MMA UK

Erin Beaumont speaks ahead of her upcoming match at SGI8 in Glasgow

Aaron East 07/10/2021

Erin Beaumont is a Scottish professional Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner. Representing MTG Eglin. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt under Matt Holland. I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today, how has training been going in the build-up to your scheduled match up SGB8? “Thanks for doing this for me, much appreciated. Training has been going really good” It’s been a very anticipated build-up to this mega event in Glasgow, October 9th. Practitioners from all over the UK are going to be in attendance. How does it feel to be a part of the Scottish Grappling Invitational? “I am very excited to be a part of the invitational and push myself at my first ever sub only match.” October 9th, you take on Helen Copus of SBG Aberdeen. An opponent you have faced before back in 2019, at the fourth annual West of Scotland BJJ open. What do you make of your opponent, as well as the opportunity at redemption for that night at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell? “I think Helen is a great fighter, very tough and I look forward to testing my skills against her again. I feel my jiu-jitsu has come a long way since our last fight, as I’m sure Helens has and I hope to put on a great show, win or lose.” You’ve been part of many BJJ competitions in your amazing career, the Rickson Gracie Cup, Glasgow BJJ Open just to name a couple. The one that stands out for me was your gold medal-winning inclusion at the Edinburgh BJJ Open back In 2017. Out of your many amazing memories in your competitive career, what one stands out the most for you? “My most memorable competition for me was the Europeans in 2020, coming away with a silver and only missing out on gold by ref’s decision.” Last, but not least, do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance at the Community Central Hall in Glasgow and anybody you’d like to give a shout out to? “I just want to give a shout out to my team and coach, and thank you James for having me on the card and to wish good luck to everyone fighting on the card. lets f*** s*** up.” “Oh, and if Nutella is interested in sponsoring me, I’m sure I could eat many more jars lol. probably why I’ve gone from Featherweight to Medium Heavy, I like to tell myself it’s muscle.” The ninth is almost upon us, the highly anticipated invitational for fans and competitors alike for SGI8 at the Community Central Hall in Glasgow. If you haven’t got your tickets already head over to the Scottish Grappling website, as it’s the only way you can secure your place in what’s going to be SG’s 8th prolific event. Below is a link to the ticket website. Best of luck to Erin and all of the magnificent practitioners that will be in attendance. Buy tickets here.

Kenny Paterson speaks ahead of his upcoming match at SGI8 in Glasgow.

Aaron East 26/09/2021

Kenny Paterson is a professional Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner. Representing SMAC. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today. How has training been going in the build up to your scheduled grappling match for SGI8? “Training has been sporadic at best for the last year. I work away most of the time and I try my best to get into a school where I’m working, if I have the time. My best experience of that was with VT Jiu-Jitsu with Leigh Remedios. He has a very welcoming school. I’ve been trying to get to as many mops sub Sundays as I can.” October 9th you have been matched up against Phil Haworth of HMAC at Scottish Grappling Invitational 18. In your year’s experience, you must have had a chance to watch Haworth in action. What do you make of your opponent? “My next answer is one of the reasons I didn’t want to do a live interview, I have no idea who Phil Haworth is, just like I’m sure he’s never heard of me. Coming from HMAC I’m sure he will have some skills.” October 9th in Glasgow has got to be one of, if not the biggest chances for martial artists to showcase their skills on the mats. How does it feel to be part of the Scottish Grappling Invitational for the second time in your career? “The SGI events that I’ve seen have been amazing with the skill level on show. I’m glad for the opportunity and I apologize in advance for my lack of grace and coordination.” You’ve had your fair share of experience across many platforms surrounding the MMA world, mainly in the cage. Are the mats where you feel most at home? “My MMA experience is something best not spoken about. I gave it a go as I had just stopped playing rugby. I think I had 2 or 3 weeks of training before my first fight and it was always just for fun. I hadn’t even started BJJ yet. I do prefer BJJ to anything else though.” Your history in Grappling events spanning over the past 3 years, including your participation with SG’s 4th Annual Cup of BJJ in 2018, you were mainly involved in gi matchups, Do you prefer gi over no-gi and why? “I prefer the gi as it suits my style better. I actually misread the FB post asking for a Masters 4 opponent and only realized it was no-gi later on.” Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance in Glasgow at SGI8, and anybody you’d like to give a shout out to? “None of the fans will be there to see me, so my only message would be to keep your mask on if you’re asked to. Don’t mess it up for the organizers by not sticking to the rules. Shout out to Gary Priestly at the Submission Factory, as the responsibility for my performance lies squarely on his shoulders. If you can get along for an open mat on a Sunday. Always full of good guys.” Masks will need to be worn at all times in the venue, except when eating or drinking in the designated bar area. If you’re in Glasgow on October 9th, you have a chance to witness some of the best the BJJ scene has to offer. For tickets please follow the link below. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sgi-8-tickets-166035858723

