The
Instructors
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Meet Our Instructors
World-Class Instruction for Every Student At Gracie Barra Arnold, we are proud to have a team of certified instructors who are passionate about teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to students of all ages and abilities. Each of our instructors has been trained through the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Programme, ensuring the highest standards of safety, technical excellence, and student care in every class. Scroll down to meet the team and discover the experience and passion behind Gracie Barra Arnold.
Victor Estima
Professor
Arnold
Professor Victor Estima is the Founder of Gracie Barra Arnold and Gracie Barra Europe leader with more than 15 years of teaching experience.
He is a primary example of a man who is fully dedicating his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and its members. Prof. Estima’s witty personality, enthusiasm, integrity, and leadership make the essence of GB Arnold and touch all those around him. An outstanding competition background qualifies him as one of the most exciting middle weight competitors on BJJ history. He collected many titles such as a European Champion, Pan American Champion, World Champion NoGi, British National Absolute Champion, 6 times Worlds bronze medalist and 4 times world Pro silver medalist.
Simon Ling
Professor
2nd Degree Black Belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since 2010
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
My brother started training Jiu-Jitsu first and spent a lot of time trying to get me to give it a go. After about 6 months of trying, he finally persuaded me to give it a go. I absolutely loved it and wished I’d listened to him earlier!
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
At the beginning I enjoyed competing, but as time went on I began to really enjoy teaching. Seeing people grow and develop through Jiu-Jitsu is very rewarding.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Receiving my Black Belt in front of my team mates was a very special moment for me.
Trevor Irvine
Professor
2nd Degree Black Belt
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2001
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I watched Royce Gracie on the original UFC and it demonstrated that BJJ was a very effective martial art.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
I love the complexity of problems offered while rolling and the connection between practitioners.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Becoming a full time Jiu-Jitsu instructor and being able to empower people through Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a privilege to share my experience with students at Gracie Barra Arnold and be part of such a dedicated coaching team.
Gavin Barnacle
Professor
Black Belt
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2016
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I wanted to do a martial art as I did karate as a kid. Although I quit, I knew I should have transferred to something else. I wanted to do something more practical than karate and wanted the exercise. I was recommended to try Gracie Barra and everything went from there.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
That is keeps evolving so you can always improve. The social side is also extremely important to me.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Receiving my Black Belt, there’s many others but that stands out as the most.
Jack Delaney
Professor
Black Belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
I’ve been training since 2017 when I was 14
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I wanted to train Jiu-Jitsu because I wanted to do a martial art. Jiu-Jitsu looked like a good option in comparison with other martial arts.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
What I enjoy the most is learning new details and techniques for playing guard and being in a friendly environment with all different types of people.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Earning my purple belt from Professor Simon and Professor Vanessa.
Emily Brown
Program Director
Brown Belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since August 2017
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
My partner introduced me to Jiu-Jitsu and mentioned how it could be great for self-defence, especially for women. I was nervous, shy, and not at all sporty – so I wasn’t sure how I’d find it. I gave a women’s class a go and loved it. The environment felt really welcoming, and with encouragement from the team, I slowly transitioned from once-a-week women’s classes into the regular beginners’ program. Jiu-Jitsu helped me come out of my shell and feel more confident in myself.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu gives me space to completely switch off from everything else. No matter what kind of day I’m having, once I step on the mats, I can just focus and be present. I also love being part of a team where everyone supports each other, no matter what level you’re at.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Being asked to join the team at the academy felt like a full-circle moment – going from someone who was too shy to walk into a class, to someone who now helps others feel confident and welcomed on their own journey. That’s something I’m really proud of.
Daniel Storer
Coach
Purple Belt
How long have you been training BJJ
Since June 2019
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I grew up watching MMA and was always fascinated by the effectiveness of BJJ. My partner had been training for a while so I came for a trial class and never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
The camaraderie between teammates and the constant pursuit of improvement.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Becoming a coach and changing lives through jiu-jitsu. Seeing our students improve and gain confidence inspires me every day.
Bartek Kacica
Coach
Purple Belt
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2018
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I started Jiu-Jitsu because I used to get bullied and had bad self-confidence when I was younger. Jiu-Jitsu has played a major role in improving both aspects of my life. Joining Gracie Barra Arnold gave me confidence and purpose, and now I get to help others feel that same positive change.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
I love Jiu-Jitsu for its welcoming community, where I can truly be myself. It’s a place where others are always there to lift my spirits after a bad day.
Amy Nelder
Coach
Blue Belt
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2018
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I was inspired by my older sister, who was already training. Watching her progress and seeing what she gained from Jiu-Jitsu really encouraged me to take that first step onto the mats, and I’ve loved it ever since.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
My favorite part of Jiu-Jitsu training is working on guard techniques. Beyond the techniques, I love the camaraderie in training. Meeting new people and building friendships on the mats makes every session even more rewarding.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
My most memorable moment so far was competing at the Nottingham Open 2023, where I secured an armbar against my opponent and earned a silver medal. It was such an exciting experience that showcased all the hard work I had put into my training.
We are Gracie Barra
At Gracie Barra Arnold, you’re not just joining a gym – you’re becoming part of a global family. You’ll be supported every step of your journey toward self-improvement, personal growth, and developing the knowledge and resilience to meet life’s challenges like a black belt.
Why Gracie Barra
Our instructors are trained in the teaching philosophy and methods of Master Carlos Gracie Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra. With over 30 years of excellence behind us, you can trust that you and your family are in the best possible hands at Gracie Barra Arnold.
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