Chris Pritchard

Head Coach.

7th Degree Black Belt

Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

Founder Of PMA (Pritchard's Martial Arts)

My martial arts journey began in 1986, sparking a lifelong passion for combat sports and personal growth. In June 1996, under the guidance of Roy Stanhope (UKASKO), I proudly earned my first black belt in Karate — a milestone that set the foundation for everything that followed.

Over the years, my dedication to martial arts led to promotions from 2nd to 5th-degree black belt in Shukokai Karate and Kickboxing, all under the mentorship of M.J. Lynn from the K.K.A / JLBBA. In recognition of my ongoing commitment and contribution to the arts, I was later awarded my 6th-degree black belt by Hanshi Greg Tearney, a 10th Dan master. Most recently, in January 2025, I was honoured to receive my 7th-degree black belt, a reflection of nearly four decades of continuous training and teaching.

In 2009, I began training in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, a discipline that deeply enhanced my understanding of self-defence and martial arts as a whole. I earned my blue belt from the world-renowned Roger Gracie Academy, before progressing through purple, brown, and ultimately black belt, awarded to me by UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie himself.

In October 2022, I became the first person in Wales to be awarded a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu by Royce Gracie, a true honour and highlight of my career. But the journey didn’t stop there.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of coaching and mentoring some incredible martial artists — including two of my longest-standing students, Leah Carina and Jack Jourdain, both of whom successfully completed the famous Royce Gracie Black Belt Test, a rare and demanding achievement few ever reach.

My mission now is simple: to empower as many people as possible through martial arts training. I believe in its transformative power — not just for fitness or self-defence, but for building character, confidence, discipline and lifelong resilience.

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