Meet Steven Martin Cowan, a pioneering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) teacher, accomplished competitor, and dedicated community builder with a martial arts career spanning over two decades. From humble beginnings in Norfolk, he transformed the UK BJJ landscape by establishing a thriving school, developing innovative coaching techniques, and inspiring hundreds of students to reach their full potential. His influence extends beyond the mats as well, as he has become the UK’s first Pediatric Master Specialist and has led students to victories at major international events.

As a competitor, Steven Martin Cowan has competed at the highest levels since 1999, with various titles such as the European Championship and being the first UK-born fighter to receive a black belt from the legendary Ze Marcello. His style of coaching is centered on mindset, resilience, and strategic mastery, with signature techniques that demonstrate the art of control and precision.

Deeply committed to lifelong learning and mentorship, Steven Martin Cowan aspires to be remembered as someone who believed in others when they didn’t believe in themselves, and who built a legacy based on heart, discipline, and genuine caring. His is a story of perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and to enriching the lives of those he touches.

*Interviews*

*As a BJJ coach, what are your biggest accomplishments?*

As a BJJ coach, my biggest accomplishments go far beyond the mats. I began teaching in Norfolk when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was virtually unheard of. With no funding, no local support, and no BJJ infrastructure, I built something from absolutely nothing—a community, a movement, and a legacy.

Over the years, I grew my school from a handful of students to over 200 members, helping spread BJJ across the East of England. I created coaching systems, business models, and retention strategies that not only sustained my school but were successfully used by over 50 other schools around the world under the Icon Jiu-Jitsu Team banner.

I’m proud to have helped students reach incredible heights—winning gold, silver, and bronze at major tournaments like the European, British, and English Championships. Watching my students stand on the podium is a feeling like no other.

One of my most personal milestones was receiving my black belt—something I never imagined possible when I started. And just as meaningful has been guiding others to that same achievement. Awarding black belts to students who’ve grown through adversity, dedication, and discipline is one of the greatest honors of my career.

I also became the first and only Pediatric Master Specialist in the UK and Europe through the Skillz program, using science-backed child development to completely transform how martial arts are taught to kids.

At the heart of it, my greatest accomplishment is seeing others succeed—on the mat, in business, and in life—because their success is my legacy.

*As an athlete of BJJ, what were your biggest achievements?*

As an athlete, I pushed myself at a time when the path wasn’t clearly laid out. I started BJJ in 1999 when training partners were few, tournaments were scarce, and the sport was still in its infancy in the UK.

One of my proudest moments was winning the Gracie European Championships in 2003, right after one of my students had taken silver the year before. That same year, I brought Royce Gracie to Norfolk—planting the seeds of what BJJ would become in our region.

I placed 2nd at the IBJJF European Championships three times—in 2005, 2008, and 2009. Each time, I stood against some of the best in Europe while managing the responsibilities of coaching and building a school.

Another personal highlight was my superfight win in 2012 against a black belt from Geneva—a match that symbolized not just technical skill, but the depth of experience gained through years of coaching and training.

And above all, receiving my black belt from Ze Marcello in 2009 was life-changing. I was the first UK-born athlete to receive a black belt from him, and the 23rd black belt in the UK at the time. It wasn’t just a personal victory—it was the start of a new journey.

*As a coach, what would you want to be remembered as?*

I want to be remembered as more than just a coach—I want to be remembered as someone who believed in people when they didn’t believe in themselves. Someone who could see potential where others saw limits.

I want to be known as the coach who built something from nothing—and then turned around and helped others do the same. Whether that meant helping a nervous child gain confidence, guiding someone to a black belt, or helping a student turn their dream into a successful business, I want to be remembered as the one who made the impossible feel possible.

I led with heart, vision, and discipline. I taught not just techniques, but resilience, purpose, and belief. Through my child development work, my coaching systems, and the relationships I’ve built, I want to be remembered as someone who made a real difference, not just through victories—but through the lives I helped change.

*What is a method or technique unique to you when it comes to BJJ coaching or combat? Or a technique you find very useful?*

One of the most unique things about my coaching is that it goes far beyond technique—I teach people how to think, adapt, and stay calm under pressure. My methods are grounded in psychology and development, helping people of all ages grow through martial arts.

From a technical perspective, a signature technique I teach is the leg-on-shoulder pass. Many avoid it, fearing the triangle choke—but I love it for that exact reason. When done right, using proper posture, pressure, and timing, it perfectly demonstrates what BJJ truly is: the art of control and precision. It doesn’t rely on brute force but on smart positioning and awareness. It’s a beautiful reminder of what separates Jiu-Jitsu from other arts—technique over strength.

But above all, I believe having the right coach and master makes the difference. Until I met Ze Marcello, my game was average. He brought something out of me that I didn’t see myself. He believed in me and helped me grow beyond what I thought was possible.

To this day, I’m still with the same master. When I received my black belt, I didn’t feel complete—I felt like a student beginning a new chapter. And I still feel that way now. I’m proud to say I will always be the student of the one who helped me become who I am.