# Fightworx Academy > Newton Abbot, United Kingdom ## Overview **Name:** Fightworx Academy **Description:** Founded in 2010 by BJJ Black Belt Darren Yeoman, Fightworx Academy has grown into one of the UK's leading martial arts facilities. With state-of-the-art gyms in Torquay, Newton Abbot, and Brixham, Fightworx offers expert training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, Wrestling, and No-Gi Grappling. From complete beginners stepping onto the mats for the very first time to seasoned competitors preparing for elite-level fights, Fightworx provides the knowledge, structure, and support needed to help every student achieve their goals. The academy is renowned for its world-class coaching staff with real competition and teaching pedigree, proven track record from beginners to champions, and three gyms accessible with one membership. The thriving kids' program is one of the strongest in the region, helping young people build confidence, discipline, and resilience both on and off the mats. Many juniors go on to achieve competitive success, but every child benefits from being part of a positive, welcoming, and hardworking community. Fightworx has built a reputation for excellence not only for results achieved in competition but for the inclusive, safe, and ego-free environment. The academy emphasizes respect, discipline, and controlled training while providing pathways for students to train for fun, personal growth, self-defense, or high-level competition. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** First Floor 5-7 Market St, Torquay, TQ1 3AA; Unit 2 Foxglove Close, Hele Park, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1FQ; 2 New Road, Brixham, TQ5 8NE Newton Abbot CT19 5FP, United Kingdom **Phone:** 07886 162234 **Email:** info@fightworx.co.uk **Website:** https://www.fightworx.co.uk/ **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightworx_academy - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fightworxacademy/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fightworx.academy ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Thursday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Friday: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM ## Pricing ### Drop-in - Adult: £12/class ## Instructors ### Darren Yeoman - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Fightworx Head Instructor who established Fightworx in 2008. Has been training grappling martial arts for over 26 years and was awarded his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt in 2012. Started with Judo and then ventured into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when it came to the UK. Also trained in Russian Sambo, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing and MMA. Has competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission wrestling tournaments over the last 25 years including the World and European Jiu Jitsu championships. ### Aaron McCartney - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and is a technical wizard on the mats. As well as being an active competitor in both No-gi and Gi competitions, patient approach to teaching has made him an asset to the junior program instructor team. ### Amy Gudgeon - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** BJJ Brown Belt and very successful competitor, winning a silver medal at the European no-gi championships. Incredibly technical style mixed with top-level athleticism makes her a force to be reckoned with on the mats. ### Ellis Waring - Blue **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Southern ISKA Muay Thai champion, incredibly technical and experienced professional fighter and Muay Thai trainer. One of the senior Muay Thai instructors conducting classes for both adults and juniors. Also boasts a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and is currently undefeated in his transition to MMA. ### Joe Haywood - Blue **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Extremely experienced fighter, regularly competing in Muay Thai, K1 kickboxing, boxing and MMA bouts. Holds a BJJ blue belt and is an incredibly well-rounded athlete. Muay Thai instructor conducting classes for both adults and juniors. ### Josh O'Shea - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Has competed in MMA at both amateur and pro level. Incredibly knowledgeable and has been training Muay Thai, MMA and BJJ for over 12 years. Holds a BJJ Brown Belt and Black Prajoud in Muay Thai. Has competed at an amateur level in Muay Thai, Boxing and BJJ. ### Joshua Archer - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Muay Thai Instructor at Fightworx who also offers Personal Training sessions. Has been training in martial arts for over 10 years and holds a Brown Belt in BJJ and a Black Prajoud in Muay Thai. Active Muay Thai and MMA competitor. Holds a First Class honours degree in Strength and Conditioning. Head MMA instructor. ### Lee Sizer **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Has trained in Muay Thai for over 20 years. Known for technical prowess, has a great approach with getting beginners started in the sport. As well as being an accomplished instructor, has also tested himself in the ring. ### Leon Glendinning - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Has been training Jiu Jitsu for over 15 years. Started back when Fightworx first opened in 2009 and has trained ever since. Was awarded his Black belt from Darren in December 2023. One of the senior Jiu Jitsu instructors. ### Madison Murphy - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Integral part of the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu coaching team and a purple belt at Fightworx Academy. Active competitor who has recently won bronze medal at the European Jiu Jitsu championships and secured multiple victories on invitational grappling tournaments. Instructor for junior Jiu Jitsu team and heads up the female only Jiu Jitsu program. ### Martin Ward - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Began training Judo in 1986 and has trained in martial arts of all styles ever since, including Muay Thai and MMA. Focused on BJJ over 10 years ago and in 2021 was awarded his BJJ Black Belt from Darren Yeoman. Active competitor who has competed in both Gi and No-Gi on the European and World stage, winning prestigious gold medals at Black Belt level. Also a qualified UKBJJA Referee. ### Matt Gudgeon - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** BJJ Brown Belt and fully qualified personal trainer. Has enjoyed success as a competitor, winning plenty of gold medals across the UK. His nutrition expertise has helped a number of fighters and competitors achieve their weight goals in a safe manner. ### Nathan Halton - Blue **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Has been Boxing for over 15 years and has competed at amateur and professional levels. Also enjoys grappling and is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt. Runs the Fightworx boxing programme and is currently undefeated in MMA. ### Vikki Todd - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Head Instructor of the children's BJJ classes at Fightworx, overseeing the curriculum and development of the whole squad. Has been training in martial arts since age 9 when she started in Karate. Has experience in Muay Thai and MMA, but since 2012 has solely focused on BJJ. In 2021, after years of dedication and hard work, was awarded her BJJ Black Belt from Darren Yeoman. ### Will Newland - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Has over 17 years of experience in martial arts and took up BJJ in 2005. Active BJJ competitor with significant wins at a national level. Leads the Wrestling classes at Fightworx and has experience in Boxing having attained his ABA Boxing Coach certification. Was awarded his BJJ Black Belt in 2021 from Darren Yeoman. --- **Last Updated:** March 01, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-kingdom/england/newton-abbot/fightworx-academy)