Coach Samir from Onyx Combat Academy in Northampton

Submission Grappling · MMA Grappling · Northampton

Submission Grappling in Northampton

Learn takedowns, control, escapes, submissions and transitions with a strong emphasis on how grappling connects to mixed martial arts.

Book a free first class See MMA training

Beginners welcome · competition optional · Unit E-7, KG House, Northampton

Grappling built for real transitions

Submission grappling with an MMA purpose.

Onyx Combat Academy offers submission grappling in Northampton with particular emphasis on the positions and decisions that matter in MMA: closing distance, takedowns, clinch control, top pressure, escapes, positional transitions and submissions.

You do not need previous grappling experience. Beginners can learn the fundamentals in a controlled environment while experienced students can sharpen their timing, pressure and ability to connect phases of a fight.

Takedowns and clinch entries
Top control and positional pressure
Escapes, reversals and getting back to the feet
Submission attacks and defence
Transitions between striking and grappling ranges
Competition and MMA application for those who want it

Coaching experience

MMA experience behind the grappling.

The programme draws on coaches who understand how grappling changes when strikes, cage position and transitions are part of the problem.

Tom Mearns

MMA & Submission Grappling Coach

Tom brings a long professional MMA career into the room. Public fight records document extensive Cage Warriors experience, Bellator appearances and professional wins by decision, submission and stoppage.

That background is particularly valuable for grappling designed around MMA: controlling position, working from the fence, getting back to the feet and linking submissions with the rest of the fight.

Tom's professional record →Cage Warriors result →

Coach Samir

MMA & Grappling Coach

Coach Samir supports the Onyx MMA and grappling programme, bringing practical experience across grappling and mixed martial arts into technical sessions.

The focus is on usable fundamentals, controlled training and understanding how positions connect rather than treating techniques as isolated movements.

ZR Team affiliation

Connected to a wider grappling lineage.

Onyx Combat Academy's grappling pathway is affiliated with ZR Team, connecting our Northampton students to a wider UK and international coaching network.

Professor Alain Pozo is a senior ZR Team UK instructor. ZR Team UK's own site lists him at Fight City Gym and London Shoot West, while his instructor profile documents a background spanning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, boxing, wrestling, no-gi training and time alongside experienced MMA fighters.

ZR Team UK Alain Pozo profile

Full grappling pathway

ZR Team Northampton

For the dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programme, belt pathway and broader grappling timetable, use the ZR Team Northampton site.

Visit ZR Team Northampton

Start with the right class

MMA, submission grappling or both.

If your goal is complete mixed martial arts, combine the Thursday MMA class with grappling work so you become comfortable connecting striking, takedowns, control and submissions.

Book free first class View current timetable