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ABOUT SUBMISSION LABS

Our story, philosophy, and commitment to excellence in martial arts training.

Our Story

Submission Labs is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts academy located in San Roque, Campo de Gibraltar. We are a competition-level team dedicated to developing world-class martial artists through expert instruction, intensive training, and a warrior mindset.

Our academy is led by Black Belt James Holman, who earned his rank under the legendary instructors Chris Thompson and Ben Poppleton (Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe). This prestigious lineage connects us directly to some of the most successful competitors and coaches in modern grappling.

At Submission Labs, we believe in training with purpose. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn self-defense, an athlete seeking to compete at the highest levels, or someone wanting to transform their fitness and mindset, we provide the environment, expertise, and community to help you succeed.

No-Gi grappling training at Submission Labs San Roque

Training With Purpose

Every session at Submission Labs is built around live, resistant training against training partners who are genuinely trying to solve the same problems you are. That's how technique becomes instinct instead of theory.

Whether you're rolling for the first time or preparing for a podium, the standard doesn't change: technical precision, honest effort, and respect for the process.

USQUE AD MORTEM

Until Death

This isn't just our motto; it's our commitment to excellence, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. We train hard, we support each other, and we never give up. This philosophy permeates everything we do at Submission Labs, from our daily training sessions to our approach to competition and life itself.

Our Values

Excellence

We strive for technical perfection and continuous improvement in every aspect of training.

Community

We build a supportive team environment where everyone helps each other grow and succeed.

Respect

We honor the martial arts tradition, our instructors, training partners, and the journey itself.

Perseverance

We embrace challenges, push through adversity, and never give up on our goals.

Striking training on the heavy bag at Submission Labs Muay Thai sparring session at Submission Labs Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at Submission Labs

Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe Lineage

Our direct connection to Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe represents one of the most prestigious lineages in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling. This lineage brings world-class technique, proven competition strategies, and a systematic approach to training that has produced champions at the highest levels.

Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe
Founding Academy
Ben Poppleton
Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe Black Belt
Chris Thompson
Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe Black Belt
James Holman
Black Belt - Submission Labs

Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe represents a leading approach to modern no-gi grappling. The team's systematic approach to leg locks, back attacks, and positional dominance has revolutionized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through his instructors' direct connection to this lineage, James brings these cutting-edge techniques and training methodologies to San Roque.

Our Head Instructor

James Holman - Black Belt Instructor

James Holman

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

James Holman is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with deep roots in one of the sport's most successful competition teams. Training under Chris Thompson and Ben Poppleton, both renowned black belts of Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe, James brings world-class technique and competition experience to Submission Labs.

With years of competition experience and a passion for teaching, James has developed a comprehensive curriculum that serves everyone from first-day beginners to seasoned competitors. His teaching style emphasizes technical precision, strategic thinking, and the mental toughness required to succeed both on and off the mats.

James's commitment to his students goes beyond technique. He creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. His dedication to the Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Europe methodology ensures that students at Submission Labs receive instruction that is at the cutting edge of modern grappling.


Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Cameron Curwen - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt Instructor

Cameron Curwen

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt

Cameron began his martial arts journey in 2019 with competitive boxing, stepping into the ring for his first bout in Norwich that same year. In 2020, he expanded his striking into Muay Thai, sharpening his stand-up game before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2021 — where he found his true passion.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, Cameron has built an impressive competition record including Kimura Cup gold and multiple podium finishes, earning five gold medals and one silver overall. He also brings competitive boxing experience under UWBC.

Cameron received his Purple Belt under Sean Ben Senyor, Kai Ben Senyor, and Thelmo Calmon Naranjo. He joined the Submission Labs team in late 2025 and continues to grow alongside its affiliates, including Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Malaga under the guidance of Chris Thompson.

Teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2024, Cameron’s style is built around submission hunting. He believes there is a finish available from almost every position and encourages an attacking mindset over winning on points. His classes emphasize creativity, constant pressure, and problem-solving — all within a fun, supportive environment where students are pushed to express their own Jiu-Jitsu.

Leon De Roeck - Wrestling and No-Gi Coach

Leon De Roeck

Wrestling & No-Gi Coach — Purple Belt Competitor

Leon De Roeck is a Purple Belt competitor and co-founder of Submission Labs, leading our Wrestling and No-Gi programs. His competition record includes Grapplefest and multiple national and local championships, from the Federación de Lucha Comunidad Andaluza — where he holds an Andalucian Championship title — to the LBE Superfight.

Leon's coaching draws on that competitive wrestling background to sharpen takedowns, scrambles, and control for grapplers across every discipline at the gym.

JJ

Josh Jones

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt

Josh Jones is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and co-founder of Submission Labs. He has competed across multiple disciplines, most recently in MMA, bringing a well-rounded, fight-tested approach to his coaching.

A student of martial arts for life, Josh brings that same mindset to every class — pushing students to keep learning and evolving, on the mats and beyond.

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