The Coaches
Head Coach
"The Founder"
Dayman Lake
Head Coach: MMA
Dayman Lake has been competing in MMA since 2008. With extensive international professional experience, he is the architect of everything Zilla Training stands for. He founded the gym in 2016 with a clear mission: build the training environment he wished he'd had coming up through the ranks.
Dayman's coaching style is systematic and fighter-focused. He has an exceptional ability to assess a fighter's weaknesses and build a programme around fixing them. Whether you're a complete beginner or preparing for a professional bout, Dayman will remember exactly where you were last session and push you forward from there.
- BJJ Black Belt
- International professional MMA competitor
- Active MMA coach since 2016
- Specialises in MMA integration, fight strategy, and fight-team preparation
BJJ Head Coach
"The Technician"
George Pearse
Head Coach: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
George Pearse leads Zilla Training's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programme, bringing a depth of technical knowledge and competitive experience that sets the standard for grappling instruction in the region. His methodical approach to teaching ensures every student, from first-day white belts to experienced competitors, receives clear, progressive instruction that translates directly to improvement on the mat.
George's sessions are structured around positional mastery, with each class building on the last. His ability to diagnose technical gaps and provide targeted corrections makes his coaching exceptionally effective. Students consistently credit George with accelerating their development beyond what they thought possible.
- BJJ Black Belt under reputable lineage
- Experienced competitor at international IBJJF platforms
- Leads all adult BJJ classes, gi and no-gi
- Specialises in positional systems, submission chains, and competition preparation
BJJ Coach
"The Hard Man"
Richard Hardcastle
Coach: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Richard Hardcastle brings technical depth and a patient, detail-oriented coaching style to Zilla's BJJ programme. Working alongside George Pearse, Richard ensures the grappling curriculum is delivered with consistency and precision across all class levels. His ability to break down complex positions into simple, repeatable steps makes him especially effective with students who are still building their foundational game.
Richard is a key part of the BJJ coaching structure at Zilla; his presence means students get more individual attention during drilling and rolling, and his competitive perspective adds another dimension to the team's preparation for tournaments.
- BJJ Purple Belt with a focus on technical positional mastery
- Active competitor in the UK regional grappling circuit
- Supports all adult BJJ sessions alongside George Pearse
- Specialises in fundamentals, guard work, and submission defence
Striking Coach
"The Striker"
Chris Garnet
Coach: Striking
Chris Garnet heads up the striking programme at Zilla Training. His comprehensive striking knowledge spans the full spectrum, from precise boxing combinations and defensive head movement to devastating kicks, elbows and knees. Chris brings real competitive experience and a coaching philosophy built around technical precision and intelligent aggression.
Chris's sessions are structured to develop complete strikers. Whether you're training for fitness, learning self-defence fundamentals or preparing for your next fight, Chris builds a programme that fits your goals. His pad work is known for being technically demanding and physically punishing in equal measure, exactly what a good striking session should be.
- Extensive background in professional Muay Thai and Boxing
- Over 12 years of experience in competitive combat sports instruction
- Leads all striking sessions
- Specialises in striking technique, pad work, combinations, and fight conditioning
MMA Coach
"The All-Rounder"
Ashley Bailey
Coach: MMA
Ashley Bailey is a core part of Zilla Training's MMA coaching team, working alongside Dayman Lake to deliver the gym's comprehensive mixed martial arts programme. Having trained directly under Dayman, Ashley brings a deep understanding of the Zilla system and a coaching style that blends technical rigour with genuine approachability.
Ashley is particularly effective with newer members, as he remembers what it feels like to be a beginner in an MMA gym and uses that empathy to make every new face feel welcome from day one. As an active competitor on the regional circuit, Ashley continues to develop his own game alongside his coaching, keeping his instruction sharp and current.
- Trained directly under Dayman Lake
- Active MMA competitor on the regional circuit
- Leads MMA classes and supports fight-team preparation
- Specialises in beginner onboarding and MMA fundamentals
Judo Coach
"The Specialist"
Jay Cullen
Coach: Judo
Jay Cullen runs Zilla's judo programme, teaching the throws, trips, pins and transitions that make judo one of the most dynamic and effective martial arts in the world.
Jay's coaching covers both traditional judo competition and the practical application of judo within MMA and self-defence. His sessions are demanding, technically rigorous, and suitable for all experience levels.
- Lead Judo Instructor at Zilla Training
- Expert in throws, trips, and transition grappling
- Focuses on both competitive judo and MMA applications
