Our Philosophy

We believe that BJJ is for everyone. Whether you want to compete at the highest level, get fit, learn self-defence, or simply find a supportive community, there is a place for you at Grow.

Our approach emphasises:

  • Technical excellence — We focus on understanding the "why" behind every technique, not just drilling movements.
  • Personal growth — BJJ challenges you mentally and physically. We help each student progress at their own pace.
  • Community — The bonds formed on the mats extend far beyond the academy. Our members support each other in training and in life.
  • Inclusivity — We welcome all ages, genders, and experience levels. Our juniors programme starts from age 4, and we have adult members from their teens to their sixties.

Competition

While competition is never compulsory, we have a proud track record. Our students regularly medal at the English Open, British Nationals, IBJJF, and other major tournaments. We provide dedicated competition preparation for those who want to test themselves, while ensuring our recreational members always feel valued and supported.

Natalie with Roger Gracie and Mauricio Gomes
Natalie receiving her black belt from Mauricio Gomes and Roger Gracie

Meet the Coaches

Experienced, passionate coaches dedicated to helping you grow

Natalie Day

Natalie Day

Black Belt

Head Instructor

Natalie has been teaching full-time for 12 years and has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 14 years. She was awarded her black belt in 2023 becoming the first female black belt under Mauricio Gomes. Natalie was the first female to open her own independent gym in Europe and was the first to offer a full-time apprenticeship program in the UK.

  • European Champion 2023
  • Silver World No-Gi Champion 2019
  • World Bronze Medalist 2017
  • British National Jiu Jitsu Silver Medalist 2016

My goal is to continue to grow on & off the mats. To promote connection, joy, freedom & self worth through jiu jitsu.

Andrej Tasev

Andrej Tasev

Purple Belt

Instructor

Andrej is a purple belt under Natalie Day and has been training for 9 years at Grow Jiu Jitsu. He has graduated from being a junior leader to apprentice instructor, completing a 2-year full-time teaching apprenticeship in July 2025. He now teaches and trains full time.

  • IBJJF London International Gold Medalist — Weight & Absolute
  • 2x GrappleFest Champion — Submission Finish
  • Elite Junior Worlds Absolute Champion
  • Elite Junior European Champion — Weight & Absolute
  • IBJJF London International No-Gi Bronze Medalist

I will one day be adult black belt world champion. Along the way I am committed to having a positive impact through Jiu Jitsu and changing people's lives for the better.

Iris Day

Iris Day

Blue Belt

Instructor

Iris is a blue belt under Natalie Day and has been training for 11 years and assistant coaching for 9 years. She is currently 1 year into a full-time teaching apprenticeship and teaches and trains full time. Iris runs a weekly female-only class and loves to compete at the highest level while supporting others on their Jiu Jitsu journey.

  • IBJJF London International Absolute Champion
  • Enyo Champion
  • Grapple Worlds Champion
  • Junior National Elite Champion

I am invested in building a positive community, sharing knowledge and continuing to compete at the highest level as much as possible.

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