Gary Muir speaks ahead of his upcoming match at SGI8 in Glasgow.

Aaron East 24/09/2021

Gary Muir is a Scottish professional Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner. Representing JAX-Mixed Martial Arts, Rio Grappling Club and is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today. How has training been going in the build-up to your scheduled Grappling match for SGI8? “Training has been great, been back training since the gyms have reopened. Started a lot of training at home during the lockdown, which I’ve continued, on top of attending the classes 4-5 times a week. I’ve managed to drop some weight, meaning I can leave that Ultra Heavyweight Division, which at times was a nightmare, seeing myself giving guys 45kg advantages. Got some great guys at the gym, we are always pushing each other. Starting to build a team of guys now, who are keen to compete on a regular basis.” The BJJ scene is one of many that has been hit the hardest throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, how does it feel to, not only be able to get back out doing what you love, but to also compete in one of the biggest invitationals in the world? “Great being back, I love training, but it’s the competition aspect that gives me the buzz and keeps me motivated. Before lockdown, I was having a great run in the competitions throughout the UK. Sadly that came to an abrupt end last year. But, since the lockdown was lifted, I’ve been lucky to compete at the Fitness Expo in Liverpool, actually had matches against two of the guys on the card for this upcoming SGI. Also, we took a team down to the BJJ24.7 Brighton open at the end of last month and then the Scottish Open. Just love to stay active and hope to hit at least a few more competitions before the close of the year.” October 9th you have been matched up against Ashley Wiles SGB Aberdeen at Scottish Grappling Invitational 8. In your years’ experience, you must have had a chance to watch Wiles in action. What do you make of your opponent? “I only started my BJJ journey about August 2018, so I’m still relatively new to the scene. But I’ve actually had a match against Ashley in my first blue belt competition, which was the Scottish Cup back in 2019. Remember it is a close match, which he won on points. So I know I’m in for a tough match at SGI. Comes from a great team, always seeing them guys at the competitions doing well. Slightly different format with it being sub only rules and longer matches. Obviously, I’ll be looking to avenge that loss. That being said, I’m going in there and just looking to play my best game and hopefully get the win. As long as we put on a good match, I’ll be happy whatever the outcome.” At 38, you are still very active on the BJJ scene, to quote a colleague in the BJJ world you are “mustangs” of the sport. What steps do you focus on at Rio Grappling Club to keep yourself in such great condition? “Mustangs” of the sport, aka the going grey brigade lol. I started BJJ late and in my heart, I know I’m not going to have that many years left in me being competitive, so I just want to get out there as much as I can before my body gives up. I’m lucky in that I’ve never had any underlying issues, so I’ve been able to stay consistent. I’m sensible with my training and keep things basic. A lot of bodyweight exercises and light kettlebell work on top of training.” “At JAX MMA (Rio grappling club), Dale Middleton has a great set-up with the classes. We spread out our hard rounds throughout the week, that way we are getting time to recover and minimise the risks of injury. Obviously, when needed, he will step up training leading up to competitions and the format works great for me.” Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance at the Community Central in Glasgow and anybody you’d like to give a shout out to? “I just hope I can put on a good match for everyone to watch.” “Big shout out to my Head Coach, Dale Middleton @JaxMMA, who has been with the club since I started. Always there for all the guys competing. Keeps us all motivated and pushes us to be the best we can be. All my training partners who help prepare me when coming up to competitions, jumping in for extra rounds/shark tanks at the end of classes, trying to kill me lol. Finally, The Mrs, who puts up with me disappearing most nights training and watches the kids while I disappear at weekends for competitions. Just looking forward to 9th October, catch you guys there…” It is going to be one of the best events Scottish Grappling has brought to the fans in Glasgow. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely not one to be missed. For tickets please follow the link below. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sgi-8-tickets-166035858723

