About Us

The Coaches : Who We Are

Welcome to 12 Gauge MMA Martial Arts academy Stockport’s premier martial arts academy and facility. We have been established and coaching since 2009 at our home academy in Stockport and have become a recognised leader in teaching Mixed Martial Arts to all in the Stockport and south Manchester area.

The academy is ran by a world class team of professional coaches, support staff and dedicated team.

Our Philosophy and Mission 

OUR PHILOSOPHY – We at 12 Gauge MMA live for martial arts, it has so much to offer. We believe hard work, dedication and purposeful practice will lead you to achieving all your goals. If we strive out of our comfort zone so much will grow.

OUR MISSION – To deliver high quality martial arts programs for all ages from children to adults. To help you improve in mind, body and spirit and become the best version of YOU possible. We want to create black belts on and off the mats.

Matt Thorpe

Head Coach

  • 5th Dan Black Belt Kickboxing
  • Former Professional MMA Fighter
  • BJJ Black Belt

Simon Home

Lead Coach

  • Karate Black Belt
  • 3rd Dan Black Belt Kickboxing
  • Former Amateur UCC MMA Champion

Alan Howcroft

Lead Coach

  • BJJ Brown Belt
  • Active BJJ Competitor
  • BJJ and MMA Referee

Luke Begley

Lead Coach

  • BJJ Purple Belt
  • Competition Team Member
  • 1-2-1 Coach

Luke Ryder

Lead Coach

  • 3rd Dan Black Belt Kickboxing
  • 12 Gauge MMA East Manchester Head Coach
  • Competition Team Member

Amy O'Mara

Lead Coach

  • 1st Dan Kickboxing Black Belt
  • European IMMAF 2016 Bronze Medalist
  • Worlds IMMAF UK Team Member 2016

Brooklyn Thomas

Coach

  • Bronze Medal Cadets IMMAF World Championships
  • Junior Kickboxing Black Belt
  • Active MMA Competitor

Izzy Mitchell

Lead Coach

  • IMMAF Junior World Bronze Medalist
  • IMMAF Junior European Gold Medalist
  • Active MMA Competitor

Dan Holt

Coach

  • Junior Kickboxing Black Belt
  • Active MMA Competitor
  • 1-2-1 Coach

Alex Home

Coach

  • Junior Kickboxing Black Belt
  • Active MMA Competitor
  • 1-2-1 Coach

Billy Hampson

Lead Coach

  • Black Belt Kickboxing
  • Amateur MMA fighter
  • Competition Team Member
Reviews

Hear what our students have to say

Started for general fitness and now I have become to love kickboxing and BJJ , great way to keep fit whilst learning something new, great place with fantastic coaching from Matt who is very welcoming and a true experienced professional, highly recommended

NAZILLA MEHRALIAN
12 GAUGE MMA MEMBER - FACEBOOK REVIEW

I first met Matt in 1999 and have watched him develop and evolve over the last 10+ years from martial arts student, to amateur level fighter, professional fighter and beyond. After his retirement from competion in 2010, Matt focused on coaching a new generation of warriors and started up 12 Gauge MMA.

I still get down there from time to time. Matt is an incredible coach. First of all he is a real student of MMA. He still studies videos, books, articles, anything.. just to pick up the new techniques and ideas. Secondly, he has a very calm persona, which means he teaches in a very relaxed manner. This gives his students a great atmosphere to learn in and creates the time for Matt to focus on the fine details of the techniques he is teaching.

With years of fighting and coaching behind him, Matt is an ideal person to gravitate to if you want to learn every aspect of MMA. From keen beginner through to seasoned professional, you will learn something from Matt. I know I still do!

AARON CHATFIELD
M1 TEAM ENGLAND COACH/FORMER COLOSSEUM COACH

Our son loves coming to mini warriors he enjoys it alot and is getting a lot of strength from it we always wanted him to learn martial arts and protect himself as he grows up and this is teaching him that. The coaches are great with the kids and there is a friendly atmosphere fab place highly recommend!

STEPHANIE LEAH GALLAGHER
12 GAUGE MMA MEMBER - FACEBOOK REVIEW

The only MMA experience I'd had prior to signing up at 12 Gauge was wrestling in our flat.. But when the plaster started falling off the walls we knew we had to join somewhere. I'm so glad we picked 12 Gauge.. you keep fit whilst continuously learning new skills and the trainers are brilliant.

Dan is great in the intro sessions and really helped build my confidence! Matt is awesome and really knows his stuff and Simon gives the hardest warm up I've ever come across, but I love it! And I know Amy is great in the childrens classes too. All the coaches are very professional, but they make the classes so fun to participate in. Would recommend to anyone!

JENNA LYNN SAVILLE
12 GAUGE MMA MEMBER - FACEBOOK REVIEW
Read More