About

Tyne Valley Martial Arts (TVMA) brings to the North Tynedale areas that cover Bellingham, Hexham, Kielder, Greenhaugh, Wark, Otterburn, Woodburn, Risdale and the other surrounding villages, a martial arts style which is the perfect blend of both traditional martial arts values that promote respect, discipline and personal fortitude with more modern combat sports practice that concentrates on fight effectiveness, competition and both physical and mental fitness.

TVMA has three martial arts at its core.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu– BJJ is a complex grappling system utilising take downs, pins, holds, chokes and joint locks. The sport side of BJJ has made it the fastest growing combat sport in the world today.

Muay Thai– A form of kickboxing from Thailand. Known for it’s brutal effectiveness, Muay Thai uses heavy kicks, knees, elbows and punches to combine into a powerful combat sports system.

Boxing – Whilst often not thought of as a martial art, the sweet science of pugilism is a must learn skill for any modern combat athlete. TVMA combines Western Pro boxing style as widely known in the UK with Eastern Chinese Boxing that utilises techniques long since made illegal in the sport famous in the West. Learning both sides of the Boxing coin gives the practitioner an advantageous skill set when facing opponents in sports or the street.

Meet the Team

  • Alex Wright

    HEAD INSTRUCTOR

    With 30 years of training in Boxing, MMA & BJJ, Alex brings a wealth of experience to the club. He currently holds a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has many years experience in Boxing, Kickboxing & Wing Chun.

    One of the OG’s of MMA in the Newcastle area, being part of the now legendary Gracie Barra Newcastle under Dave “Speedy” Elliot in the early 2000’s. Alex was privileged to have been part of one of the best fight teams the region ever produced.

    Alex has trained across the world in Brazil, the USA and across Europe with some of the worlds best coaches & fighters including Alan Orr, Crezio De Souza, Eddie Mills, Brad Pickett, Mauro Chung and of course our own professor Angel Lopez.

  • Philip Breckons

    KICKBOXING COACH

    Philip started at TVMA in 2022. He has since trained and fought Muay Thai with Honour Camp in Thailand before returning to the UK.

    He trains with top local Muay Thai and Boxing teams as well as currently training to start his MMA career as well as constantly pushing his skills in both Muay Thai, Boxing and BJJ.

    Phil also trains in Jiu Jitsu holding a blue belt with HALO jiu jitsu.

  • Jack Miller

    BJJ Assistant Coach

    Jack, Pictured here with Robson Gracie (Left) started with TVMA in 2022 and has trained consistently now for close to five years. He’s the first home grown purple belt at the club and has taken responsibility for the Hexham class, as well as covering classes when Alex is unavailable.

    He has excellent technical knowledge and is developing into an excellent Jiu Jitsu coach.