Josh Dean - Lead Practitioner
As a Director and Lead Practitioner at Combat Classroom, I bring a unique blend of academic expertise, professional experience, and real-world sporting discipline to alternative education. I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Sports Management and a Master’s degree (MSc) in Sports Business Management and Policy, underpinning my strategic and evidence-based approach to youth development.
My background includes extensive work within homelessness services and children’s residential care, supported by a Level 4 Diploma as a Children, Young People and Families Practitioner. This has equipped me with the skills to support vulnerable young people with complex needs, fostering resilience, structure, and positive behavioural change.
Alongside my professional work, I am an active amateur MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, and I have represented Ireland Students at international level in Rugby League. Through Combat Classroom, I integrate discipline, respect, and personal accountability drawn from elite sport into a supportive learning environment, helping young people re-engage with education, build confidence, and develop pathways for future success.
Matt Thorpe - Business and Sports Lead
As a director of combat classroom I take the role of business and sports lead. I bring many years of experience with in the martial arts sector, not only coaching for the last 20 years, but also runnning several highly successful academies.
I have built martial arts academies from the ground up designing programs suitable for children from as young as 3 years old spanning to adults and beyond. Created systems and structures to help drive leads to become members and now our acadamies are home to over 750 members in the Greater Manchester area. The academies have helped many young students grow into highly successful individuals some of which we now employ as lead coaches across our facilities.
Within coaching I have worked with grass roots athletes right through to professionals. For the last 20 years I have been the director and head coach at 12 Gauge MMA Martial Arts Academies. I have worked as the performance director for EMMAA (English Mixed Martial Arts Association) helping support, select the team and coach the English MMA squad as they represented at the IMMAF World and European Championships. I have worked as a UK coach for the UKMMAF (UK Mixed Martial Arts Federation) again helping support the national squad on the world stage.
My personal journey within Martial Arts started at 16 years old and I am still training today. I was lucky enough to compete as a professional athlete all over the world acoss many of the sports prestigious promotions including Cage Warriors, M1Challenge and BodogFIGHT. I have acheived my 5th Dan Balck Belt in Kickboxing, my 2nd Degree Black Belt in BJJ (Brazillian Jiu Jitsu) alongside my 30 years in MMA.
Amy O'mara - Designated Safe Guard Lead (DSL)
As the designated safe guarding lead at Combat Classroom, I bring a wealth of experience across both martial arts and athlete development. With over 13 years of training in martial arts, I have developed a deep understanding of coaching, performance, and personal progression. I hold a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing and a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, reflecting my technical expertise and commitment to continuous growth within the sport.
I have competed at a high level, representing both the UK and England on the international stage, where I secured a bronze medal at the European Championships. My competitive background gives me a unique perspective when working with athletes, from beginners through to those pursuing elite performance.
Alongside my martial arts career, I am a registered England Boxing Level 1 Coach and a qualified personal trainer, allowing me to support members across all aspects of fitness, conditioning, and skill development. I have spent the last 10 years as a lead coach at 12 Gauge MMA, playing a key role in delivering high-quality coaching, program design and helping shape the next generation of martial artists.
I also bring valuable experience from the early years education sector having worked in it for several years gaining my level 3 early years eductaor qualification, enabling me to connect with and develop younger students effectively. As a qualified safeguarding lead, and working as the current safe guarding lead at 12 Gauge MMA, I have several years of experience developing effective safe guarding policy.
Izzy Mitchell - Support Practitioner
Taking the role of support practioner at Combat Classroom, I bring over a decade of experience in both martial arts training and coaching. Having trained in martial arts for 11 years, I have developed a strong technical foundation and a passion for helping others progress. I hold a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, demonstrating my dedication to continuous learning and development within the sport.
I have spent the last 10 years coaching at 12 Gauge MMA, where I have grown into a lead coach, playing a key role in delivering structured, high-quality sessions and supporting students of all levels. My coaching style combines technical knowledge with a supportive and motivating approach, helping members build confidence, discipline, and skill.
As a competitor, I have represented England as part of the EMMAA national team on the international stage, achieving outstanding success with a gold medal at the European Championships and a bronze medal at the World Championships. My experience competing at elite level allows me to guide athletes and members through both the physical and mental demands of performance.
Alongside my martial arts career, I hold a BSc in Nutritional Science with upper second-class honours (2:1) and I am an Associate Registered Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition. This academic background enables me to support current members not only in their training, but also in optimising their nutrition and overall performance, making me a well-rounded and highly valuable member of the coaching team.