Welcome to Checkmat Plymouth
Checkmat Plymouth your premier destination for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and martial arts training in
the heart of
Plymouth. Established in 2018, we are proud to be an official affiliate of Checkmat (founded by Leo
Vieira in 2008), one of the most respected affiliations in the BJJ world. Since our founding, we've
dedicated ourselves to providing top-tier instruction in BJJ, fostering a welcoming and supportive
environment for practitioners of all levels—from complete beginners to advanced competitors.
In response to the growing demand for a comprehensive martial arts experience, we've recently expanded our curriculum to include Judo and Wrestling. This evolution allows us to offer a broader range of skills and techniques, creating well-rounded martial artists who are equipped to excel in multiple disciplines. Whether you're looking to improve your ground game, master throws, or enhance your wrestling skills, Checkmat Plymouth has something for everyone.
At Checkmat Plymouth
Our goal is to cultivate a strong sense of community and personal growth, both on and off the mat. With
our
world-class coaching, modern facilities, and a commitment to excellence, we're here to help you achieve
your
full potential—no matter your martial arts goals. Join us and become
part of the Checkmat
family!
Affiliation with Checkmat
Bjjplymouth is an affiliate of the Checkmat team, which has branches worldwide. This affiliation
connects the Plymouth academy to a broader network of practitioners and competitors, giving its members
access to top-level instruction, seminars, and competition training. The Checkmat network is known for
its emphasis on technique, competition, and the sharing of knowledge across its global academies.
Foundation and Growth
The specific history of Checkmat Plymouth is closely tied to its founders and instructors, who have
brought their own experience and dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the academy. While
detailed founding dates and individual histories of instructors might not be widely publicized, local
BJJ communities often know the reputation of these individuals, particularly those who have trained and
competed extensively.
Checkmat organization
Checkmat Plymouth is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy located in Plymouth, United Kingdom. It is a
part of the larger Checkmat organization, which is a globally recognized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team
founded in 2008 by Leo Vieira, a multiple-time BJJ world champion. Checkmat has a reputation for
producing high-level competitors and is known for its competitive success in international tournaments.
Instruction and Training Philosophy
Checkmat Plymouth offers classes for various skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and
often includes specialized classes for children and adults. Their training typically emphasizes both the
self-defense aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the sport's competitive elements. The academy may also
host seminars featuring prominent Checkmat black belts and world champions, providing members with
opportunities to learn from some of the best in the world.
Community and Competitions
Like many BJJ academies, Checkmat Plymouth likely fosters a strong community spirit among its members,
encouraging participation in local, national, and international competitions. The success of the
academy's competitors in tournaments is a point of pride and a reflection of the quality of instruction
they receive.
Checkmat Plymouth plays a vital role in the broader Checkmat network, offering its students access to world-class training and a rich competitive heritage. The influence of top competitors like Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, Leo Vieira, Lucas Leite, and others helps shape the training and competitive environment at Checkmat academies worldwide. Checkmat Plymouth benefits from this strong network, fostering both a sense of community and excellence among its practitioners. Whether training for self-defense, personal development, or competition, students at Checkmat Plymouth are part of a storied legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Ready to join the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club in Plymouth? Contact Checkmat today to schedule a free trial class. Whether you’re interested in fitness, competition our Plymouth BJJ academy is the perfect place to start.
Lead Instructor Ian Harrop has been immersed in martial arts from a young age, exploring various disciplines before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in 2007. Instantly captivated by the sport, Ian dedicated himself fully to mastering BJJ, traveling the globe to compete, train, and learn from some of the greatest names in the sport. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his passion for continuous improvement have defined his journey in BJJ.
Ian is one of the lead Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt instructors at Checkmat Plymouth, earning his black belt under Marco Canha, the head of Fight Zone London. With years of experience both as a competitor and coach, Ian has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, from children and juniors to adults, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the art to his classes. His coaching journey began at various clubs and schools, before he took the step to open his own academy—Checkmat Plymouth —where he could further develop his athlete-focused approach.
