Nottingham: E: [email protected] T: 07856 895896Arnold: E: [email protected] T: 07957 137496
Nottingham: E: [email protected] T: 07856 895896Arnold: E: [email protected] T: 07957 137496
Professor Victor Estima is the Founder of Gracie Barra Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2010 and became a student of Victor Estima in 2011 when he became one of the founding members of Gracie Barra Nottingham.
Today Simon manages our Gracie Barra Arnold facility and is one of the main instructors, helping children and adults to meet their goals and become better versions of themselves.
Sean started training martial arts in 1998 at the age of six.
After achieving a black belt in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu he met Professor Victor at a seminar in 2007 then made the switch to training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Midlands under Professor Victor in 2010. Midway through his university studies he decided to commit to BJJ and started training full time at Professor Victor’s new location, Gracie Barra Nottingham. He is a full-time instructor and competitor. His best achievements are becoming a 7-time British champion, being a 3 time World Championship medalist and becoming head coach of the GB Nottingham Kids team!
Professor Victor Estima is the Founder of Gracie Barra Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.
Rank: 1st Degree Black Belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since 2010
When did you start coaching?
2014
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.
Vanessa English is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Prof. Victor Estima.
Vanessa is known for being the first British born Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor to win the IBJJF World Championships in the adult division; this was back in 2013 at purple belt. Vanessa has represented the UK in various different countries across the world and holds many titles beneath her belts on her journey to the elite division, including 7x British titles, 4x European titles and her purple belt world title. In 2018 Vanessa claimed her European title in the elite division as well as a bronze medal at the IBJJF World Championships. Vanessa has been instructing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2013 under the guidance of her instructors in various locations across the UK.
Rank: 2nd Degree Black Belt
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2001
When did you start coaching?
2014
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.
Rank: Brown belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
I’ve been training since 2017 when I was 14
When did you start coaching?
When I was a blue belt at 16 years old in 2018
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.
Rank: Blue Belt
How long have you been training BJJ
Since June 2019
When did you start coaching?
2022
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.
Rank: Blue Belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since 2021
When did you start coaching?
2023
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
The challenging nature of Jiu-Jitsu. It motivates me to push myself and to reach my full potential.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
The mental toughness that I have developed since I started training.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Winning silver at the IBJJF European Championship.
Rank: Blue Belt
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2018
When did you start coaching?
2023
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.
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.
Rank: Blue Belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since 2010 when I was 3
When did you start coaching?
2016
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
My dad loved Jiu-Jitsu and took myself and my brother down to try it. I’ve been training ever since!
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
I enjoy the sense of community in Jiu-Jitsu. I also like the concept in Jiu-Jitsu of technique triumphing over size and strength, allowing a smaller person to overcome larger opponents.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
When I won my first competition at the age of five. I won by points and I have competed many times since then.
Rank: Yellow and White Belt
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since 2014
When did you start coaching?
2020
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
My brothers started training from a young age and competed regularly which inspired me to start training. I’ve never looked back!
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
I think the most enjoyable thing about Jiu-Jitsu is training and spending time with the friends I’ve made on this journey so far. I also love the process of learning new techniques and am eager to put them into practice on the mats.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
My most memorable money in my Jiu-Jitsu journey is competing abroad with my brothers. This has allowed me to experience new things and meet to many new people!