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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 that 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 published her book 'She Fights Back: Using self-defence psychology to reclaim your power', which is available on all the major bookstores.
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BIGGEST SPORT 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
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Multiple Gold and Silver medalist from BJJ British Championships
DIPLOMAS
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2nd Degree Black Belt in BJJ under Roger Gracie
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Level 3 Self-Defence Instructor (NFPS Ltd)
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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. 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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Level 2 Self-Defense Instructor (WSD)
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Certified Level 3 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
Shermane
Shermane is a passionate and dedicated Judo coach with over 10 years of coaching experience and 20 years of practice.​ As a firm believer in the transformative power of sport, Shermane is committed to breaking barriers and encouraging more women to step onto the mat. She understands firsthand how combat sports build self-assurance, resilience, and inner strength—qualities that extend far beyond the dojo and into everyday life.
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Shermane strives to create a supportive and empowering environment where women of all backgrounds can develop their self-defense skills, push past limitations, and feel comfortable in their own bodies. Her approach to self-defense goes beyond physical techniques; she teaches women to embrace their strength, courage, and confidence in every aspect of life.​ Through her training, Shermane helps individuals develop the skills they need to protect themselves, trust their instincts, and carry themselves with confidence—both on and off the mat.
DIPLOMAS:
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3rd Dan Judo Black Belt
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UKCC Level 2 Judo Coach
SPORT ACHIEVEMENTS:
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British Universities Champion 2014
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Junior GB squad member 2013
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English Open medalist
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University of London Purples Award
Nicholas
Nicholas is a Krav Maga self-defense coach certified by the Institute of Krav Maga UK and a member of the British Combat Association. He developed an interest in self-defense 16 years ago after the birth of his daughter.
Nicholas runs 1:1 Women’s Combat sessions that incorporate Krav Maga, Boxing, and Grappling. The aim of these sessions is to provide a mental boost, reduce the likelihood of freezing under assault through practice, and improve fighting skills, response speed, and explosiveness.
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Nicholas also runs school and corporate workshops in London. He has contributed to Men’s Health and Women’s Health and is a new fitness product reviewer for Hearst Media.
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Nicholas is an active collaborator at Women's Self-Defense, often co-running self-defense workshops with Joanna and assisting each other’s clients. He is an asset to Women's Self-Defense UK, helping to shape the curriculum by testing various interventions taught to women from the perspective of a bigger and stronger opponent.
