WHAT MAKES UP GORILLA GRAPPLERS?

The club was founded by Jack “The MadHatter” Magee, a well respected Black Belt under Roberto “Gordo” Correa, a fierce Gi and NoGi competitor and accomplished ex-Pro MMA fighter. Jack has trained and competed across the globe and has a wealth of experience and knowledge which he now passes to his students in West Sussex.

Jack has a no nonsense approach to Martial Arts and teaches a submission focused style of grappling with the main objective always being to dominate and finish your opponent.

The Mad Hatters have established affiliates across the South including Gorilla Grapplers in Portsmouth, The Garden Club in Southampton, BJJ Exchange in Brighton and Southern Quarter in Salisbury.

Created in 2021 by our head coach Adam Gunning, Gorilla Grapplers is quickly establishing itself a solid team on the South Coast. Focusing on BJJ and NoGi Grappling.

Adam or Gunning/Gunner as most people know him, is a BJJ Black Belt under Jack Magee, a multiple tournament gold medalist and a committed member of the Mad Hatters. Adam has trained under Jack since 2014 and emulates his practical approach to combat sports.

His dedication stems from a real passion for MMA and Combat Sports. Gunning is constantly looking to enhance his knowledge and boost his skill set, both as a combatant and a coach. Following Jacks example he aims to deliver the same high level of coaching he, himself continues to receive.

The Gorillas have grown considerably in both size and skill since the teams inception and have now moved to their brand new academy in Waterlooville. The evolution of the team means the club now offers more classes than ever before including BJJ, NoGi, Judo, Striking, MMA and Yoga with sessions available for both adults and juniors.

Basecamp was a next level fitness and sports facility that began in Hilsea, Portsmouth.

The gym was built from scratch by former builders and fitness enthusiasts Lea Jackson and Dan Till, who after the success of their GymBuddy app wanted to create a hub for health and wellbeing.

Offering state of the art equipment, un-paralleled facilities, experienced coaches and a wide range of both 121 and group sessions available its no wonder that Basecamp went from strength to strength.

Having previously trained together, Dan approached Adam knowing that he could offer top quality instruction and become part of the Basecamp Team. Affiliated with the Mad Hatters of Chichester and working closely with Adams own Coach Jack, the Gorilla Grapplers were Born.

Basecamp continues to serve the community in its new location in Bedhampton - now focusing on Hyrox and bootcamp style classes.