Our Coaches
Led by BJJ black belt Mike and yoga & nutrition expert Jess, PFA’s elite coaches in boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu provide top-tier training for all levels.
Micheal Mouneimne
Mike is a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu first degree black belt and a Mixed Martial Arts specialist. He is the head coach and founder of PFA and has been involved in combat sports since the age of seven. He is a passionate coach who has built championship fighters in both MMA and boxing. Mike has adapted his wrestling and grappling skills into rugby specific training with a focus on contact and collision situations. He has worked with schoolboy, varsity and professional rugby teams, some of which include, SACS, Bishops, UCT, and the DHL Stormers and Western Province.
JESS MOUNEIMNE
Co-owner of the gym, Jess has a diploma in Sports and Exercise nutrition and is a certified yoga teacher. Jess is a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and is competitive on the BJJ & MMA local scene and has a passion for training & uplifting women. She runs various strength & conditioning programs at PFA and teaches beginners BJJ, Women's self-defense as well as yoga. Jess is a female-focused personal trainer, helping women of all shapes and sizes reach their health goals.
MISCHKA LAUBSCHER
Mischka is a seasoned combat sports competitor and personal trainer. She is the 2022 IMMAF African Champion and recently made her professional MMA debut. With a black belt in Kickboxing and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mischka is a personal trainer with a special interest in teaching women’s and kids kickboxing and BJJ.
ERICK KABOJA
Erick is a seasoned boxing trainer with a wealth of experience in coaching both beginners and pro fighters. Erick teaches both private classes as well as the daily 6:30 pm boxing class.
RYAN COCKERAN
Ryan is a kickboxing and Muay Thai fighter and BJJ purple belt. He is a qualified personal trainer with a special interest in calisthenics and MMA movement patterns. Ryan teaches Muay Thai and MMA group classes as well as running the kids programme.
YOUSUF GHARBI
A seasoned Moroccan pro kickboxer with hundreds of fights under his belt and serious knock out power. Known for his technical precision and dynamic coaching style, Yousuf specializes in developing striking skills and fitness for fighters of all levels. His strong pad-holding abilities and attention to detail ensure every session is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're looking to refine your technique, improve speed, or boost power, Yousuf's experience and passion for boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing will help you reach your goals.
DAVI ALENCAR
Davi Alencar has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 17 years. He is a first degree black belt under UFC fighter Hermes Franca. Davi has a special interest in leg locks and has won multiple BJJ competitions including being a double champ at Submission Kings, AJP Gi and No gi gold medalist and ADCC African champ.
CHESTER KRUGER
Chester is a seasoned Muay Thai and K1 fighter and coach. He received his SAKA/WAKO Kickboxing 1st Dan Black Belt in November 2015. He currently runs the morning Muay Thai sessions. He focuses on high intensity and high impact drills, while Friday morning classes are focused on more complex technique. His classes are followed by 30 minutes of technical sparring and/or rehearsing the Wai Kru.
BANELE MNIKI (STAR)
Star (affectionately known as Starbucks for his great coffee) is our PFA's manager and our resident barista at Ringside Cafe. Besides ensuring that members are well caffeinated, Star is a passionate boxer, and coaches boxing and Muay Thai and is available for one one one fitness classes.
CHRIS INGRAM
Chris is one of the very early members of PFA. A black belt in BJJ, Chris is passionate about passing on his knowledge. He does this through outreach programs in Hout Bay and teaches the daily 1pm BJJ class as well as Sat 10am.
Coaches
MICHEAL MOUNEIMNE
Mike is a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu first degree black belt and a Mixed Martial Arts specialist. He is the head coach and founder of PFA and has been involved in combat sports since the age of seven. He is a passionate coach who has built championship fighters in both MMA and boxing. Mike has adapted his wrestling and grappling skills into rugby specific training with a focus on contact and collision situations. He has worked with schoolboy, varsity and professional rugby teams, some of which include, SACS, Bishops, UCT, and the DHL Stormers and Western Province.
JESS MOUNEIMNE
Co-owner of the gym, Jess has a diploma in Sports and Exercise nutrition and is a certified yoga teacher. Jess is a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and is competitive on the BJJ & MMA local scene and has a passion for training & uplifting women. She runs various strength & conditioning programs at PFA and teaches beginners BJJ, Women's self-defense as well as yoga. Jess is a female-focused personal trainer, helping women of all shapes and sizes reach their health goals.
Davi Alencar
Davi Alencar has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 17 years. He is a first degree black belt under UFC fighter Hermes Franca. Davi has a special interest in leg locks and has won multiple BJJ competitions including being a double champ at Submission Kings, AJP Gi and No gi gold medalist and ADCC African champ.
MISCHKA LAUBSCHER
Mischka is a seasoned combat sports competitor and personal trainer. She is the 2022 IMMAF African Champion and recently made her professional MMA debut. With a black belt in Kickboxing and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mischka is a personal trainer with a special interest in teaching women’s and kids kickboxing and BJJ.
