Adrian
A Lifetime in Martial Arts. A Passion for Learning.
​
My journey in martial arts began more than 40 years ago, and it remains one of the great passions of my life.
​
I earned my first black belt in traditional, old-school karate at the age of 22. Since then, I've explored a wide range of martial arts, including several styles of Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido, Judo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kali and Mixed Martial Arts. Over the years, I've earned dan grades across three karate systems, Black Sash in Kung Fu, trained in Spain and the United States, and had the privilege of living and training at the Shaolin Temple in China.
​
I've been fortunate to learn from many different teachers, each offering their own perspective on movement, technique, discipline and personal development. For the past 16 years, I've trained under my current Karate teacher, Master Lee Taylor, a relationship that continues to shape my understanding and appreciation of the martial arts.
My BJJ journey
My Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began five years ago under Fabio Bertoli, third-degree BJJ black belt under Rocian Gracie Jr. Fabio will oversee Mid Wales BJJ, providing the experience, technical guidance and continuity that underpin the academy. I'm proud to be teaching under his guidance and to share the art that has become such an important part of my own training. Fabio epitomises the true martial arts master. He possesses enormous technical skills and is a fearsome fighter, but carries himself with humbleness and good humour. I am proud to call him my teacher and my friend.
​
My Approach to Teaching
​
Over four decades of martial arts have taught me that good instruction is about far more than demonstrating techniques. It's about understanding how people learn, creating the right environment for progress and helping each person discover what they're capable of.
​
My teaching style is relaxed, methodical and supportive. I like to break techniques down, explain the details, explore why things work and give people the opportunity to practise at their own pace. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and having another go.
​
And there will be plenty of laughter along the way! I believe training should be challenging, rewarding and enjoyable. There is no need for intimidation, unnecessary formality or an inflated martial arts ego. We can take our training seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.
​
Whether I'm working with a child learning their first movements or an adult developing a deeper understanding of BJJ, my aim is the same: to help that person progress, build confidence and enjoy the process. Everyone starts somewhere. Everyone learns differently. And everyone has the potential to improve.
​
Martial Arts for Life
​
My interests extend beyond martial arts into qigong, meditation, breathwork and the relationship between physical training, recovery and longevity. Some of this was learned in China, working with masters and martial artists, more still was learned working with great masters around the world.
​
I'm fascinated by how we can develop strength, mobility, coordination and physical capability while looking after ourselves for the long term. I believe martial arts should be something we can continue to enjoy and benefit from throughout our lives, rather than something that belongs only to our younger years.
​
These interests also influence the way I approach training and recovery. Where appropriate, I'll incorporate simple breathing exercises and structured relaxation into our warm-downs, including age-appropriate practices in the children's classes. These offer an opportunity to settle after physical activity, develop awareness of breathing and finish a session in a calm, positive way.
​
For me, martial arts is a lifelong education. There is always something more to understand, another skill to refine and another perspective to explore. After more than 40 years of training, I remain as curious about learning as ever.
​
Why Mid Wales?
​
I've lived around the world and experienced different cultures, training environments and ways of life. From Los Angeles, San Diego and Scottsdale to Madrid and Bordeaux, and training at the legendary Shaolin Monastery on Mount Song in China, each place has left its mark. But Mid Wales is home.
​
I wanted to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to our local community and create an academy that offers something genuinely valuable to the people who live here. A place where children can develop confidence and coordination, adults can challenge themselves and everyone can experience the satisfaction of learning a demanding new skill.
Just as importantly, I want Mid Wales BJJ to be a community. Somewhere people support one another, form friendships and feel comfortable being themselves. Somewhere progress is celebrated, differences are respected and the benefits of training extend well beyond the mats.
​
I'm particularly passionate about helping people discover that martial arts can be for them, whatever their age, background or starting point. You don't need to be naturally athletic, exceptionally confident or experienced. You simply need to be willing to begin.
​
After all these years, I still love being a student of the martial arts. Now, I'm looking forward to sharing that enthusiasm, experience and curiosity with the next generation of practitioners here in Mid Wales.
​
I look forward to welcoming you to the mats.
​
Adrian
Instructor, Mid Wales BJJ
​
EXPLORE • LEARN • GROW • MASTER
