Checkmat Plymouth
We are one of the leading Brazilian Jiu jitsu schools in the Plymouth area, we became affiliated with Checkmat in 2018.
Checkmat is one of the leading, recognisable Brazilian Jiu-jitsu teams, with affiliates world wide. The affiliation was started by Leo Vieira in 2008 and we are now proud to be part of this BJJ family. Our black belt instructor is Marco Canha (head of Fight Zone London) who is under 9 x world champion Ricardo Vieira.
Lead instructor Ian Harrop trains up in London regularly with Marco, where other members are welcome too. Marco is also invited down for seminars
The Instructors
Ian has been training in many arts from a young age but then found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007 and pursued this. He competes and trains all over the UK, Europe and the U.S. Ian is the lead Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt instructor at Checkmat Plymouth under his Black belt coach Marco Canha (Head of Fight Zone London). He has over 5 years experience coaching BJJ to adults, juniors and kids. He has also worked as a Strength and Conditioning coach at Plymouth Performance Gym.
Ian’s Achievements:
- Awarded Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in June 2019
- Began training martial arts as a child Started to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007
- BSc Strength Conditioning and Sports Coaching
- Plymouth BJJ open Silver medallist
- Bristol BJJ open Bronze medallist
Amy Harrop has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since November 2009 and has been coaching since the Gym opened in 2016 & has now started a Ladies only class to support ladies, that may be apprehensive about mixed classes, who want to pursue . She has trained at many places in the UK and USA and has competed throughout the UK and Europe winning many medals. Amy is also a sports therapist running her own business Amy Harrop’s Sports Therapy.
Amy’s achievements:
- Awarded Black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu in June 2019
- European Gold medallist at white belt (2011)
- Bristol open Bronze medallist at blue belt (2011)
- European Silver medallist at blue belt (2012)
- Bournemouth Gold medallist at blue belt (2012)
- Hereford Open Gold medallist at blue belt (2012)
- Plymouth Open Silver medallist at purple belt (2015)
- Plymouth Open No Gi Silver medallist at purple belt (2015)
Our Facilities
The gym is situated in Unit 68 of Faraday Mill industrial park close to CrossFit Plymouth and Yankee Candle. We offer a simple clean safe environment to train and have fun. Our focus is on our large matted area with padded flooring for comfort and safety. There are changing facilities and adequate storage for bags. There is also a large reception area with coffee facilties where you can watch the training on the big screen. This is ideal for watching your children training without them being distracted by seeing you. Hygiene is important in a gym environment so we have simple rules about cleanliness e.g. making sure training gear is washed after each session, not wearing shoes on the mats, wearing shoes to the bathroom and we make sure mats are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
