Our Elite Coaches
“Lead by example, taught with passion.”
3rd Degree Black Belt | Head Instructor
David Tobin
David Tobin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt under Ben Poppleton and has been training for over 14 years. He became a full-time Jiu-Jitsu coach in 2019 and has since dedicated his life to training and teaching Jiu-Jitsu.
Over the last 7 years, David has rigorously studied the NOGI submission grappling side of the sport and is an active competitor in submission grappling at the elite level. He prides himself on keeping up to date with the evolution of the sport by combining old school techniques with new school training methods.
Over the last 7 years, David has rigorously studied the NOGI submission grappling side of the sport and is an active competitor in submission grappling at the elite level. He prides himself on keeping up to date with the evolution of the sport by combining old school techniques with new school training methods.
Black Belt
Ryan Ellis
Im Ryan a black belt at Havering jiu jitsu academy, I started training at 18 in 2015 as a way to get fit, but it’s done so much more. It improved my confidence, introduced me to a great community and there’s no faster way to forget the days stresses than being under knee on belly. I coach the Wednesday class and am always looking to learn, improve and try new moves whilst helping others do the same. When coaching I try and encourage people to experiment and find the things they enjoy about the sport whilst they grow, so they can have as great a jiu jitsu journey as Ive had.
Black Belt | NOGI Coach
Dominic Erk
Dominic Erk is a Black Belt and holds the position of NOGI Coach at HJJA. He is a very well-rounded Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with plenty of mat time under his belt. Dominic is known for his competitive style, having regularly competed at the Advanced level.
He favors NOGI submission grappling and has adapted a modern Jiu-Jitsu style, utilising upper and lower body attacks effectively. His favorite technique is the guillotine choke. Dominic often facilitates our Saturday morning open mat sessions.
He favors NOGI submission grappling and has adapted a modern Jiu-Jitsu style, utilising upper and lower body attacks effectively. His favorite technique is the guillotine choke. Dominic often facilitates our Saturday morning open mat sessions.
Black Belt
Hardeep Virdee
I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 11 years and hold a black belt, with a background in Muay Thai that shaped my understanding of pressure, timing, and control. My coaching style focuses on strong fundamentals, intelligent pressure, and helping students build an efficient, reliable game.
Outside the academy, I work as a teacher, and I bring those same skills onto the mats creating a safe, supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn, experiment, and grow at their own pace. My aim is to help students build confidence, train smart, and develop a game they can trust.
Outside the academy, I work as a teacher, and I bring those same skills onto the mats creating a safe, supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn, experiment, and grow at their own pace. My aim is to help students build confidence, train smart, and develop a game they can trust.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo Blue Belt | Junior Squad Coach
Richard Gray
Richie is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt under David Tobin at HJJA. Rich is backed by over 20 years of competitive combat experience across multiple disciplines, including professional boxing, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
His background brings a disciplined, pressure-tested approach to training and competition. Centred predominantly on gi-based jiu-jitsu, Rich focuses on efficiency, strategic decision-making, and psychological resilience under stress. With a strong interest in competition psychology, he prioritises confidence, composure, resilience and above all else HAPPINESS as key attributes to performing on the mats.
His background brings a disciplined, pressure-tested approach to training and competition. Centred predominantly on gi-based jiu-jitsu, Rich focuses on efficiency, strategic decision-making, and psychological resilience under stress. With a strong interest in competition psychology, he prioritises confidence, composure, resilience and above all else HAPPINESS as key attributes to performing on the mats.