Ian's dedication to the sport has also seen him achieve notable competition success, including:
Ian continues to compete sporadically, however has chosen to focus more on his students & coaching. He holds a BSc in Strength, Conditioning & Sports Coaching, Ian has a holistic approach to athletic development. His background in physical preparation complements his BJJ coaching, equipping his students with a well-rounded approach to training that enhances their performance on the mat.
Whether he’s coaching a beginner or a seasoned competitor, Ian's passion for the sport and his commitment to his students’ growth are at the heart of everything he does. At Checkmat Plymouth, Ian continues to inspire, mentor, and shape the next generation of martial artists.
Amy Winterson has been a passionate practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) since November 2009, and her journey in the sport has been one of continuous growth, both as a competitor and a coach. In 2016, alongside fellow coach Ian Harrop, Amy co-founded Checkmat Plymouth, where she began sharing her love for BJJ with others. Over the years, she has traveled nationally and internationally to compete, attend seminars, and train with some of the world’s best, constantly refining her techniques and deepening her understanding of the art.
Amy received her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 under Marco Canha, the head of Fight Zone London, and since then has become one of the lead black belt instructors at Checkmat Plymouth. Although Amy has always enjoyed competing, she has increasingly shifted her focus toward teaching, inspiring students of all ages and skill levels to reach their full potential.
A true role model for women in the sport, Amy has balanced her passion for BJJ with raising a young family, proving that women can be both dedicated athletes and loving mothers. She trained and taught throughout two pregnancies, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Amy works hard to inspire other women in the BJJ community, hosting events in the Southwest BJJ scene to provide support and encourage more women to get involved in the sport.
In addition to her work in BJJ, Amy has a keen interest in yoga and its benefits for martial artists. Since 2017, she has been training in Yoga for BJJ, completing a course designed specifically for teaching yoga to BJJ practitioners. She often incorporates yoga techniques into her teaching, using them as part of warm-ups to improve mobility, flexibility, and overall physical wellness for her students.
Amy's Competition Achievements:
At Checkmat Plymouth, Amy continues to share her passion for BJJ, supporting and mentoring her students to not only become skilled practitioners but to also build confidence, discipline, and resilience that extend beyond the mat. Whether she’s teaching kids, adults, or women in the BJJ community, Amy remains dedicated to making BJJ accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for everyone.
Ricky Bellingham is a dedicated and accomplished instructor at Checkmat Plymouth, known for his passion, discipline, and commitment to both training and coaching. A competitive athlete representing both the Checkmat Team and the British Army Team, Ricky has established himself as a skilled practitioner and a respected leader in the BJJ community.
Ricky began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at Checkmat Plymouth in 2016, training under Ian Harrop and Amy Winterson. His natural drive and determination quickly set him apart, and in 2019, he joined the coaching team, eager to share his knowledge and passion with others.
With a background as a Personal Trainer in the British Army, Ricky brings a wealth of experience in strength and conditioning, along with a disciplined approach to coaching. He continues to serve actively in the Army, where he leads training sessions and competition camps. His military experience informs his coaching philosophy, instilling focus, mental toughness, and physical resilience in his students.
At Checkmat Plymouth, Ricky is known for his dedication to developing the next generation of martial artists. He leads the early morning sessions and is responsible for teaching the youngest members of the academy, where he works to instill not only technical skills but also the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance—qualities that will benefit his students both on and off the mat.
In 2023, Ricky earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Ian Harrop and Amy Winterson, a testament to his hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Ricky's Competition Achievements:
Ricky continues to actively compete setting the standard for our competitive members.
As a coach, Ricky is committed to pushing his students to achieve their full potential, whether they're training for competition or personal development. He has recently pushed to introduce both Judo & Wrestling to the club, training both himself for self improvement & now passing along this knowledge to others alongside our main Judo & Wrestling coaches.