OPEN MAT IN FAREHAM & GOSPORT
MORE ROUNDS.
MORE REPS.
MORE PROGRESS.
Open Mat gives Praetorian MMA members extra time to train, drill, ask questions, refine techniques and gain valuable mat time across BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing. Whether you are building confidence as a beginner or sharpening skills as an experienced member, Open Mat is one of the fastest ways to improve your technique, decision making and overall fight IQ.
WHAT IS AN OPEN MAT?
An Open Mat is dedicated training time for Praetorian MMA members to get extra work in outside of structured classes. It is open to BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing members who want more time to train, drill, ask questions and develop their skills.
It is not a formal class with a set lesson plan. Instead, members can use the time productively to get rounds in, practise specific techniques, work on problem areas, refine details with training partners or ask a coach for guidance where needed.
Open Mat gives beginners and experienced members the chance to build consistency, gain confidence and develop better decision making. It is relaxed, supportive and focused, making it one of the best ways to accelerate progress across every part of your training.
ALL MEMBERS
Open to Praetorian MMA members training in BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing who want extra time to improve.
EXTRA ROUNDS
Get valuable rolling, sparring, drilling and technical rounds in a relaxed but productive environment.
REFINE TECHNIQUE
Use the time to ask questions, revisit details and sharpen specific areas of your training.
BUILD FIGHT IQ
Extra mat time helps improve timing, decision making, confidence and long-term development.
EXTRA MAT TIME MATTERS
WHY OPEN MAT
ACCELERATES PROGRESS
Classes teach structure, technique and direction. Open Mat gives members the extra time needed to apply those lessons, repeat important movements and turn information into real skill.
The more time you spend training with purpose, the quicker your timing, confidence and decision making begin to improve. Whether you are rolling, drilling, sparring, asking questions or refining small details, Open Mat helps close the gap between learning a technique and being able to use it.
MORE REPETITIONS
Repeating techniques outside of class helps movements feel sharper, more natural and easier to remember.
BETTER DECISIONS
Extra rounds help you recognise positions, react faster and make better choices under pressure.
FASTER DEVELOPMENT
Focused drilling and feedback can help you fix problem areas before they become long-term habits.
GREATER CONFIDENCE
More time on the mats helps beginners settle in and gives experienced members space to sharpen their game.
OPEN MAT SUPPORT & GUIDANCE
NATHAN & MARTYN
Open Mat sessions are supported by Nathan Johnstone and Martyn Styler, giving members access to experienced coaching, additional guidance and the opportunity to ask questions outside of structured classes. Whether you train BJJ, MMA or Kickboxing, Open Mat provides valuable extra time to work on your development.
Members use Open Mat in different ways. Some focus on extra rounds, others drill techniques, work through specific problems or gain feedback from coaches and training partners. It is one of the best opportunities to build consistency, improve fight IQ and accelerate progress between regular classes.
MEET NATHAN
Learn more about Nathan's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, coaching experience and approach to developing members.
MEET MARTYN
Find out more about Martyn's MMA coaching, BJJ journey and leadership at Praetorian MMA.
VIEW 1-TO-1 TRAINING
Accelerate your progress with private coaching tailored to your goals and experience level.
Your First Lesson
Learn what to expect from your first class, what to bring and how your first session will work.
READ THE STORY →STORY GUIDEGi Versus NoGi
Discover the differences between Gi and NoGi training and why many students choose to train both.
READ THE STORY →STORY GUIDEBJJ, MMA Or Kickboxing?
Compare the different training pathways available and find the right starting point for your goals.
READ THE STORY →TRAIN MORE. BECOME WELL ROUNDED.
Open Mat supports every part of training at Praetorian MMA. Whether you train BJJ, MMA or Kickboxing, extra mat time gives you the opportunity to drill, ask questions, get more rounds in and build the consistency needed to keep improving across Fareham and Gosport.
BJJ TRAINING
Use Open Mat to roll, drill, revisit techniques and develop your Gi and NoGi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game.
MMA TRAINING
Build your striking, grappling, takedowns, cage awareness and decision making through extra focused training time.
KICKBOXING
Use additional training time to sharpen footwork, timing, combinations, defence and confidence in striking.
THE PRAETORIAN PATHWAY
READY TO START?
FIND YOUR PATHWAY.
Open Mat is available to Praetorian MMA members, but if you are discovering the club for the first time, the best place to begin is by exploring the different pathways available. Whether your interest is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Kickboxing or simply finding a positive training environment, we provide clear routes into the club for beginners and experienced athletes alike.
