August 2026 Newsletter

August was one of the biggest months we've had. A new coach joined the team, our women's mats got a visit from a European champion, the whole gym piled in for a UFC watch party, a few of us went to eat our body weight in chicken wings, and a UFC legend gave Zilla a shoutout that still hasn't quite sunk in. Here's everything that happened.

A UFC Legend Gave Zilla a Shoutout

Let's start with the big one.

Georges St-Pierre, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever produced, posted a video shoutout for our own Joshua from the kids class. It was Joshua's 11th birthday, and GSP wished him a happy one on camera. He didn't stop there either. He gave a shout out to the whole MMA crew at Zilla Combat Academy too.

Happy 11th birthday, Joshua. And thank you, GSP. Moments like this don't come around often, and we're not going to pretend we're used to it.

New Coach: Stefano "The Ghost" Catacoli

We welcomed a new coach to the team this month. Stefano Catacoli, known as "The Ghost," is a professional Cage Warriors lightweight fighter, and he's now teaching at Zilla.

Stefano took his first session on Thursday 27 August. It was a strong start, and the feedback from members afterward was all positive.

He now runs our new MMA Competition class every Thursday, 8pm to 9pm. If you're looking to sharpen your tools for competition, get yourself on the mat.

Danielle Tighe Brought the Knowledge Bombs

Saturday 29 August was a huge day for the women's programme. Danielle Tighe, IBJJF European gold medallist in both Gi and No-Gi, and a regular on the UK's biggest stages including Polaris, GrappleFest, and Enyo, came down to run a No-Gi seminar for our Women's Only class.

The turnout was brilliant. The mats were packed, and the feedback afterward was some of the best we've heard. A big thank you to Danielle for spending the day with us. We'd love to have you back.

UFC Watch Party: A Marathon Saturday

Saturday 29 August didn't stop with Danielle's seminar. Once the mats cleared, the community piled into the bar area at the Heathers for a UFC Fight Night watch party, live from Shanghai.

Umar Nurmagomedov walked in as the favourite. Song Yadong had other plans, finishing him with a TKO in round two that had the room on its feet. Members who don't normally follow the sport were asking questions all night, and a few new fans were made by the final bell.

By the time everyone left, it had been a full day on the mats and in front of the screen. One of the best Saturdays we've had.

Zilla at ROOST Chicken Fest, Twickenham

A few of our members made the trip to Twickenham from 21 to 23 August for ROOST, the International Chicken Gastronomy Festival. Fitting, given how seriously this gym takes its protein.

Good food, good company, and a good time all round. Fancy joining the crew next time? Keep an eye on the group chat.

One More Thing: We're Now A REORG Approved Gym

This one lands just outside August, but it changes who can train here, so we're not holding it back until the next newsletter.

Zilla has been approved as a REORG gym. REORG is a UK charity that funds Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for people who have served, and if you come to us through them your membership is covered in full. Not discounted. Covered.

The question we keep getting is who that actually applies to, so here it is plainly. Serving or retired, both count:

If that's you, or it's your partner, your dad, or the bloke next door who never quite settled after he came out, send them the full story. Applications go through REORG, not through us.

That's August wrapped. September is already shaping up to be just as busy, so keep an eye on the timetable and the group chat for what's coming next.

See you on the mats.

Dayman and the Zilla Combat Academy team

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