Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructors in Chiang Mai | Pure Grappling
PURE GRAPPLING · CHIANG MAI

Meet Your Jiu-Jitsu Instructors.

Experienced black belt coaches. Different backgrounds, one shared commitment: clear, technical instruction and meaningful progress for every student.

RyanBobbyMarkNeroliBruno
Ryan Cheng, lead instructor at Pure Grappling Chiang Mai
LEAD INSTRUCTOR · PURE GRAPPLING

Ryan Cheng

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt · Judo Black Belt

Two grappling traditions. One technical approach.

Ryan's martial arts journey began with Judo when he was young. After years of Judo practice, he transitioned into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, developing a teaching approach informed by both disciplines.

With more than 15 years of BJJ training and teaching experience, Ryan focuses on the details that make techniques reliable: timing, positioning, leverage and the decisions that connect one movement to the next.

He earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Japanese master Makoto Aramaki. His international competition results include gold at the 2014 North America Open, gold at the 2016 IBJJF Asian Open Championship, silver at the 2018 IBJJF Asian Open Championship, and silver at the 2018 IBJJF Pan Pacific Championship.

START WITH A BEGINNER CLASS
THE WAY RYAN TEACHES

Understand the movement, not just memorize the technique.

As a smaller grappler, Ryan learned to rely on mechanics, timing and efficient use of leverage when facing stronger or heavier training partners. That experience shapes how he teaches students with different builds, levels and goals.

His instruction emphasizes clear technical details, practical problem-solving, strategy and injury prevention. Rather than expecting everyone to perform a technique in exactly the same way, he helps students understand its underlying principles and adapt them to their own bodies.

Ryan also draws on his yoga practice to develop awareness of movement and more sustainable training habits.

Ryan Cheng teaching and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
RYAN'S COACHING APPROACH · GI & NO-GI

One connected grappling system.

Standing, takedowns, positional control and submissions are parts of the same game—not isolated techniques.

Ryan demonstrating a No-Gi leglock finishing position at Pure Grappling Chiang Mai
Modern leglock mechanics · finishing position
Ryan demonstrating the technical setup and control leading into a No-Gi leglock
Control and transitions · technical setup

Gi and No-Gi from day one.

Ryan has trained in both Gi and No-Gi since the beginning of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. He teaches students to recognize the principles shared by both styles—positioning, leverage, timing and control—and to adapt techniques when grips, distance and pace change.

Modern leglocks, connected to the whole game.

Ryan continually integrates the evolving modern leglock game with his Judo foundation, standing exchanges, takedowns, top-position control and the follow-ups that connect a takedown to effective ground grappling.

Adaptable grappling, not a single specialty.

His strength is connecting these areas into one adaptable system. Students learn how to transition between standing and ground positions, between top control and submissions, and between Gi and No-Gi—rather than collecting disconnected techniques.

EXPLORE GI & NO-GI TRAINING
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS

Meet the rest of the team.

Bobby, Mark, Neroli and Bruno bring their own experience and perspectives to the mats at Pure Grappling.

Bobby Hall — Pure Grappling Chiang Mai instructor
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTOR

Bobby Hall

Instructor · BJJ Black Belt

Curiosity and continuous evolution.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Bobby earned his black belt under Louis Corazza and ZR Team UK head Alain Pozo. Before finding BJJ, he trained in karate, bodybuilding and long-distance running.

Traveling, living and working internationally introduced Bobby to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has since trained and competed around the world and brings a spirit of experimentation and an interest in evolving techniques to his teaching.

Mark Simmerman with Pedro — Pure Grappling instructor
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTOR

Mark Simmerman

Instructor · BJJ Black Belt

A thoughtful approach for every stage of life.

Mark started grappling at age 38 and has spent around two decades training, competing and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling. He is known for accessible instruction and attention to the small technical details that make a big difference.

He particularly enjoys helping older students and people working through challenges involving fitness, confidence, chronic injury or disability. He also enjoys challenging training with younger competitive athletes.

Neroli Li — Pure Grappling Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTOR

Neroli Li

Instructor · BJJ Brown Belt · Certified Yoga Teacher

Precise, playful teaching with an emphasis on movement awareness.

Neroli began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to learn practical self-defence. She values the sport as a way to build physical fitness, resilience and confidence.

As a certified yoga teacher, she brings an awareness of mobility, coordination, breathing and injury prevention to her Jiu-Jitsu practice. Her teaching combines precise instruction with a playful approach to learning.

Bruno Medeiros — Pure Grappling Chiang Mai instructor
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTOR

Bruno Medeiros

Instructor · BJJ Black Belt

Brazilian roots. Traditional foundations. Modern grappling.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Bruno began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a young age with Ismael Souza of Fada Jiu-Jitsu. He later trained with Gracie Humaitá and, after earning his black belt, joined GFTeam Recreio.

His teaching combines strong traditional fundamentals with modern strategies, particularly guard work and leg locks. Bruno aims to help both beginners and experienced competitors develop confidence, technical depth and their own approach to Jiu-Jitsu.

TRAIN WITH US

Find your next step on the mat.

New to BJJ? Start with our Monday introductory class. Already training? Explore our Gi and No-Gi sessions and get in touch before visiting.

WHATSAPP · +66 64 609 5863EMAIL US · info@puregrappling.orgINSTAGRAM · @puregrap