Meet the Coaches at Morph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
At Morph BJJ, we offer expert Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaching from a highly experienced team with over 50 years of combined experience in BJJ, martial arts, fitness and competition. Our instructors are experienced BJJ competitors and certified fitness, strength and conditioning coaches, focused on helping every student train safely, effectively, and with confidence. Based in Epping, Essex (CM16 6QB) and conveniently located near Harlow, Morph BJJ provides professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids, teens, and adults of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner, training consistently, or preparing for the next BJJ competition, our structured programs support both recreational students and competitive athletes. Many of our coaches started their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey as children, allowing them to connect naturally with younger members. This experience helps kids build confidence, discipline, and respect while developing strong fundamentals in a positive, supportive training environment. Alongside Jiu-Jitsu technique, we emphasize overall fitness, strength, conditioning, and mental resilience. If your goal is self-defense, improved fitness, competition success, or personal growth, Morph BJJ is proud to be a trusted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy serving Epping, Harlow, and the surrounding Essex area.
Jordan O’Dea
Jordan O’Dea is the energetic co-owner of Morph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Essex, bringing over 11 years of wide-ranging experience to our mats. He started his martial arts journey at age 14 with MMA but quickly fell in love with the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, shifting his focus entirely to Gi training.
Throughout his career, Jordan has:
• Taught adults and kids at Gracie Barra, always aiming to one day run his own club.
• Trained at some of the UK’s top academies—including Gracie Barra and Fight Zone—and even traveled to Australia to expand his BJJ knowledge.
• Achieved competition success, earning a Silver at the English Open, Bronze at the Bedford Open, and Gold at a Gracie Barra inter-comp.
Jordan’s goal is to share his passion for BJJ with students of all ages and skill levels. He leads both adult's and kid's classes, also offering private lessons for those who want extra focused training. With his wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication, Jordan is here to help you grow and succeed on the mats at Morph BJJ!
Elias Gougos
Elias brings a lifetime of martial arts experience and a passion for teaching to the kids’ classes at Morph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Starting his journey with judo at just 4 years old and discovering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 16, Elias has honed his skills through dedication and training at some of the best academies in the UK and the USA.
As a full-time BJJ Purple Belt coach and competitor, Elias combines his technical expertise with an approachable and relatable teaching style that the kids love. Still a young man himself, he understands the kids’ journeys, making him an inspiring mentor who connects with them on a personal level.
Why the Kids Love Coach Elias
• Extensive Experience: Over 4 years of teaching BJJ to all ages and levels.
• Top-Level Training: Trained at elite academies like Roger Gracie HQ in the UK and AOJ in the USA.
• Competition Success: Winner of the English Open 2024 and an active competitor out of Los Banditos.
Elias's coaching focuses on building confidence, discipline, and skills in a fun, engaging environment that helps kids thrive both on and off the mats.
If you’re looking for a coach who inspires, motivates, and truly relates to your kids’ journeys, look no further than Elias. Join him at Morph BJJ and watch your child grow into their best self.
Peter Cray
Peter Cray is a full-time personal trainer and BJJ fitness coach at Morph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He specializes in strength, conditioning, and fitness, helping club members prepare for competitions and improve both physically and mentally. Peter holds a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, Level 3 Personal Trainer NVQ Diploma, Level 3 Exercise & GP Referral, and is currently completing his Level 4 Specialist Exercise (Nutrition/Obesity) and Strength & Conditioning qualifications.
Peter’s martial arts journey began with MMA in 2014, where he first encountered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while preparing for fights. He started Gi BJJ in 2016 and has since earned his purple belt, winning numerous medals in prestigious tournaments such as the IBJJF along the way. Peter also returned to the MMA cage in 2017, securing a win.
He has trained with some of the country’s top coaches, including the legendary late Mark Potter (MMA Coach) and IBJJF European Champion Felipe Sanson. Peter brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience in competition and is eager to share it with the Morph community.
Peter’s accomplishments include:
DSD Bournemouth Open: Gold
Allstars European Open: Silver
DSD Bristol Open: Silver
BJJ247 British Open: Silver
Allstarts London Open: Silver
IBJJF London Open: Bronze
MMA Record: 1 - 1 - 0
