Who Oliver Was

Oliver Geddes was a lifelong martial artist whose influence reached far beyond the mats. Known as one of the UK’s most accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts, he earned respect not only for his technical expertise and relentless dedication to the sport, but also for the way he carried himself as a teacher, teammate, and friend.

Oliver had a unique gift for making people feel welcome. Whether you were stepping onto the mats for the first time or preparing for international competition, he treated everyone with the same kindness, patience, and generosity. His philosophy was simple yet powerful: say yes to opportunities, support those around you, and help create spaces where people can grow together.

For so many, Oliver was more than an instructor - he was a source of encouragement, a role model, and a reminder that martial arts is not just about fighting, but about building community. His legacy continues to live on through the countless students, teammates, and friends he inspired across the world.

Why We Started the Foundation

The Oliver Geddes Foundation was created to carry forward Oliver’s values and to ensure that the places he loved most - the mats - remain accessible, welcoming, and strong. We believe martial arts should always be a home for connection, resilience, and growth.

In recent years, many gyms and practitioners have faced challenges that threaten their ability to keep these spaces alive. We see it as our mission to step in where support is needed most. Just as Oliver was always there for others, we want to be there for the community he cared so deeply about.

Our Mission

Our mission is to keep martial arts communities thriving by providing support where it matters most. The foundation focuses on:

• Supporting gyms in financial difficulty – helping ensure they can continue to provide safe and welcoming spaces for all.

• Strengthening community bonds – encouraging initiatives that bring people together, on and off the mats.

• Preserving Oliver’s spirit – spreading the values of kindness, openness, and connection that defined his life.

Continuing His Legacy

Oliver’s story is one of passion, dedication, and compassion. He showed us that the mats are more than training grounds - they are places where people find belonging, strength, and lifelong friendships.

Through the Oliver Geddes Foundation, we commit ourselves to honoring his memory by supporting martial arts communities everywhere. Together, we can ensure that his message lives on: say yes, build connections, and support the mats that bring us all together.