Yousuf Gharbi
A seasoned Moroccan pro kickboxer with hundreds of fights under his belt and serious knock out power. Known for his technical precision and dynamic coaching style, Yousuf specializes in developing striking skills and fitness for fighters of all levels. His strong pad-holding abilities and attention to detail ensure every session is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're looking to refine your technique, improve speed, or boost power, Yousuf's experience and passion for boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing will help you reach your goals.
Erick Kaboja
Erick is a seasoned boxing trainer with a wealth of experience in coaching both beginners and pro fighters. Erick teaches both private classes as well as the daily 6:30 pm boxing class.
Chris Ingram
Chris is one of the very early members of PFA. A black belt in BJJ, Chris is passionate about passing on his knowledge. He does this through outreach programs in Hout Bay and teaches the daily 1pm BJJ class as well as Sat 10am.
Marno Plaatjies
Marno Plaatjies has been on the mats since the age of six, dedicating his life to the art of wrestling. A highly accomplished competitor, he is an 11-time South African champion who has represented the country on the world stage, competing at both junior and senior world championships. His international experience has shaped him into a well-rounded athlete with deep technical expertise. After years of competing at the highest levels, Marno shifted his focus to coaching, channeling his passion into developing the next generation of wrestlers. He pursued his studies in Coaching Science at Stellenbosch University, equipping himself with the knowledge to refine elite-level athletes. At Pride Fighting Academy, he brings a wealth of experience, blending world-class technique with a commitment to building strong, competitive wrestlers.
Chester Kruger
Chester is a seasoned Muay Thai and K1 fighter and coach. He received his SAKA/WAKO Kickboxing 1st Dan Black Belt in November 2015. He currently runs the morning Muay Thai sessions. He focuses on high intensity and high impact drills, while Friday morning classes are focused on more complex technique. His classes are followed by 30 minutes of technical sparring and/or rehearsing the Wai Kru.
Mike Mouneimne
Head Coach | Founder
Mike is a first-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and MMA specialist, as well as the founder and head coach of Pride Fighting Academy. With a lifelong background in combat sports, starting from the age of seven, Mike is one of the leading coaches in the South African fight scene. He has coached and cornered championship-level athletes in both MMA and boxing and is known for his technical precision and ability to develop well-rounded fighters. Beyond the cage, Mike has successfully translated his wrestling and grappling expertise into rugby-specific training, working with top school, varsity, and professional teams including SACS, Bishops, UCT, DHL Stormers, and Western Province. His coaching philosophy is built on discipline, detail, and producing athletes who perform under pressure.
Jess Mouneimne
Co-Owner | Coach
Jess Mouneimne is the co-owner of Pride Fighting Academy, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, and an active competitor on the local BJJ and MMA scene. She holds a diploma in Sports and Exercise Nutrition and is a certified Primal health coach yoga teacher, bringing a well-rounded approach to performance, recovery, and overall health. Jess leads strength and conditioning programmes at PFA and coaches beginners BJJ, women’s self-defense, and yoga. She is especially passionate about helping women build strength, confidence, and resilience-both on and off the mats. As a coach, her focus is on empowering women of all levels to take ownership of their health and unlock their full potential.
Mischka Laubscher
Pro MMA Fighter | Coach | PFA Shareholder
Mischka is a professional MMA fighter, coach, and shareholder at Pride Fighting Academy, playing a key role both on and off the mats. A 2022 IMMAF African Champion, she has built a strong foundation in striking and grappling, holding a black belt in kickboxing and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Alongside her fighting career, Mischka manages the gym’s admin and operations, helping drive the growth and culture of PFA. As a coach, she is especially passionate about working with women and kids, creating a supportive environment while developing real skill and confidence.
Davi Alencar
Head of BJJ Programme
Davi Alencar leads the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programme at Pride Fighting Academy, bringing over 17 years of experience to the mats. He is a first-degree black belt under UFC veteran Hermes Franca and is known for his high-level technical approach, particularly in the leg lock game. A proven competitor, Davi has earned multiple titles including double champion at Submission Kings, AJP gi and no-gi gold medals, and ADCC African Champion. As a coach, Davi is focused on developing technically sound, competition-ready athletes while building a strong foundation for students at all levels.
Chris Ingram
BJJ Coach
Chris Imgram is one of the original members of Pride Fighting Academy and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a passion for developing the next generation of practitioners. He is especially focused on working with beginners, breaking down fundamentals in a way that builds confidence and real skill from day one. Chris also plays an active role in community outreach, running programmes in Hout Bay to make BJJ more accessible. At PFA, he teaches the daily 12:30 PM BJJ class and the Saturday 9 AM beginners class, creating a welcoming environment for those starting their journey on the mats.
Erick Kaboja
Boxing & Strength Coach
Erick is a seasoned boxing trainer and strength and conditioning coach with a strong foundation in developing beginners. His coaching is rooted in the fundamentals, with a particular focus on footwork, positioning, and clean technique. Known for his attention to detail and patient approach, Erick helps athletes build confidence and solid habits from the ground up. Whether you’re new to boxing or looking to sharpen your basics, his sessions are structured to set you up for long-term progress.
