Built by Grapplers, For Grapplers
We started in school halls with a handful of guys who just wanted to train. Now we're in a state-of-the-art private facility in Powick — but the mission hasn't changed: real skills, real progression, zero egos.
Our Story
Vital Grappling started the way most good things do — with a small group of people who wanted something better.
We were tired of overcrowded gyms, ego-driven sparring, and training environments that felt more like chaos than community. So we started teaching out of school halls. Just a few guys, a mat, and a shared belief that martial arts should be about growth — not proving anything.
In October 2024, we moved into our own private facility in Powick (halfway between Malvern and Worcester). State-of-the-art space. Unlimited parking. Always a great atmosphere.
But the foundation hasn't changed: ego-less training, individual progression, and a shared journey.
We're not the biggest club. We're not trying to be. We're building something better — a place where serious people come to get better, support each other, and train without the noise.
Most gyms talk about community. We actually build it.
Here's what that means:
No egos. You won't find meatheads trying to prove something. Just people focused on getting better.
Shared progression. Your training partners want you to improve. You push each other, not against each other.
Real coaching. Our instructors care about your technique, your safety, and your long-term development — not just filling the room.
Private facility. No distractions, no overcrowding, no waiting for equipment. Just clean, focused training.
Quality over volume. We're not trying to pack the mats. We're building a culture of discipline and growth.
Bottom line: This is a place where you can show up, work hard, and leave better than you came — without the drama, politics, or chaos that comes with most gyms.
What Makes Us Different
Meet The Team
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James O'Hanlon — Head Coach (BJJ)
James is a BJJ black belt under Antanas Jazbutis and has been training since 2010. He's competed at the highest levels — IBJJF Europeans, British Open, English Open — and brings that experience into every class. But his focus isn't on trophies. It's on helping you build a solid foundation, understand the principles, and progress at your own pace. James teaches with clarity, patience, and a deep respect for the art.
Classes: Tuesday Gi BJJ, Wednesday No-Gi, Saturday Gi BJJ
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Tom Loveridge — Gi BJJ Coach
Tom is a Judo black belt with extensive grappling experience and a strong preference for Gi training. His background in Judo brings a unique perspective to BJJ — powerful grips, explosive throws, and relentless top pressure. If you want to understand positional control and leverage in the Gi, Tom's your guy.
Classes: Thursday Gi BJJ
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Abdillah "Prince" Hassan — MMA Coach
Abdillah comes from an MMA striking background but is a well-rounded amateur fighter with deep knowledge across all aspects of mixed martial arts. He brings incredible energy, technical precision, and a real passion for teaching. His classes are fast-paced, challenging, and designed to make you a more complete fighter.
Classes: Monday MMA, Monday Kids No-Gi BJJ
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Shazlee — No-Gi BJJ Coach
Shazlee is a BJJ brown belt and professional MMA fighter with a nuanced, practical approach to No-Gi grappling. He understands how techniques translate to real-world scenarios and MMA competition. His coaching is sharp, detail-oriented, and focused on making your grappling functional — not just flashy.
Classes: Friday No-Gi BJJ
The Facility
We're located in Powick — halfway between Malvern and Worcester — making us easy to reach from both areas.
What You'll Find:
Private, state-of-the-art training facility
Clean, spacious mats
Unlimited parking
Private setting (no distractions, no overcrowding)
Always a great atmosphere