Interview with Jamie Harvey of Checkmat Edinburgh

Larry Reid 30/11/2020

Jamie Harvey is one of the most accomplished BJJ competitors in Scotland rising through the ranks in Checkmat Edinburgh from its inception. With wins at Scottish Grappling Invitational, of which he is the current Heavyweight Champion, Edinburgh Winter Open and The Scottish Cup to name a few and has won gold in 4 different weight divisions so far. He was also on a nearly 3-year unbeaten run until Covid ground training and events to a halt. I caught up with him this week to discuss his start in BJJ/MMA, the impact lockdown has had on his training and how a navy seal has helped his mindset. Larry: Hey Jamie thanks for speaking to me! Can you tell me how you first got into BJJ and what initially attracted you to it? Jamie: Like many, it was MMA that got me into Jiu-Jitsu. I started training MMA when I was 15 after discovering it in the upstairs level of a small local gym I was attending to lose weight (BIG fat kid). I took a class and got my nose burst by literally the first jab that was thrown at me! I stuck with MMA for a few years, having two unsuccessful fights…ironically that I lost by submissions. I left for university in Dundee and didn’t do any martial arts training for a few years. Once I moved back to Edinburgh, I again joined my old martial arts team, now at a different location. They had just hired in a BJJ coach for to help with the team’s basic level of grappling skills, this was the first time I put on a GI (February 2016) and I got addicted right away. Larry: You must have enjoyed that first class to not be put off by a burst nose on the first go! So what was it about the class that made you want to keep at it? Were you a fan of UFC at the time and go the inkling “I want to give that a shot”? Jamie: No. I was aware of the UFC but I wasn’t a fan. The Combat Room of the gym was on the way to the changing rooms and while walking past I just noticed a group of people doing ground and pound drills (could have been sparring) and thinking “What madness is this? This looks like great fun!”. I knew the owner and coach for a long time, so I asked him about it after the class, and he said I should come and give it a go. Then I went home and watched hours of YouTube on it. Larry: Great stuff. So how long did you train there and what made you move over to Checkmat? Jamie: I trained at the gym for around 2 years until I moved away from Edinburgh. Once I returned the gym was still running, but the location had changed and then Checkmat Edinburgh originated from this gym, The Jiu-jitsu coach and a few others of our core group decided it was best to move on from the MMA gym and create a BJJ gym. This was in November 2017. Larry: So you’ve been there pretty much from its inception in Edinburgh? Jamie: Yeah, to have been there from the start and see it grow from a small handful of people to what it is now has been great to experience. Larry: Oh yeah it must be a great thing to be involved with to see the team grow and strengthen over those years! Jamie: It’s great to be able to roll with some of the guys now, who when they first walked could do nothing, and now have the skills and knowledge to be such valuable training partners. Larry: Oh for sure! And to know you helped guide them and even see them get promoted and be competing as well must be a massive spike to your pride! So speaking of training, how has the lockdown affected your usual training and general mindset? From all accounts you were trucking along with some great wins under your purple belt last year, so with things grinding to a halt has the momentum taken a hit mentally? Jamie: Lockdown has completely halted my training. I’ve not been able to have a proper training session since March. My girlfriend also trains Jiu-jitsu so we can do some stuff in the spare room which we have matted. This usually involves watching BJJ Fanatics videos and drilling the moves. I have also invested in a grappling dummy (Kaiba) to do more of this. Before lockdown and all this mess, I did not like competing at all. Hated the pressure it brought but without it, I realise how much I need it. I need to have a focus and a goal to be going for, otherwise, days just slip past with no real purpose. Larry: Yeah unfortunately my girlfriend let me try it once with her then decided she wouldn’t offer anymore. So I am very jealous of your home set up. That’s very interesting, so do you see competing as more of a necessary part of the learning or that it is just a given that one competes? Jamie: I put too much time and effort both on and off the mats (with study) to then not compete. I enjoy the wins and the feeling of success. I also don’t mind when I lose. It’s just the feeling before when you enter a venue and the waiting around that get to me. All my nerves disappear once the match starts. This can be a local comp, SGI or even the bigger shows down south that I’ve been on, the nerves have always been there regardless of the situation or prestige. Larry: I think nerves are just a natural part of life and the pursuit of something you love. Looking over your social media you seem to push yourself a lot! Specifically, I noticed you challenging yourself with the book Living With A Seal

