MEET THE TEAM

PROFESSOR
GARETH NEALE

School Owner and Head Instructor

Gareth's Martial Arts career began back in 2002, training in several disciplines including Freestyle Wresting, Muay Thai, Filipino Martial Arts and Jeet Kune Do.

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One year later, he made his first mark on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition scene when he achieved Second Place at the 2003 Gracie Invitational Championships in London. He was awarded his Blue Belt by Mauricio Gomes shortly after.

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Several years of successfully competing at the highest level world wide saw that Gareth was awarded his Black Belt by Victor Estima in 2012. By this time he had already established himself as an International Multiple Medalist in both IBJJF and UAEJJF. Some of his career highlights include becoming British Black Belt Champion in the 2013 British Open, Medalist at the 2015 No-Gi European Championship and most recently, Medalist at the 2023 European Championship.

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Alongside competing, Gareth continued his love of teaching as a Professor and 3rd Degree Black Belt, having spent 10 years at Gracie Barra Nottingham with Victor Estima. Then in April 2021 - 17 years into his BJJ career - with a strong sense of wanting to give back to the community, Gareth took the opportunity to open his own Gracie Barra School in Neepsend, Sheffield.