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Instructors

John Kavanagh

Coaches BJJ and Fight Team – 2nd Degree Black Belt Instructor

altFight.ie Coach of the Year 2011

John has trained in BJJ since 1996. The first person to really bring proper BJJ into Ireland, John has made a name for himself as a competitor winning gold at the European Championships 2006 and is a world-class coach. As Ireland's first and currently only Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu he was the first Irish MMA sportsman to compete in Cage Fighting.

He has had a number of Dublin based gyms/premises in the past 8 years and each time he moves the gym gathers more members and more space! John has a varied martial arts background including Kick Boxing and starting with Karate as a 5 yr old but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu caught his attention while watching UFC and his love of the sport grew as he trained. In 2001 while fighting in Africa John met Matt Thorton of SBGi and a firm friendship and business partnership began. The training ethos of SBG really impressed John and the message that athletes and non-athletes could train side by side is one he continues to promote. "SBGi is about people, and our goal is to offer the cutting edge in self defense, combat athletics, fitness, and personal growth, to every type of human body that walks through our door. Not just 22 Year old Athletes (although they will certainly find their niche here as well), but to professionals who have to work 45 hour weeks. To women of all ages. To older people, looking to get into shape, have fun, and learn self defense. To children of all ages who can learn the Arts in a positive atmosphere of friendship and fun. SBGi is for every-body."

John has coached, cornered and trained with many great names of MMA and BJJ – the fight team under John right now has had some really impressive results….. Chris The Killing Fields A/B Class, Cathal The Punisher Pendred A/B Class, Clive The Badman Staunton A Class, Arni Isaksson A Class, Gunnar Nelson A Class, Tom Maguire A Class, Alan Duffy B Class, Philip Mulpeter B Class, Conor McGregor A/B Class, Kieran Cooke C Class, James Heelan C Class, John Marrey C Class, Luke Corcoran C Class, Artem Lobov C Class, Rowdy Owen Roddy A Class, Liam Heffernon C Class, Patrick The Hooligan Holohan B Class, Keith Coady B Class, Rob The Dog Quinn A Class, Ais The Bash Daly A Class.

Many greats of MMA have passed through the SBG doors; BJ Penn, Shaolin, Chris Brennan, Ryan Hall, Minotauro, Saulo Riberio, Xande Riberio, Rory Singer, Ed Herman, Jeff Monson, Ian Freeman, Leigh Remedios, Ian Butlin, Ricardo Liborio, Shane Rice, Thomas Egan to name a few!

"Anyone that has rolled with John knows that his own personal BJJ game is phenomenal. He is a world-class BJJ athlete, and his skill at the fundamentals of each position in BJJ, are top notch. In the dozen years or so I have had to Coach BJJ athletes I have yet to work with anyone that matched John's level of technical finesse." Matt Thornton, SBGi President

Aisling Daly – Ais the Bash Daly

Coaches womens BJJ class

ais1.jpgAis began training in Karate at 10 years old and after some years training she began experimenting in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and received her Blue Belt from Matt Thorton in SBG in 2006.  Ais then turned her focus to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and began training in Thai Boxing.  Her MMA coach John Kavanagh has been instrumental in adapting her skills to MMA and is a major part of her success.



Owen Roddy – Owen Rowdy Roddy

Coaches Muay Thai, BJJ, Kids & Teens Club

owen roddy.jpgOwens Muay Thai classes are on three times a week.  There are many benefits to training in Thai Boxing aside from the obvious self-defence application; you will notice an increase in physical strength, coordination, and stamina develop. You will also notice improvements in your determination, patience, and self-control.  The training speeds up the body's metabolism and burns off fat. Eventually, you will notice a decrease in fat, an increase in muscle, and an overall improved sense of well being.



  • MMA Rankings No.5 Europe No.1 Ireland
  • Owen has much experience both in the ring and coaching.
  • His kids and teens classes are an excellent way for your
  • child to improve his/her fitness and self confidence and discipline. 

Sergey Pikulskiy

altCoaches our Wednesday's wrestling class suitable for all skill levels.

Wrestling will increase your grappling game and is essential in MMA! Originally from Moldova Sergey trained with the national team of Moldova for 7 years and so brings with him years of experience.




Conor McGregor

Coaches Boxing and Womens Fitness Boxing classes

altConor is an MMA fighter (stats here) he is also a phenomenal coach who brings such enthusiasm and energy to his classes which ensure you come back for more!  His Women's Fitness Boxing Class is open to non members and members alike.  It is boxing training without the bruises and Cardio Circuit Training with full Diet Plan and Nutritional Advice offered.  His Boxing class is mixed and runs twice a week.