Scottish Breakthrough Grappler of the Year: Reece Strathearn

Peter Knox 22/12/2019

A purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Reece can often be found training at Braveheart MMA under the tutelage of Scotland’s number one MMA fighter Stevie Ray. When training there Reece has been able to find himself in a coaching position, taking the Gi classes at the gym, thoroughly enjoying this situation that he’s in he does not see himself slowing down and instead he believes 2020 is his time to make big waves in not only the Scottish BJJ scene but he’s also aiming to make his name known throughout the UK. With a probable high-profile match on the horizon in the future with Scottish Grappling Invitational and a match on Scotland’s new debut grappling show Breaking Point against rising prospect Patrick Rowan, he believes that these are the perfect opportunities that he needs to highlight his potential. He plans on getting on one of the top UK shows with focus and desire steering towards a potential GrappleFest match. He impressed at SGI, the top show for grappling in the UK by going 2-0 throughout the year as well as winning the 50 Shades of Violence tournament, beating solid opposition, winning 3 matches that day, two by decision and by winning the final via, what he calls the “Reece-Tima Lock“, having this nickname due to the high success he finds when attacking this position, he has stated that he believes the concentration on the Danaher leg lock entry system is solid and with everyone doing it he believes certain leg entries have been forgotten about and he uses these negligent defensive mechanisms to his advantage to pick up the win. See 29 minutes, 17 seconds for his match below For the future in Scotland, he has expressed interest in grappling Scotland’s best at purple belt and has stated that he would like to be matched against SGI Champion Kevin McAloon, he has said this match interests him as they both get along with each other and have a mutual respect for the other and he would be interested in making people take note of his talents and he believes a match with Kevin could be the moment that he needs to highlight his potential. When asked who he would like to thank Reece stated he owes it to all the guys at Higher Level, Braveheart MMA and Scottish Martial Arts Centre, he believes training with people like Craig McIntosh and Stevie Ray are monumental in developing his grappling since they are some of the very best grapplers that Scotland has to offer, he believes everyone he trains with has been important to his development, except for Jamie Gardner, he didn’t contribute at all.

