Zilla training

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

Super saturday FTW at HQ super busy ladies class with special guest Danielle Tighe dropping some knowledge bombs for our ladies team. 👌🏿🙌🏿 followed by a busy kids class busy adults open matt wrapped up with a UFC watch party in the gym with whoever didnt tap out from exhaustion 😏... what a day 👏🏿 blessed to have this community thank to all that came.. one of the best saturdays in the gym ever 🔥😏

21/08/2026

🚨 WOMEN’S ONLY MASTERCLASS 🚨

Ladies, mark your calendars! We are incredibly excited to welcome BJJ Black Belt and elite-level competitor Danielle Tighe to Zilla Combat Academy on Saturday, 29th August! 🥋✨

Danielle is one of the UK's top talents, boasting an incredible resume including:
🥇 IBJJF European Gi Gold Medalist
🥇 IBJJF European No-Gi Gold Medalist
🤼 Polaris & GrappleFest Veteran

Known for her sharp technique, calm presence, and amazing coaching style, Danielle is bringing her world-class experience straight to our mats for an exclusive Women's Only class. Whether you want to sharpen your tournament skills or just learn from one of the best in the game, this is an event you cannot miss. 🙌🔥

If you're new to BJJ and self-defence training, or would like to try training at Zilla Combat Academy, make sure to visit our website to book your free trial today: https://lnk.ua/EFNyUh7tJ

19/07/2026

Massive thank you to Kiran and the team at South East Coast Ambulance Service for coming down to Zilla Combat Academy and teaching CPR.

Great turnout from across the community and everyone walked away more confident about what to do if the worst ever happens. Kiran also opened up an important conversation about why women are far less likely to receive CPR from a bystander, which is something more people need to be aware of.

Thank you to everyone who turned up and donated to South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Congratulations to Kiran on earning your first stripe. Well deserved. 🥋

17/07/2026

Something I never expected to happen, happened this week. ITV News came down to the academy to tell our story.

Back in 2020 my life changed in a way I wouldn't wish on anyone. What got me and my family through it was the training I'd spent years building. Today, I get to pass those same skills on to this community, every single week, at our new permanent home in Maidstone.

It airs tonight on ITV News from 6pm. If you can't catch it live, it's already up online here: www.itv.com/watch/news/martial-arts-coach-uses-life-saving-skills-to-inspire-a-new-generation/9ckmrnq

Thank you to ITV for telling it properly, and thank you to everyone who's been part of this journey. This is exactly why I do what I do.
If you've ever thought about training, or getting your kids into something that builds real confidence, your first class is free. Come and be part of it. 🥋

Book your Free Trial Today: www.zillacombatacademy.co.uk/free-trial

When Dayman Lake was stabbed in his own home, he used his martial arts training to restrain his attacker until police arrived. Now he's opening a new gym to pass those life-saving skills on to others.

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/martial-arts-coach-uses-life-saving-skills-to-inspire-a-new-generation/9ckmrnq

13/07/2026

Summer grading day at our new home. 🥋

A few weeks on and we're still buzzing from it. The 20th of June brought the whole Zilla family together for our summer grading, our first at The Heathers, and what a day it turned out to be.

It was never just about the belts. It was about every early start, every tough round, every setback and every small win that got each person to that moment. Belts are never given at Zilla, they're earned through consistency, resilience, and showing up on the days when nobody's watching. 🙌

Seeing so many good people recognised for the work they've put in made an already special day even better. A new home for the gym, a new chapter for the team.

To everyone who graded, congratulations. Wear it with pride, but remember it's not the end of the journey. It's the start of the next one.

Grateful for a team that pushes each other, supports each other and celebrates each other's wins. That's what this is really about.

📸 Photos by Roman Alisa

Ready to start your own journey? Book your first free class here: www.zillacombatacademy.co.uk/free-trial

29/06/2026

It's official. We're home. 🏠🥋🏡

On the 20th of June, our new home at The Heathers was officially opened, with Mayor Brian Clarke .ld cutting the ribbon to mark the occasion.

It was a day that brought the whole community together. Members and guests of Weavering Warriors , Maidstone Borough Council , and of course the Zilla Combat Academy family all came out to celebrate a new chapter for Park Wood. 🙌🏿

And the Mayor didn't just cut the ribbon. Sergio got him gloved up, and before long he was on the pads with our head coach and founder Dayman, throwing some shots of his own. 🥊😄

Days like this remind us what Zilla is really about. Community, togetherness, and building something that lasts. A huge thank you to everyone who came down and made the day what it was. ❤️

This is only the beginning.

Want to be part of it? Book your first free class here: www.zillacombatacademy.co.uk/free-trial

26/06/2026

A special moment for the team behind Zilla. 🥋

The 20th of June wasn't just a milestone for our students. It was a landmark day for our coaches too.

Head coach Dayman Lake was awarded his Black Belt under head BJJ coach George Pearson George Pearse . Years of dedication, sacrifice and growth, recognised in one unforgettable moment. A proud day for Dayman, and for everyone who has been part of his journey. 🙌🏿

But he wasn't the only one levelling up:

🥋 Richard Richard Hardcastle , awarded his third stripe on his purple belt

🥋 Frank .bjj , promoted to purple belt

🥋 Louise Louise Stevens , promoted to purple belt

🥋 Sergio serochis , promoted to purple belt

Every one of these promotions was earned through years on the mats, and seeing our coaching team continue to grow is exactly what Zilla is built on. The people who lead our classes are still students of the art themselves, and that's what makes this team special. ❤️

Congratulations to every coach who graded. Onwards. 🔥