Recommended By Us
At Union Academy, we’re more than a martial arts school — we’re a community. Here are a few of our trusted family brands and personal projects we think you’ll love.
1. Idee Pure
Clean skin is non-negotiable on the mats — and Ideepure is the UK’s original grappling soap, trusted by every day martial artists and top competitors worldwide. SLS-free and packed with essential oils, it keeps your skin fresh and healthy without drying it out. We recommend it to all our students as part of good hygiene on and off the mats.
While you’re there, check out their Pure.Jitsu range — high-quality, minimalist fightwear designed by grapplers, for grapplers.
https://ideepure.com
2. Parrumpa – American Top Team West Palm Beach
Marcos “Parrumpa” DaMatta is a 6th degree black belt under Carlson Gracie and the head BJJ coach for American Top Team’s elite MMA squad. Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Parrumpa offers truly world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction and has coached countless champions at the highest levels of competition.
Union Academy is proud to be affiliated with Parrumpa and to carry forward the values and techniques of this legendary lineage.
3. McGovern Academy – Simon McGovern
Based in Stoke-on-Trent and led by 4th degree BJJ black belt Simon McGovern, McGovern Academy offers some of the highest-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in the UK. Simon is not only one of our instructors and mentors, but also a regular guest teacher at Union Academy — and an all-round great guy.
We have strong ties with his club and always recommend it to anyone looking to train in the Stoke or surrounding area.
4. LH Massage Therapy – Lauren
Professional massage therapy in Manchester from Lauren — a fully trained physiotherapist and Union Academy’s women’s BJJ coach. Trusted by athletes for recovery, relaxation, and performance.
Whether you’re dealing with tightness, injury prevention, or just need to reset — Lauren is our go-to.
5. Ellie Dolke Yoga
Ellie is a dedicated Union Academy student and an experienced Manchester-based yoga teacher. Her online classes — usually on Tuesdays at 7pm and Fridays at 7am — are a brilliant complement to your martial arts training.
We highly recommend incorporating yoga into your routine for improved mobility, recovery, and mental clarity — especially for BJJ practitioners.
6. Wilderness Psychotherapy – Luke Slater
Luke is a Union Academy blue belt and a Wilderness Psychotherapist-in-training, WildStrong movement coach, and founder of Wilderness Tribe CIC.
Through bushcraft, embodied movement, and men’s circles, he’s building safe spaces for healing, self-awareness, and reconnection with nature. Whether he’s mentoring young adventurers in the wild, holding space for men in retreat, or leading movement sessions that ground the body and balance the mind — Luke is doing powerful, purpose-driven work.
We’re proud to have him in our community and highly recommend following his journey if you’re curious about holistic healing, conscious living, or movement beyond the mats.
https://www.instagram.com/wildernesspsychotherapy/