Who we are

At Maze Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we believe that providing a great martial arts experience goes far beyond what happens on the mats. Our goal is simple: to provide high-quality martial arts instruction in a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for everyone.

Our Registrations & Affiliations

We take our responsibilities as a martial arts school seriously.

  • IBJJF – International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation: Maze is a registered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, allowing our students to represent the school in officially recognised IBJJF competitions. https://ibjjf.com/registered-academies

  • Amaze Judo Athlone Club: Our official Judo club, providing structured Judo training alongside our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programmes. https://irishjudoassociation.ie/2026/08/21/welcome-to-the-irish-judo-association-amaze-athlone-judo-club/

  • IMMAA – Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association: Maze is registered with IMMAA, connecting our school to Ireland's wider martial arts community. https://mmaireland.ie/

  • Garda Vetting: All our instructors have completed the Garda Vetting process in accordance with Irish safeguarding requirements. The safety and wellbeing of our students, particularly children, are fundamental priorities.

Meet Our Coaching Team

David Coelho - BJJ Coach 

David is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Ricardo Falcão of Gracie Humaitá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
An active competitor who regularly represents Maze in competitions, he is also the academy's Head BJJ Coach and a lifelong student of Jiu-Jitsu, always looking to learn, improve, and share his knowledge with others.

Sensei Lydia Ritchie – Judo Coach

Sensei Lydia Ritchie is a 6th Dan Judo black belt and the first woman to be awarded this rank by the Irish Judo Association

Sensei Lydia is an accomplished Irish judoka, European Veterans Judo Champion. She brings extensive competitive experience and a strong background in Irish Judo, including involvement in national grading and veterans' committees.

Her achievements both on and off the mats reflect her dedication to the sport and her commitment to developing the next generation of judoka.

Simon Flynn – BJJ Instructor 

Simon, brown belt, began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2020 and has since progressed to brown belt, demonstrating dedication and commitment to the sport. 
An active competitor who regularly tests his skills on the competition mats, Simon brings both technical knowledge and practical experience to his teaching. 
As one of our Kids Instructor, he is passionate about helping young students develop their Jiu-Jitsu skills, confidence, discipline, and teamwork in a positive and supportive environment.

Jake Keenan - BJJ Instructor

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt & Kids Coach Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2011, he is a two-stripe brown belt with over 15 years of experience on the mats. 
His Jiu-Jitsu is built around a strong guard game, with a particular interest in leg locks and technical grappling. 
As a Kids Instructor at Maze, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with younger students, helping them develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of Jiu-Jitsu in a friendly and supportive environment.

Rachael Bleakley – Assistant Kids BJJ Instructor & Women's Team Leader

Rachael, currently blue belt, started her Jiu-Jitsu journey in Maze's very first Beginners Course. Today, she helps coach our Kids Classes and plays a key role in the growth of our Women's Team, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for women to develop their skills and confidence on the mats.




William Fitzmaurice - Assistant Kids BJJ Instructor

A serving 27-Year Defence Forces soldier with 20 years of experience as a military instructor and as a BJJ blue belt, bringing a strong emphasis on discipline, safety, and encouragement to the kids' program. William is passionate about helping young martial artists build confidence, resilience, and respect on and off the mats.