Movement, wrestling and physical preparation
Gabriel Valincius brings a Lithuanian background, early experience in gymnastics and years of wrestling coaching to Onyx. His academy biography includes a formal qualification in physical training, alongside an interest in biomechanics and athlete development.
His coaching authority is rooted in teaching and physical preparation. The emphasis is on helping an athlete move effectively, understand the demands of a task and build wrestling skills that connect to the rest of their training.
A strong base before a takedown
Wrestling starts before the entry. Stance, balance and movement determine whether an athlete can reach an opening without giving up their own position. Gabriel’s instruction centres on those foundations alongside hand-fighting, entries and control.
A stable base does not mean standing still. Students learn to move while keeping the ability to change direction and respond. If the feet and upper body work against one another, an entry can become difficult even when the student understands the sequence.
That is where biomechanics has practical meaning: how the body produces movement, where weight is carried and how leverage changes a task. The aim is to explain useful relationships students can feel in practice, rather than promise a scientific shortcut to better performance.
From gymnastics to athletic development
A gymnastics background brings attention to coordination, body awareness and control. Those qualities have a clear place in wrestling, where athletes need to organise their bodies through changes of direction, level and contact.
Physical preparation and technical learning also need to connect. A student may understand an entry but struggle to maintain position as the partner moves. Identifying the movement requirement gives practice a purpose: improving control of the body as well as remembering the technique.
Gabriel’s approach considers the athlete as a whole. Movement, physical capacity and technical decision-making influence one another. Development means choosing an appropriate next task and building it consistently, rather than treating every problem as a need to train harder.
Connecting wrestling with grappling and MMA
At Onyx, wrestling supports the standing side of Submission Grappling and the transitions within MMA. An entry needs to lead to something useful; finishing a takedown while losing control creates another problem to solve.
Students work on the relationship between hand-fighting, the opening and the position that follows. This gives wrestling a practical place in their training rather than leaving takedowns disconnected from ground work.
Beginners can establish stance and movement first. More experienced students can refine timing, connection and the choices they make against resistance. Gabriel’s methodical teaching gives those different stages a clear direction.
Your next step
Meet the wider Onyx coaching team and check the current timetable. If you are unsure which grappling or MMA session fits your experience, ask the team before visiting.
Profile reviewed by Onyx Combat Academy · 6 October 2026. Competition records retain their original division and event dates.