The King of the North Vs. Spider-Mop

Peter Knox 31/07/2019

Straight Blast Gym purple belt Kevin McAloon has managed to defeat many solid grapplers and what makes this impressive is that on top of usually being victorious, he still manages to find himself when he does happen to lose, next to never when it comes to being submitted in active competition. When considering this it makes the idea of his next big match sound so compelling as he will be taking on Higher Level MMA BJJ Brown Belt Craig McIntosh, also training out of Scottish Martial Arts Centre (SMAC) where he coaches. Both with successful backgrounds in MMA they are more known recently for their winning ways on the grappling mats, however, Craig is making a comeback to MMA against a Melvin Manhoef protégé. With Kevin coming from the SBG Moray Gym and Craig coming from the Higher Level Gym this means that you have two men coming from two of the highest rated gyms in Scotland, SBG Moray for their jiu jitsu success in people like Kevin, Shay Montague (who has won IBJJF NoGi Worlds at blue belt level) and Cage Warriors fighter Aiden Stephen. Higher Level MMA producing UFC fighters Stevie Ray and Danny Henry. So, both men will be prepared for the contest. Kevin managed to pick up a win recently over known Gordon Price at SGI Craig managed to pick up a win recently over known Professional MMA fighter Thomas Hepburn at SGI My final prediction is that it will be an explosive, fast paced match, Craig threatening more submission attempts and having Kevin in danger numerous times throughout the match, but I feel like Kevin will be able to find good positioning and win a decision. However, this is me being pressed for an answer, I would not be surprised if either man submitted their opponent or take a decision, one thing is certain with this match. It will be close, competitive and an absolute must-see match between two of the most dominant grapplers in Scotland right now. Videos by Jamie McCallum

Spider-Mop

Peter Knox 10/06/2019

Scottish Martial Arts Centre Jiu-Jitsu coach Craig ‘Mop’ McIntosh isn’t overly known in the UK grappling circuit, however, this is only a fatal error on behalf of the UK BJJ community. Known for his slick attacking heavy style and rapidness of submission finishes he is dangerous in any position, reminiscent of the offensive submission game of El Cucuy, he really is a non-stop threat. Having had some small roles in organisations like Polaris and GrappleFest it looks as if his skills are starting to catch the attention of some of the top grappling promoters in the UK. On the local circuit competition show Scottish Grappling Invitational he has managed to go 4-0 under the organisation, collecting gold along the way. Prior to his full commitment to grappling he had a successful MMA career, finding 10 submission victories along the way under the tutelage of Higher Level MMA head coach James Doolan. What makes the grappling career of ‘Mop’ very interesting is his success at the high-level grapplers that he has come across, going 4-2 against black belt competition, when he himself was just very recently promoted to Brown Belt, with his teammate Calum Murrie becoming the first ever 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu black belt in Scotland. With his performances on recent shows proving that he can compete amongst the very best grapplers the UK but has also the shown that he can compete at a World, when he did this against Lachlan Giles prospect Izaak Michell, ‘Mop‘ is certainly cementing his place as one of the very best grapplers in the country. Accomplishments BJJ Brown Belt from Rio Grappling Club 10th Planet Brown Belt NAGA Expert Champion 75kg x2 Master 1 NAGA Purple belt Champion Master 1 Scottish Grappling Invitational 80kg Champ West of Scotland Absolute Elite Champ Adult Battle in the Glen Champion (66kg) Headhunters Grand Prix Champion (70kg) Multiple time Scottish Adult and Master division winner.

Scottish Grappling – What’s Next?

