BJJ BLACK BELT
NATHAN
JOHNSTONE
1ST DEGREE BJJ BLACK BELT • BJJ COACH • MMA COACH
A 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with almost two decades of experience. Nathan is known for calm, highly technical coaching and an exceptional ability to break down complex grappling into simple, effective solutions.
ABOUT NATHAN JOHNSTONE
Nathan Johnstone is a 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with almost two decades of experience on the mats. Known for calm, technical and highly detailed coaching, Nathan has a strong ability to break complex grappling situations into clear, practical steps that students can understand and apply.
As one of the senior grappling coaches at Praetorian MMA, Nathan plays an important role in developing members across Gi BJJ, NoGi BJJ, MMA grappling and private coaching. His sessions focus on technical accuracy, positional awareness, efficient movement and building strong foundations that support long-term progression.
Nathan's coaching is especially valuable for students who want detailed feedback, structured grappling development and a deeper understanding of how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu works under pressure. His approach helps beginners build confidence while also challenging experienced students to refine their technical standards.
Whether coaching adult grappling, supporting MMA development or working with students through private 1-to-1 training, Nathan brings experience, patience and technical depth to every session.
COACH SUMMARY
1st Degree BJJ Black Belt, senior grappling coach, MMA coach and private 1-to-1 coach.
TRAIN WITH NATHAN
CLASSES & COACHING OPTIONS
Nathan coaches across Adult & Teen NoGi BJJ, Kids & Teens Gi BJJ and private 1-to-1 training. Whether your goal is technical grappling development, competition preparation, confidence or more detailed feedback, these are the programmes where you can train directly with him.
ADULT & TEEN NOGI BJJ
Technical NoGi training focused on positional control, submissions, live application and competition-based grappling development.
EXPLORE CLASS
KIDS & TEENS GI BJJ
Structured Gi BJJ coaching for younger members, helping them build confidence, discipline, technical skill and long-term grappling foundations.
EXPLORE CLASS
1-TO-1 TRAINING
Private coaching with Nathan for focused BJJ development, technical detail, competition preparation and personalised grappling improvement.
BOOK COACHING
BLACK BELT
STANDARD
THE EARLY YEARS
Nathan Johnstone began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a young age and has spent almost two decades developing his understanding of grappling, positional control and technical problem solving. His background gives him a deep understanding of how students progress from basic movements through to advanced application.
BLACK BELT DEVELOPMENT
As a 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Nathan brings a high technical standard to the mats at Praetorian MMA. His coaching is calm, precise and detail-driven, helping students understand not only what to do, but why the technique works and how to apply it under pressure.
NOGI & COMPETITION FOCUS
Nathan plays a major role in the club's NoGi development, including advanced and competition-based training. His coaching helps students refine positional awareness, submission systems, transitions, live rounds and the tactical decisions needed for grappling competition.
COACHING AT PRAETORIAN MMA
At Praetorian MMA, Nathan coaches Adult and Teen NoGi BJJ, Kids and Teens Gi BJJ, MMA grappling support and private 1-to-1 training. His role connects technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the wider combat sports pathway across the club.
THE LINEAGE BEHIND
NATHAN JOHNSTONE
Nathan's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu development sits within the Carlson Gracie Team pathway through Odyssey Combat Hub and Trevor Chamberlain. That connection traces back through Carlson Gracie, Carlos Gracie and Mitsuyo Maeda, linking Nathan's coaching to one of the most recognised lines in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history.
This lineage supports the technical standard Nathan brings into Praetorian MMA, from adult and teen NoGi BJJ through to Kids & Teens Gi BJJ, advanced grappling development and private 1-to-1 coaching.
PRIVATE COACHING
1-TO-1 TRAINING
WITH NATHAN JOHNSTONE
Looking to accelerate your progress? Private coaching allows Nathan to focus entirely on your development, whether your goal is improving Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, refining NoGi techniques, preparing for competition or gaining a deeper understanding of grappling.
Every session is built around your experience level, goals and learning style. Nathan is known for his calm, highly technical coaching and ability to simplify complex positions into practical, repeatable techniques. Private coaching is available at £60 per hour.
To arrange a session, contact Nathan directly through Praetorian MMA to discuss availability, your objectives and suitable training times.
GET TO KNOW NATHAN
ARTICLES, INSIGHTS &
COMING SOON
Nathan's dedicated article section will be built out with coaching insights, technical breakdowns, competition advice and Black Belt perspectives connected to his role at Praetorian MMA. More content will be added here as articles are published.
THE MIND OF A BLACK BELT
Future insight into Nathan's coaching philosophy, technical approach and how years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience shape every session.
COMING SOONCOMPETITION PREPARATION
Advice on preparing for BJJ competition, managing nerves, improving performance and getting the most from competition training.
COMING SOONTECHNICAL BREAKDOWNS
Future articles explaining positions, submissions, escapes and the small details that make techniques work under pressure.
COMING SOONVISIT THE CLUB BLOG
Browse Praetorian MMA club articles, coaching updates, member stories, training advice and future content connected to Nathan and the wider coaching team.
OPEN BLOGTRAIN WITH THE TEAM
NATHAN COACHES ALONGSIDE
AN EXPERIENCED TEAM
Nathan coaches alongside an experienced team covering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Kickboxing, Kids & Teens programmes, private coaching and competition development. Every coach brings different experience, technical knowledge and coaching styles to help members progress at every stage of their journey.
Whether you're interested in Gi BJJ, NoGi, MMA, Kickboxing or private coaching, explore the rest of the coaching team and see how each programme fits together at Praetorian MMA.
ROB GOODSON
BJJ Brown Belt, Adult Gi BJJ coach and MMA coach helping members build technical skill, confidence and practical combat sports development.
VIEW PROFILE
MARTYN STYLER
Lead coach, MMA competitor and club founder helping members build confidence, consistency and practical combat sports skills.
VIEW PROFILE