Coaches

Coach Bill

Head Coach / PT (premium only)

Bill Judd the owner and founder of KO (est 1976).
A former World Champion and Hall of Famer, known simply as “Coach Bill”.

Coach Bill is one of the Worlds leading trainers in kickboxing and Muay Thai. He has produced numerous professional World Champions and Amateur gold medalists in major Championships over the last four decades.

Ruqsana Begum

Boxing & Muay Thai Coach / PT / Fighter

I am a qualified personal trainer and a world champion in Muay Thai, I run the ladies only class every Sunday to help build confidence for all women and allow them to access Thai Boxing at any age or background and fitness.

I also hold the morning circuit class on Saturdays which is full of energy and great atmosphere, focusing on strength, conditioning and body weight experience inspired by Muay Thai. Although my main role at Ko gym is as a personal trainer, teaching clients my own methods using my experience the art of 8limbs given me so far. I incorporating pad work, strategy work, fitness goals, weight loss, technique and technical sparing if requested. The PT sessions will be tailored towards individual clients needs.

Bradley Heason

Muay Thai & Kickboxing Coach / PT / Fighter

Muay Thai saved my life, it gave me passion, direction and huge health benefits both physically and mentally. I feel incredibly passionate about sharing it with others and helping them, just as it helped me.

I am now a professional fighter/ coach and currently ranked #6 in the UK. I fell in love with traditional Muay Thai, spending 6 months in Thailand training with some of the best. I share the knowledge gained from my experience and focus on teaching beautiful technique.

Whether a complete beginner looking to learn the art, a fighter preparing for competition, or even someone just looking to lose fat or build muscle - as an experienced fighter, coach and qualified PT, I can cater for everyone!

Kefentse Ras-Kassa

Kickboxing & Muay Thai Coach / PT / Fighter

I have been training and competing in numerous martial arts (Taekwondo, Kickboxing & Muay Thai) since the age of 13. I live a life revolving martial arts and fitness. I love to see people progress in their training whether it be increase in fitness or better application of technique.

I am a qualified personal trainer, subtle strength, kettlebell & plyometric coach and I have been working in the fitness industry for over 10 years, coaching and teaching classes.

So, whether you’re new to martial arts & fitness, or looking to take it to the next level, I'm here to help.

Henry Barker-Johnson

Boxing Coach / PT

Boxing is a huge part of my life; I started boxing at the age of 6 with my older brother who always pushed me to my limit.

I have had over 35 amateur bouts and I have also boxed in the army. I am now a professional fighter and pursuing a career in the sport of boxing. Boxing, for me has been a release from the stress of day to day life. Somewhere I can find peace and tranquility; a place where there is no ego, no status, no opinions just hard work and an equal environment for all. I apply this ethos to my coaching, to mentally and physically improve peoples lives. Watching a young shy kid grow into themselves and develop their confidence though boxing or seeing someone lose weight and get fitter gives me joy and gratification. I will try to be the best I can for anyone who enters the gym.

Jonathan Francois

Boxing Coach / PT

Forever learning the art of boxing, I have seen my fair share in the boxing ring. I have had over 60 competitive amateur bouts which has allowed me to develop my skills and learn invaluable lessons in the sport to pass onto the people I teach.

For years I have boxed internationally against boxing's most elite fighters from countries the likes of America, Mexico, Argentina and more.

Over a decade of boxing experience has encouraged me to practice an ethos tailored towards quality training, technique, comradeship, respect and most importantly, fun!

Rory Needham

Muay Thai & Kickboxing Coach / PT

Alibeg Vechedov

Wrestling Coach

Alibeg Vechedov from Dagestan is our head coach for wrestling, he brings with him a wealth of experience spanning over 40 years competing and coaching in wrestling.

The classes are ideal for students to learn wrestling from basic level to advanced (competition). Also for MMA practitioners to practise transitions techniques (stand-up to ground) and groundwork (ne waza).

Bob Apolinario

BJJ Coach

I started my journey with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I was only 13 years old. My beginnings with the sport couldn’t be any better as I learnt the foundation in Brazil where Jiu Jitsu is considered one of the national sports.

While increasing my knowledge throughout the years I actively competed in local and national competitions. With time, teaching become a big part of my jiu jitsu, I discovered that by sharing my knowledge and creating environment for everyone lets me improve myself and gives me the feeling of fulfilment.

In 2019 I became a black belt and travelled to Europe to train in many prestigious schools under ZR Team Association. I travelled to Lisbon, then to Switzerland and finally to London, where I decided to settle.

I believe that jiu jitsu is for everyone and it is what I’m trying to show through my teaching. I’m not only creating safe environment for beginners in any age or fitness level but also I can accommodate people who would love to try jiu jitsu as a hobby or on a competing level.

Come to my classes and challenge yourself in fun and friendly environment where everybody is welcomed.

Cat Denby

Strength & Conditioning Coach / PT

I am an elite level 4 Strength & Conditioning coach and the director and founder of ‘The Strength and Performance Clinic’.

I specialise in strength and conditioning for elite athletes athletes on elite performance pathways. I have worked with professional boxers, MMMA fighters, elite gymnasts, olympic lifters and tennis players.

My coaching style is tailored very specifically to the individual. I believe as a strength and conditioning coach simplicity is absolutely key; input should be minimal and output should be maximal. My goal is to get you to the most elite level I can with smart programming, building fundamentals and making everything specific to you and your sport.

I am available for 1-1s, but I am also available for programming.
You can contact me cat@thestrengthandperformanceclinic.com for more information regarding programming.

Ian Faranda

I have over 15 years’ experience in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Muay Chaiya (an ancient Muay Thai style); I have also trained and fought in Thailand. I've experience and knowledge in multiple aspects of Muay Thai, including technique and fitness, with an emphasis on teaching Muay Khao (Clinch Fighting).

Notably, I lived in Thailand for four years and I hold a degree in Southeast Asian studies, which I use to provide knowledge and understanding about the history and culture of Thailand and Thai boxing

Marta Puccio

Marta has been practising yoga since 2016, as a means to soothe her back problems. Her passion for yoga kept growing until she trained and got her 250h certification in 2021.

As well as teaching community classes and classes in various studios in East London, she also teaches in a therapeutic environment; when integrated into a treatment programme, patients can see the benefits of practising yoga through relieving symptoms of depression, reducing stress, easing anxiety and improving sleep.

She loves teaching in different environments and has adapted her teaching to each of these various settings, as well as working to make yoga more accessible to a wider audience.

Marta is passionate about movement and has always been fascinated by how this physical practice can positively affect people. She wants to be inspired and in turn inspire others to have a healthy relationship with themselves, connect with their inner self and develop a positive approach that will lead to living a more balanced and grounded life.

She approaches her teaching with compassion and by being responsive to the needs of her students. Marta recognises that everyone has different bodies that carry their own stories and narratives so the ability to adapt and improvise when needed, to guarantee accessibility to the practice of yoga, while creating a safe space is fundamental to her teaching.