Coaches

Apex has two coaches. Both co-founders. One of us is on the mat for every class, and both of us for every evening class.

Book my first class free →
Owen Jones — Co-founder and coach at Apex Jiu-Jitsu Atlanta

Owen Jones

Co-founder & Coach

Black belt. Training since 2017. Coaching since 2020. Co-founded Apex Jiu-Jitsu Atlanta in 2025 with Elliot, after five years coaching at Apex London together.

Owen actively competes at the highest level of no-gi jiu-jitsu.

Competition record

  • Polaris 145 lbs Champion (a professional invitational)
  • 4th Place — ADCC World Championships 2024 (the world championship of no-gi grappling)
  • 1st Place — ADCC European Trials 2023
  • 1st Place — IBJJF European Championship No-Gi 2022 (purple belt)
  • 3rd Place — IBJJF World Championship 2022 (blue belt)
  • 3rd Place — IBJJF European Championship 2022 (blue belt)
  • Currently ranked top 10 in the world (145 lbs) and top 20 in the world (155 lbs)

Instagram: @owenjonesbjj →

Apex Jiu-Jitsu Atlanta No-Gi team after training in the remodeled gym

Elliot Ward

Co-founder & Coach

Brown belt. Training since 2018. Coaching since 2020. Co-founded Apex Jiu-Jitsu Atlanta with Owen in 2025.

Competed and won at every belt level so far. Coaches the 6:30am classes and works alongside Owen every evening — same curriculum, same standard.

Instagram: @elliotwardbjj →

Book my first class free →