Our Coaches
Steven Mclaren
Taekwondo, Kickboxing & Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Helensburgh & Glasgow East
SMMA founder & head coach, Steven has been teaching taekwondo for over 20 years. He’s a 6th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and a BJJ purple belt under Marcos Nardini. His passion for martial arts shines through when he’s coaching - which is why he has produced numerous Black Belts in Taekwondo and European and World competitors in Taekwondo and kickboxing. He is also the Taekwondo Scotland team coach.
Steven is regularly invited to local schools as part of the Active Schools programme.
David Burris
Taekwondo
Helensburgh
David is a 4th Dan Black Belt. He started Taekwondo in his native Wales in 1987 with TAGB. He made the move to ITF in 1999, which is when he first met Steven. They trained and taught together for a few years before life took them in different directions. Luckily for team SMMA, David came back to the area and is now firmly planted in the heart of the club!
David regularly teaches Taekwondo but also occasionally takes Little Dragons and kickboxing classes. He’s known for his random exercises and infamous ‘20’s plenty’ warm up!
John Wilson
Taekwondo
Helensburgh
John’s a 3rd Dan Black Belt, but his Taekwondo journey started on the sidelines, watching his two children. Needless to say, he didn’t stay there for long, and quickly developed a passion for Taekwondo and kickboxing.
John’s patience, calm demeanour and ability to explain and teach complex techniques make him an exceptional coach. And although he’s a very popular instructor for Taekwondo, John’s classes are probably just as well known for their ‘enthusiastic’ dodge ball games!
Anthony Morrow
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Helensburgh
Anthony initially joined SMMA for kickboxing, having previously trained at a boxing club. But when he subsequently started Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, he quickly developed a passion (some might say obsession) for the art. He has trained at clubs throughout the country and regularly travels to attend seminars. Because of this dedication, he quickly earned his blue belt. He’s also tried his hand at competing, doing himself and the club proud with his performances.
When not rolling around on the mats, Anthony can be found in the gym weight training with a focus on improving his BJJ.
Mary-Anne Cameron
Kickboxing, Little Dragons & Club Manager
Helensburgh
Mary-Anne (Mac) previously trained in Muay Thai and came along to our kickboxing classes when her kids were training with SMMA in Taekwondo. Before long, she started leading classes, which unleashed a passion for coaching and fitness. She trained and now works as a qualified personal trainer.
Within the club she eventually succumbed to Taekwondo, after years of resistance. As well as running her own Little Dragons and kickboxing classes, Mac helps out with the junior Taekwondo classes - and she’ll join the Taekwondo coaching team later this year when she’s promoted to Black Belt.