Davi Alencar
Head of BJJ Programme
Davi Alencar leads the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programme at Pride Fighting Academy, bringing over 17 years of experience to the mats. He is a first-degree black belt under UFC veteran Hermes Franca and is known for his high-level technical approach, particularly in the leg lock game. A proven competitor, Davi has earned multiple titles including double champion at Submission Kings, AJP gi and no-gi gold medals, and ADCC African Champion. As a coach, Davi is focused on developing technically sound, competition-ready athletes while building a strong foundation for students at all levels.
Chris Imgram
BJJ Coach
Chris Imgram is one of the original members of Pride Fighting Academy and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a passion for developing the next generation of practitioners. He is especially focused on working with beginners, breaking down fundamentals in a way that builds confidence and real skill from day one. Chris also plays an active role in community outreach, running programmes in Hout Bay to make BJJ more accessible. At PFA, he teaches the daily 12:30 PM BJJ class and the Saturday 9 AM beginners class, creating a welcoming environment for those starting their journey on the mats.
Erick Kaboja
Boxing & Strength Coach
Erick is a seasoned boxing trainer and strength and conditioning coach with a strong foundation in developing beginners. His coaching is rooted in the fundamentals, with a particular focus on footwork, positioning, and clean technique. Known for his attention to detail and patient approach, Erick helps athletes build confidence and solid habits from the ground up. Whether you’re new to boxing or looking to sharpen your basics, his sessions are structured to set you up for long-term progress.
Marno Plaatjies
Wrestling Coach
Marno Plaatjies is a lifelong wrestler who has been on the mats since the age of six. An 11-time South African champion, he has represented the country on a world stage at both junior and senior world championships. With years of high-level competition behind him, Marno brings deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of what it takes to perform under pressure. He has also studied Coaching Science at Stellenbosch University, combining practical experience with a structured, athlete-focused approach. At Pride Fighting Academy, Marno is dedicated to developing strong, competitive wrestlers through disciplined, detail-driven coaching.
Yousuf Gharbi
Striking Coach
Yousuf Gharbi is a seasoned Moroccan professional kickboxer with hundreds of fights to his name and a reputation for serious knockout power. His experience in high-level competition shapes a coaching style built on precision, discipline, and attention to detail. Specialising in boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, Yousuf works with athletes of all levels to develop clean technique, speed, and power. Known for his exceptional pad-holding and high-energy sessions, he ensures every class is both challenging and rewarding. His focus is simple—build sharp, effective strikers who can perform under pressure.
Chester Kruger
Muay Thai Coach
Chester Kruger is a seasoned Muay Thai and K1 fighter with a strong background in striking. He earned his SAKA/WAKO Kickboxing 1st Dan Black Belt in 2015 and brings years of fight experience into his coaching. Known for his high-intensity sessions and attention to detail, Chester focuses on building powerful, well-conditioned strikers. His coaching blends technical precision with tough, fight-focused drills, while also incorporating the traditional elements of Muay Thai. His sessions are designed to push athletes physically while sharpening timing, control, and ring awareness.
Adrian Sanchez
MMA Coach | EFC Lightweight Champion
Adrian Sanchez is a seasoned professional MMA fighter with over a decade of experience and the current EFC Lightweight Champion. A former gymnast, he brings elite-level movement, control, and athleticism into both his fighting and coaching. Adrian coaches across MMA, Muay Thai, boxing, and strength & conditioning, working with beginners through to competitive athletes. His approach is technical, focused, and built to deliver real results.
Hamza Mouneimne
Assistant Kids Coach | Youth MMA Athlete
Hamza Mouneimne is a rising youth MMA athlete who qualified for the national team in 2026. A seasoned grappler, he has earned multiple gold medals in the ADCC intermediate division, showcasing his high-level skill on the mats. Passionate about developing the next generation, Hamza plays a key role in the kids programme at Pride Fighting Academy as an assistant BJJ and MMA coach. His energy, discipline, and love for the sport make him a strong mentor for young athletes starting their journey.
Marc “Munki Marc” Maizey
Movement & Bodyweight Coach
Marc “Munki Marc” Maizey is a bodyweight and movement specialist focused on building strength, control, and athletic freedom. His coaching blends functional strength and conditioning with animal flow, ground movement, and calisthenics to develop resilient, capable bodies. Marc also coaches beginner striking and brings a unique edge through his experience in parkour and tricking—helping athletes move better, react faster, and build real-world coordination. His sessions are dynamic, engaging, and designed to meet you where you’re at—whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your movement.
Samuel Ncube
Gym Caretaker
Samuel Ncube is the newest addition to the Pride Fighting Academy team, bringing a strong work ethic and a diverse skill set. With a background in construction, he has developed a hands-on, problem-solving approach that keeps the gym running smoothly behind the scenes. Samuel has upskilled himself as a barista, adding a personal touch to the PFA environment and contributing to the welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. As the gym caretaker, he plays a key role in maintaining the high hygiene standards that the gym has.