REORG and Praetorian MMA: More Than Training

In April, Praetorian MMA became a REORG approved gym.

For us, this was never just about adding another logo to the website. It was about becoming part of something that already had a personal connection to our club, our coaches and the wider Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.

REORG is a charity that helps veterans, serving military personnel and emergency services personnel access Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and functional fitness through safe, supportive training environments. Their REORG 60 programme is a fully funded 60-day BJJ programme designed to support physical, social and emotional wellbeing, with members training at a local REORG approved facility of their choice.

That mission fits naturally with what we believe martial arts should be about.

How REORG Came To Praetorian MMA

The relationship between Praetorian MMA and REORG came through Nathan Johnstone.

Nathan has been connected to REORG through his long-standing friendship with Sam Sheriff MBE, the founder of REORG. That connection originally came through Nathan's father, Jimmy Johnstone, who has already been spoken about in our previous article on Odyssey Combat Hub and the wider story behind Praetorian MMA.

Sam Sheriff is a former Royal Marines Commando, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and the founder of REORG. Through his own experience, he recognised how powerful Jiu Jitsu could be in helping people rebuild routine, purpose and connection.

Nathan was already involved in work connected to REORG, and through that relationship the door opened for Praetorian MMA to become part of the REORG network.

For us, that matters.

Many opportunities in martial arts happen because of relationships built over many years. The same is true here. This was not a cold introduction or a random application. It came through friendship, trust and a shared belief in what Jiu Jitsu can do for people.

Why REORG Matters

REORG exists for people who have served others.

That includes veterans, serving military personnel and emergency services personnel who may be carrying the physical, mental or emotional weight of demanding careers. The charity uses Jiu Jitsu and functional fitness as a way to help people reconnect with challenge, structure, camaraderie and purpose.

At Praetorian MMA, we see the same thing every week.

People arrive for many different reasons. Some want to get fitter. Some want to learn self-defence. Some want to compete. Some simply need somewhere they feel they belong.

For military personnel, veterans and emergency services workers, that sense of belonging can be particularly important. Many people are used to operating within teams, routines and high-pressure environments. When that changes, training can provide something positive to focus on.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives people a way to test themselves, learn new skills, manage stress, build confidence and become part of a team again.

What The REORG Programme Can Offer

Through REORG, eligible applicants may be able to access funded training through approved gyms. The REORG 60 programme is designed as an introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, encouraging members to train regularly, commit to the process and build a healthy habit through consistent practice.

After completing REORG 60, some members may be invited to continue through REORG 365, which offers a longer-term pathway of ongoing training and support.

Where possible, REORG can also help remove some of the barriers that stop people from starting. This can include funded training support and, in some cases, help with the equipment needed to begin, such as a Gi.

There are times when REORG applications or waiting lists may close because of demand. When that happens, Praetorian MMA will still do what we can to help people get started, ask questions and understand their options.

Our own Praetorian MMA REORG page has been created to help explain the process clearly and guide eligible members in the right direction.

Training At Praetorian MMA

As a REORG approved gym, Praetorian MMA gives eligible members access to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training within a structured, supportive environment.

Our adult BJJ programme includes both Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and NoGi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Gi training uses the traditional jacket and belt, helping students develop grips, control, patience, pressure and technical detail. NoGi training removes the jacket and focuses more on movement, body positioning, wrestling connections, scrambles and faster transitions.

Both styles are valuable.

Both help people build confidence.

Both can give REORG members a positive, practical way to train regularly and become part of the team.

At Praetorian MMA, adult BJJ coaching is led and supported by Martyn Styler, Rob Goodson and Nathan Johnstone. Each coach brings a different background, teaching style and perspective, giving members a strong mix of technical detail, pressure, experience and support.

Connected Through Odyssey

Praetorian MMA is also affiliated with Odyssey Combat Hub, another club with a strong connection to REORG.

Our relationship with Odyssey is built on friendship, loyalty and years of shared history. Nathan Johnstone, Sarah Johnstone, Trevor Chamberlain and the wider Odyssey family have all played an important part in the journey that brought Praetorian MMA to where it is today.

That connection makes the REORG relationship feel even more natural.

REORG now has a growing network of approved BJJ gyms, with around 200 REORG approved academies helping open the doors to people who may benefit from training. For Praetorian MMA to be part of that network is something we are proud of.

Tom Hardy, REORG And The Wider Mission

REORG has gained support from a number of well-known figures within martial arts, fitness and wider public life.

One of the most recognised supporters is actor Tom Hardy CBE, who is listed by REORG as a patron. His support has helped bring more attention to the charity and to the positive role Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can play in people's lives.

That wider visibility is important, but the real work happens inside gyms.

It happens when someone walks through the door for the first time.

It happens when they put on a Gi, step onto the mat and realise they are not on their own.

It happens when training becomes part of their week, part of their routine and part of their support network.

Why This Matters To Us

Praetorian MMA has always had a strong connection with military personnel, emergency services workers and people looking for structure, discipline and purpose.

Being based in an area with strong military links, we understand that many people who walk through our doors are looking for more than just exercise. They are looking for somewhere they can test themselves, be treated with respect and become part of a community.

REORG allows us to support that mission in a more direct way.

We already have REORG members training with us, and more are beginning their journey. Because the relationship is still new, we are not interested in turning it into numbers or statistics. The important thing is that people are getting access to training, support and community.

That is what matters.

Getting Started

If you are serving military, a veteran or part of the emergency services, and you are interested in starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through REORG, the first step is to learn more about the programme and check your eligibility.

You can visit the official REORG BJJ programme page or read more through our own Praetorian MMA REORG page.

If you are not eligible for REORG, you can still get started at Praetorian MMA through our normal trial and membership pathways.

For Praetorian MMA, becoming a REORG gym is something we are proud of.

It connects our club to a wider mission, strengthens our relationship with people we respect and gives us another way to support those who have spent their lives serving others.

Jiu Jitsu has the power to change lives.

REORG understands that.

So do we.