From Junior and Teen programmes through to Adult memberships, 7 Day Free Trials and specialist coaching opportunities, there are multiple ways to get involved. Our goal is to make starting simple, welcoming and straightforward so you can focus on enjoying training and making progress from day one.
Experience the club, meet the team, explore classes and find the pathway that best suits your goals.
BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing pathways
7 Day Free Trial available
Junior, Teen and Adult options
Beginner friendly environment
Experienced coaching team
Clear route into training
REORG
WE HAVE
YOUR BACK.
REORG is our way of giving back to the military, veterans and blue light services. Through our REORG pathway, eligible members may be able to access funded training, structured support and a positive team environment.
Training at Praetorian MMA provides routine, community, challenge and support through NoGi BJJ, Gi BJJ, MMA and wider club training.
Training at Praetorian gave me structure again. The people, the coaches and the support from REORG made all the difference.
- REORG MEMBERWHAT TO BRING TO OPEN MAT
BRING YOUR KIT.
USE THE TIME.
Open Mat is flexible, but members should bring the right kit for the type of training they plan to work on. Whether you are drilling BJJ, getting MMA rounds in or sharpening your Kickboxing, being prepared helps you make better use of the session.
BJJ MEMBERS
Bring your Gi or NoGi kit depending on what you want to work. Rashguards, shorts, spats and a gumshield are recommended for NoGi rounds.
MMA MEMBERS
Bring MMA gloves, gumshield, rashguard, shorts or spats. Use the time to work rounds, takedowns, cage work and transitions.
KICKBOXING MEMBERS
Bring gloves, wraps and shin guards if you are planning to drill or spar. Keep rounds controlled, respectful and productive.
CLUB STANDARDS
Keep your kit clean, respect your training partners and use Open Mat with purpose. Bottled water is included for members.
OPEN MAT QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can attend Open Mat?
Open Mat is for Praetorian MMA members. It supports members training in BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing who want extra time to drill, get rounds in, ask questions and work on specific areas of their training.
Is Open Mat a coached class?
No. Open Mat is not a formal class with a set lesson plan. It is member-led training time, but coach support is available where needed to answer questions, refine techniques and help guide your development.
Can beginners attend Open Mat?
Yes. Beginners can use Open Mat to gain confidence, practise basics, ask questions and spend more time around the training environment. You do not need to be advanced to benefit from extra mat time.
Do I have to spar or roll?
No. You can use Open Mat to drill, practise positions, ask questions or work at your own pace. Rounds are available, but the session should always be controlled, respectful and suitable for the people training.
Can BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing members all use Open Mat?
Yes. Open Mat supports the wider Praetorian MMA membership. BJJ members may roll and drill, MMA members may work transitions or cage rounds, and Kickboxing members may use the time to sharpen technique, timing and controlled rounds.
What should I work on at Open Mat?
Focus on the areas that will help your training most. That might be extra rounds, positional work, takedowns, striking details, defence, transitions, submissions, footwork or specific questions from recent classes.
Is Open Mat good for improving fight IQ?
Yes. Extra training time helps you make better decisions under pressure. By repeating positions, testing ideas and asking questions, you start to understand timing, reactions, problem solving and tactical choices more clearly.
How often should I use Open Mat?
Use it when your schedule allows. Consistent extra mat time can make a big difference, especially when you train with purpose and focus on one or two specific areas each session.
What kit should I bring?
Bring the kit needed for what you plan to train. BJJ members may need Gi or NoGi kit. MMA members should bring gloves, gumshield, rashguard and shorts or spats. Kickboxing members should bring gloves, wraps and shin guards if needed.
Can I ask coaches questions?
Yes. Open Mat is a good opportunity to ask questions, revisit details and get help with areas you are struggling with. For more focused support, you can also explore 1-to-1 training.
Can I come just to drill?
Yes. Drilling is one of the best uses of Open Mat. Repeating techniques, improving movement and working through details can help you retain information and develop faster between regular classes.
How do I get started?
If you are already a member, speak to a coach and start using Open Mat as part of your weekly routine. If you are new to the club, you can begin with our 7 Day Free Trial.
TRAIN MORE.
PROGRESS FASTER.
Open Mat is one of the best ways for Praetorian MMA members to build consistency, get extra rounds in, ask questions and sharpen their skills across BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing. Start your trial, explore the pathways or send us a message if you need help getting involved.