Peter Knox 28/03/2019

*Disclaimer – This is an opinion piece and does not mean that these matches are confirmed or even happening, this is just my thoughts on fights. Allan Love Vs. Darren Clarke This match would be competitive Gi or NoGi. It’s a match up against two BJJ Black Belts who have been successful at different belts and who have made names for themselves for the level of respect that they show as well as their absolute dominance on the mat. It would be hard to think of a better main event for the next show than this one if possible. It would likely be a tactical chess match between two of the best minds in grappling in Scotland and because of this it makes them two of the best practitioners in the country for BJJ. Craig McIntosh Vs. Marcos Nardini With Craig’s recent success he is cementing himself as one of the top NoGi grapplers in the country, a universally well received grappler in the country is Marcos Nardini, arguably the most successful black belt in Scotland seems to be in a league of his own. With McIntosh’s recent success it would make sense for Craig to face off against the very best grappler the country has to offer to determine how far his success can go. Kevin McAloon Vs. Chris Duncan This bout is compelling because of what Kevin has been able to do recently in grappling, he’s dominated the competition that he’s came across in BJJ. What makes sense is for him to have a NoGi match against recent Bellator winner Chris Duncan. Chris is an undefeated professional MMA fighter and a solid grappler, doing well in a recent Quintet style tournament. What makes this one so fun is that neither are used to losing, so one of these men would have to leave without the familiar feeling of having their hand raised. Shay Montague Vs. Dominic Dillon With Shay’s recent success he has cemented himself as the very best purple belt in Scotland, facing off against Dominic Dillon would prove to be a solid test as Dillon isn’t just a brown belt but he is also a reigning world champion in Catch Wrestling, his wrestling heavy style and knowledge of the Gi could make this one very difficult to predict. There is a size difference between the two so the bout would need to be fought at Catchweight, however it would be guaranteed fireworks. Graeme McQuiston Vs. Giles Garcia With McQuiston’s success at purple belt it cam as no surpise when he was awarded his BJJ Brown Belt recently, so I believe a solid test for him would be Giles Garcia. This is one I don’t want to hype up too much because anyone who knows these men or who have shared a mat with them will know that they are as legitimate as it gets and will fully understand why this is a compelling match between the two politest grapplers in Scotland. Shaiz Khan Vs. Martin Donaldson Shaiz had a very successful run at purple belt, getting himself into the top 10 of his category in the official IBJJF rankings. Now that he has been promoted to Brown belt I believe Martin Donaldson would be the best match for him as Martin is a very good coach who has high level mat skills that would shouldn’t be taken lightly by anyone and because of this I believe this would be an excellent match. Cameron Nicol Vs. Tristam Ribeiro-Will They were meant to fight on SGI not too long ago but injury saw Cameron forced out with injury and instead saw his teammate Nathaniel Montgomery step in to fight Tristam, with Nathaniel losing a decision. With Tristam’s opportunistic submission attacking style and Cameron’s aggressive wrestling style this would be a must watch with the winner moving onto a potential title shot against Kevin McAloon in the near future. Jack Brown Vs. Jack Williamson This is the other match that could see the winner move onto a fight for Kevin’s title. Both men are phenomenal grapplers who thrive in finding the submission. These two men fly under the radar more than Cameron and Tristam but the winner of this match absolutely has the talent to challenge for a title shot and make it a competitive match, the success they have in finding the submission. Gary Priestly Vs. Cameron Donnelly Both men have an aggressive, fast paced style of grappling which would promise to make this match entertaining, known for using unique entries and rapid positional changes this would likely prove to be the most entertaining of the suggested matches. What makes this match up intriguing is both men’s approach to the leg lock game, very technical and precise whilst also being able to execute these manoeuvres at a quick pace whilst maintaining the technical. Charles Johnston Vs. David Bain Charles has been flying under the radar which is not good considering his recent string of performances, looking most impressive with his dominant run in the Quintet style system, eliminating an entire team by himself. Bain himself is a very physically stronger grappler with an knowledgeable leg lock attack system. Charles himself is also a very strong grappler, so if these two were to be matched up then it would be a very aggressive match with both men probably willing to risk a submission loss just in order to get the submission win, it wouldn’t require a referee’s decision. Jamie Harvey Vs. Nathaniel Montgomery With Harvey’s good run at blue belt it would make sense for him to fight BJJ Purple Belt Nathaniel Montgomery. Nathaniel being a very solid purple belt with a versatile game and aggressive leg lock attack style could definitely put Harvey in some difficult situations and it would be interesting to see how it plays out as Harvey himself is an excellent grappler that could just as easily threaten some tough situations for Nathaniel.