About

About Our Coaches

Ben Wyard

The Head Coach
Ben Wyard is a distinguished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a passion for both competition and teaching. As an IBJJF European Gold Medalist, Ben brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the mat. He is dedicated to nurturing new talent and guiding beginners through their initial steps in BJJ, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience for all students.

Bea Fernandes

Bea Fernandes is a highly skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt with years of experience both competing and teaching. As an IBJJF European Champion in the female adult division, Bea brings exceptional knowledge and passion to the mats. She excels at inspiring students of all levels, helping them refine their technique and build confidence in a supportive and encouraging environment.

ASSISTANT COACHES

BEN JENNiNGS

Ben Jennings is an experienced brown belt with a solid competition background and a real passion for helping others improve. Having been on the competition scene for a while, Ben brings valuable insights into high-level techniques and strategy that help students develop their skills with confidence.

aLEX RIDLEY

Alex Ridley is an experienced brown belt with a solid competition background and great knowledge of wrestling. His coaching style is friendly, down-to-earth, and focused on the technical details that make a big difference. Alex seamlessly integrates his wrestling expertise into BJJ instruction, providing students with solid technical insight and support.

MIKE HUSSEIN

Mike Hussein is an experienced brown belt who brings a friendly, down-to-earth approach to coaching. Mike excels at working with all levels but is particularly great at introducing new people to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and helping them integrate into the academy community. His patient teaching style creates a welcoming environment where students can develop confidence on the mats.

Experience You Can Trust

At Roots, our team is committed to helping every student achieve their full potential. With championship-winning coaches, years of expertise, and a focus on individual growth, every student receives personalised feedback and support to help them achieve their goals at their own pace.

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Over a decade of combined coaching experience, guiding students from beginners to competitors

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Led by championship-winning coaches with proven success on and off the mats

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A supportive, ego-free environment focused on helping you grow at your pace

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Student Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 12 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jack Newman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came over to Roots in January 2025 and can safely say it’s the best spot to train in Ipswich. The best vibes all round with people always willing to help and push you to improve, great coaching and training partners. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Tsiopani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great classes, I have taken my son for 2 sessions and he loves it! He’s always asking to go back. Lovely coaches who make the kids feel super comfortable. Definitely recommend! 5*
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Judith Pearson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Roots BJJ recently and had such a great experience. As a beginner, I was a little nervous, but everyone was incredibly warm and friendly. The atmosphere was super supportive, and I felt comfortable right away. We covered some challenging techniques, but they were explained so clearly that I was able to keep up and genuinely learn, even with limited experience. There were no egos just a strong sense of community. The women training there were super friendly, and even though many were higher belts and highly skilled, I felt completely welcome. If you're a woman looking for a safe and empowering place to train, this is definitely it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Danny 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great club growing with every session and keeps me coming back. Ben and Bea explain everything in an understandable way, and other higher grades happily help you out if you’re stuck. Can’t wait to go every week.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom Canham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roots has real family feel to the club. Ben and Bea are great teachers that always have the time to help you. Lots of the guys and girls compete regularly and medal, so it's a real testmant to the training environment and coaching at Roots. It's a club that's going from strength to strength and I wouldn't go anywhere else.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nuno Correia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Genuinely the best place to train BJJ whether you're new to the sport or experienced. The vibe in the room is always friendly, fun and welcoming. If you want to give BJJ a try, this is the place, If you're experienced, come along, you'll enjoy just as much as I see everybody else in the room enjoying session after session. Great level, great coaches, great training partners 💪🏽
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sevgen Gumus 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really good classes with such a welcoming atmosphere and nice group of people. Ben and Bea are excellent coaches and really take the time to ensure you’re comfortable and understand the drills. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gianni Rinaldi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roots is a great place to learn high level Brazilian Jujitsu. Both coaches, Ben and Bea, are very welcoming and professional. The club has a warm feeling and everyone who attends is helpful and friendly. Ben and Bea have many years of experience in BJJ and they have competed at a high level for years, collecting many medals. I have trained with both for along time and I couldn't recommend any other people  to learn from.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Curtis Walker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roots is an extremely friendly and welcoming club for all levels, shapes and sizes. Ben (the head coach) has some awesome BJJ skills, and a history of competition wins - it’s very apparent from the start how passionate he is about the sport, the team and the club. Ben has a style of teaching that caters to all levels of experience, and he’ll repeat the move multiple times from different angles answering questions as he goes. Sparring during the last part of the class is judgement and ego free, very safe and very fun! There is no pressure to take part, with the option to sit out and watch if you choose! Prices are very reasonable. Mats are new, clean and high quality. The location of the club is easy to reach with not much traffic around training times and there is a large free car park round the back of the club. If you’re reading this review because you’re considering either starting a new hobby or continuing your BJJ journey at an exciting new club, you’ll certainly be glad you chose to train at Roots.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nuno Nogueira 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve played football my whole life, so now I wanted to try something new. And I’m so glad I chose Roots! Everyone made me feel welcomed and at home 😁 so come along and try it out you won’t regret it 👊
  
 
  
  
 
 
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