Croydon Mixed Martial Arts CIC was founded by Craig Dyer and Nathan Greyson, lifelong friends who have known each other since they were young. Growing up in the same community, they experienced many of the same challenges and understand first-hand the realities that some young people face today.
Both founders have served prison sentences during earlier chapters of their lives. Rather than allowing those experiences to define them, they used them as a turning point. Through determination, personal growth and the positive influence of martial arts, they rebuilt their lives and committed themselves to creating opportunities for others.
Craig's lived experience, combined with his passion for community development, has enabled him to become a trusted mentor who understands the importance of creating opportunities for young people who may feel overlooked, excluded or at risk of making harmful choices. Having transformed his own life, Craig has built a successful property company and established himself as a businessman, using both his journey and business experience to show young people that their past does not define their future.
Nathan transformed his life through martial arts, progressing from adversity to becoming a world champion. His journey demonstrates the life-changing impact that discipline, purpose and the right support can have on an individual's future.
Together, Craig and Nathan founded Croydon Mixed Martial Arts CIC to provide the guidance, encouragement and positive role models they wish had been available to them when they were younger. Their shared journey allows them to build genuine trust with young people because they don't just talk about change, they have lived it.
Today, the organisation works alongside schools, families, local organisations and community partners across Croydon to provide programmes that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and long-term life outcomes.
We don't simply teach martial arts.
We build confidence.
We develop leaders.
We create opportunities.
We change lives.