Martin Hollis - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Martin Hollis is a First degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under Keith McKenzie and part of Checkmat BJJ.
Martin trained in judo and traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu as a child and teenager. When he moved to London in 1999, he discovered Muay Thai. After watching UFC 38, live in 2002, Martin then decided to look for a gym where he could train in mixed martial arts (MMA).
That’s what led him to London Pancrase in Finsbury Park, which was one of the UK’s first MMA clubs. Here, Martin found out how easily he could be picked apart on the ground, so he focussed on grappling.
When Martin later moved back to Reigate, Surrey, he discovered his passion for training BJJ in the gi. He trained in a number of local clubs and gyms, but didn’t find a home until a friend introduced him to McKenzie BJJ, Crawley. Martin quickly gravitated towards Keith’s relaxed, technical teaching style and developed his skills using this fresh approach. In 2017, Martin became Keith’s first black belt (an honour he doesn’t hold lightly).
Sami Morsy - Kids BJJ
Sami is our kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors. He has been training under Martin for 10 years and has a real passion for developing the kids into strong competitors and martial artists.
Samis interests outside of Jiu Jitsu include walking, sitting, eating and talking.
Sami is also a Sports Masseur who works from the gym on sports injury, recovery and prevention.
Dan Turner - BJJ Coach
Dan Turner is a Brown belt under martin and has been training for 8 years at Memento Mori BJJ. Dan started BJJ later in life so is great for our older athletes. Dans interested include sitting, resting, playing video games and complaining.
A little known fact about Dan is he once starred as Darth Vader body double in Return of the Jedi.
Laura Baldwin - Ladies and Pilates
Laura is a purple belt in BJJ under Martin at Memento Mori BJJ and a qualified Pilates instructor and PT. Laura is an active competitor, regularly competing through out the UK.
Laura is also a keep runner and has a son who is an orange belt in Jiu Jitsu and trains at the club.