About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Adaptive Martial Arts (AMA) is delighted to be registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC), this status is audited by Companies House, much like a Charity. A CIC is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.

To set up a CIC, you need to apply to Companies House, and:

◦ include a ‘community interest statement’, explaining what your business plans to do

◦ create an ‘asset lock’- a legal promise stating that the company’s assets will only be used for its social objectives

◦ get your company approved by the community interest company regulator - and be audited by.

To get this status ensures that the business exists for the benefit of the community and no-one can make unreasonable gains from it. To achieve this status adds credibility and makes grant funding easier.

AMA seeks to provide fair and safe competitive opportunities, sign posting to accessible and trained coaches and to promote Martial Arts, Adaptive BJJ primarily.

We are initially offering taster sessions and a 10 week ‘Introduction to Martial Arts’ course, which allows the participant to familiarise themselves with the Dojo environment and explore a variety of exercises which are purposeful to the combat sports offered. They will then be exposed to 5 Martial Arts in the format of 1 session per week being sport specific conditioning and the second being an introduction to a Martial Art, this will be advanced the proceeding week, then a different Martial Art will be introduced.

The aim of this is to increase confidence and self esteem, whilst giving the participants tools and contacts to go on to pursue sports and exercise. When demand permits we aim to run a permanent class for adaptive athletes. We can currently also offer seminars, we can come to any venue too demonstrate and educate people in Martial Arts, as well as private lessons.

Check out our coaches page to view more about our team.

Meet The Team

Gina Hopkins

CEO

As a passionate participant in many combat sports, I am proud to be the founder of AMA. I studied sports in order to improve my own health and to enable further my own performance in my sports, I am now proud to say I’ve spent 7 years in education and have a Masters degree in Sports and Exercise Science.

I started competing in Grapplers Heart in the USA to test myself and highlight the lack of competitive opportunities for adaptive athletes, particularly in the UK. I’m excited to see how far I can push AMA, I hope it creates history and enjoyment!

Chris Hopkins

Director

I have trained in Tae Kwon Do on and off for many years, however in June 2015 I took up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I took this up following on from Gina’s example and running out of excuses after meeting Brian, Neil and Ian at Grapplers Heart 2015. Since then I've come to appreciate the benefits martial arts bring in confidence, weight loss and the sense of being in a giant family.

In my day job i am an independent financial adviser with the Abram Partnership.

With my background in financial services and a self confessed geek, I am proud to be working with AMA on finance, website and public speaking.

Lets break the mould.

Luke Riddiford

Director

I'm a martial artist who has been training since I was 5 years old. From kick-boxing to Muay Thai, I have trained in a variety of martial arts and fought in the ring and cage until a spine injury ended my fighting career. Despite physical (spinal and muscular) and mental disabilities which include ADHD and Autism, I continue to stay active and live life to the fullest.

I run several businesses in the tech field and help other start there ventures, my biggest goal in life it to help other over come their obstacles wether in business or martial arts the goal is the same.

Ashley Jenkins

Director

I have cerebral palsy and being able to do sport has really changed my life.

This got me thinking about getting people with disability involved with martial arts and where they could find somewhere they could do that, with teachers that go at their pace and the right facilities. This is where my interest in AMA began.

I am proud to be one of the team and AMA is gonna be the top organisation when it comes to disability inclusion into martial arts. Disability is a state of mind. With the right mindset you can achieve anything!!

Ben Tong

Director

I am a owner / director of Scramble Brand which manufactures and distributes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu apparel and sportswear, as well as Polaris Professional Jiu Jitsu, which is a live sporting events company.

I have 7 years experience working in the martial arts industry and has been a lifelong fan of combat sports.

When not going grey stressing out about various aspects of work life, I can be found shouting at my TV losing at FIFA.

Mel Button

Admin Assistant

I'm AMAs admin assistant. I work 'behind the scenes' answering questions about AMA and responding to emails.

Before becoming part of the AMA team, i worked as Gina's PA. This is how i learnt how cool BJJ is and lead me to start boxing. This, along with my cat, are two of my favourite things.