History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts Norwich & Norfolk.
In 1999 Steve Cowan heard that Royce Gracie was coming to the UK for a 2 day seminar, so he booked his place and attended the first ever Royce Gracie visit to the UK, immediately hooked he stopped training in his current martial art and focused 100% on learning Brazilian / Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
As there were no BJJ martial art classes in East anglia, Steve drove around the country training with anyone with experience, a big influence was Marc Walder from London who helped Steve get started.
In 2001 Steve was awarded his Blue belt by Royce Gracie - So in 2002, Steve decided to open a small group called Norfolk BJJ, which was not so much classes but trying to bring together anyone interested in BJJ around Norfolk.
In 2004 After winning at the Gracie Invitational, Steve decided it was time to open classes in Norfolk as there just wasn't anywhere for people to train BJJ.
So Steve contacted Royce Gracie, who he had now made good friends with and had had many lessons from, and asked if Royce would like to open a Network here in Norfolk, Royce agreed and Royce Gracie E.A Was born. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts was now being taught out of Norwich and Gt Yarmouth. With some 20 - 30 students.
In 2006 Steve meet and began to train with Ze Marcello of Brazilian Top Team who now lived in the UK. After some time Steve left Royce Gracie network and joined BTT under Ze Marcello, this was due to being able to train with Ze Marcello every week and the extra support gained from the switch. I spoke with royce Gracie about the move and we still remain good friends.
In 2006 Steve recieved his Purple belt under Ze Marcello. And the school was really beginning to take shape.
In 2008 Steve placed second at the European championships, proving he was almost ready to move up a level again.
In April 2008 Steve was awarded his Brown Belt from Ze Marcello, a huge task, considering starting in Norfolk where in 1999 no-one even knew what BJJ was.
Steve Continues to improve as much as possbile and looks to finally make a Norfolk Black Belt.
About steve
Steven Cowan has actively studied more than 10 different styles of martial arts from Brazil, Thailand, Japan, China, Russia, and the United States. He is a black belt in Shotakan Karate, A black belt in Chinese Kung Fu, a long serving student of Judo and 8 years (brown belt) in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Steven Cowan has an extensive teaching history. He has taught women’s self-defence Classes, protection seminars, as well as numerous martial arts classes at popular events since 1998.
At the age of 10 Steve won Gold at his first grappling competition at the Middlesex Judo Championships and has since won some 20+ competitions. His latest was a silver medal at the 2008 European Championships in Portugal.
Steve has written several articles that have been featured in martial arts magazines in the UK also many books and courses on the martial arts and success in them.
Currently Steve teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts Norwich, Lowestoft & Gt Yarmouth.
Famous for his unique teaching teaching ability, focusing on the details that are usually overlooked and with a nak to put across to the student Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's finer points.
This is shown by his students, in just 5 years Steve boasts over 30 Blue Belts promoted at the School and 2 purple belts. With many champions and wins in UK and Europe.
The #1 Grappling Team in East Anglia.
Steve's Team recently competed and won 2 x first place's in the Gracie Invitational championship, this is the biggest grappling event in the UK.
This is solid PROOF that the training students receive at the BTT Norwich is second to none. The Gracie Invitaional is the most prestigous Grappling tournament in the UK.
Check out some of the the teams wins here and see for yourself:-
2007 Jig Wins GOLD at Gracie Invitaional
2007 Danny Cubit wins LHW Cage match at grapple & strike
2007 Jig wins Silver at ADCC UK Nationals 2007
2007 Danny Cubit wins again at Grapple and Strike 13
2008 Steve wins silver at BJJ Europeans Portugal
2008 Jig wins silver at BJJ Europeans Portugal
2008 Andy Wins Bronze at Bristol Open
2008 Iain Wins Bronze at Bristol Open
2008 Jig Wins Gold at Bristol open
2008 Phil Tucker Win Gold at Gracie European Invitational
2008 Jig wins Gold & Bronze at Gracie European Invitational
2008 Andy Appleton Wins Silver At Gracie European Invitational
