MEET THE TEAM...

Lee Johnstone

Lee began training in 1996 and instructing in 2003 and is now a 3rd degree black belt. He also has a black belt in Sambo and is one of the first MMA fighters in the UK in the 90’s. He has promoted many MMA and grappling events, including UKMMAC, Adrenalin FC and Tuff Invitational, giving fighters such as Michael Bisping, Antonio Bigfoot Silva, Paul Daley, Marius Žaromskis and many more huge names, a platform to perform on in the early stages of their careers. 

Lee has trained and cornered numerous amateur and professional fighters on some of the biggest British and European MMA events. He has also competed himself, winning numerous gold medals at all levels of competition and trained all over the world, including at the famous Gracie Academy in Torrence, California and with legends such as Robert Drysdale, Randy Couture, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Roger Gracie and many more!

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To find out more about Lee, listen to Episode 28 of Dan Strauss' Raspberry Ape podcast.

Mick Hall

Mick is a 2nd degree BJJ black belt and has been training with Lee since 2005. He has competed in MMA, submission wrestling, BJJ and wrestling gaining a vast amount of knowledge in all aspects of MMA.

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Mick has trained and competed extensively in Martial Arts, most notably in MMA and BJJ. He is a 4x English Champion (Gi & NoGi) and multiple time Tuff Invitational competitor, among winning gold medals at all belt levels, including black belt. Mick has a 5-2 MMA record with all wins coming by submission and has trained with some of the biggest names in MMA and BJJ including Rodolfo Vieira, Leo Vieira, Paul Daley, Dave Menne, Marcelo Garcia and has trained Muay Thai in Thailand.

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Mick has coached many students on some of the countries biggest events and competitions, including Cage Warriors and BAMMA, helping produce multiple national and European champions in BJJ and MMA.

Sam Diplock

Sam teaches our junior classes, as well as some of our adult MMA, Muay Thai and BJJ classes. Sam has trained and competed in all areas of MMA including BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Sambo, Judo and Karate!

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Sam has proven to be outstanding when teaching kids and makes his classes both fun and informative, which keeps them engaged and returning for more and more! His dedication led to Sam winning the Pride In Medway Sports Coach of the Year in 2021.

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Sam is also a seasoned competitor and has competed with much success in MMA, BJJ and Karate and is currently a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu.

Craig Benjamin

Craig is a 1st Degree Black Belt in BJJ and has trained at CSA since 2010. Craig has competed in both BJJ and MMA extensively and brings a wealth of knowledge to the classes he teaches. He is also a qualified PT and can assist with training and nutrition goals for all aspects of sport.

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Craig helps teach our kids MMA and BJJ as well as teaching adults in all disciplines and is also available for private lessons.

Matt Hibbert

Matt is a 2nd Degree BJJ black belt and one of our assistant instructors. Matt often helps with our kids and adult classes and can also be seen in many classes training with and helping new and experienced students, including his son, Cameron. Matt is a keen competitor and has competed at all belt levels, winning many gold medals at various competitions around the country.

Scott Jenkins

Scott is our boxing coach and is a highly respected coach within the local community and has been competing since he was a boy.

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Scott is an England Boxing Certified Level 1 and Level 2 coach and has helped develop boxers from grass-roots levels to the professional ranks and has produced national and regional champions. He has over 10 years coaching experience and has worked with multiple clubs to improve their stable of athletes.

Lee Ambler

Lee is one of our most experienced students and competitors. He is a 2nd degree Black Belt under Head Instructor Lee Johnstone and has competed all over the world in some of the biggest competitions.

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As well as having competed in MMA, Lee won gold at the IBJJF European NoGi Championships as a blue belt, is a multiple time English Open Champion and Tuff Invitational competitor and medalled at dozens of national grappling and BJJ competitions.

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Lee often leads and assists in our NoGi and BJJ classes.

Nash Johnstone

Nash, son of Head Instructor Lee Johnstone, helps assist our kids classes and has shown a natural ability in helping our young students stay engaged and enjoy the classes.

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Nash is a BJJ Blue Belt has already begun competing in BJJ and Grappling, medalling at numerous competitions and is looking to compete in MMA in the the near future.

Jake Green

Jake began his training with Combat Sports Academy at the age of five and has progressed from our kids classes to our adult MMA, BJJ, Boxing and Muay Thai classes. ​Jake has won Gold at the U16's MASSIF British Open Strike and Grapple event and Gold at The English Open and European Championships. Jake is currently a purple belt in BJJ and 4-0 in his amateur MMA career and the current BFS Welterweight Amateur Champion.

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Jake assists alongside our main instructors and brings hands on experience to our curriculum.