A Look at Steven Martin Cowan’s Career Highlights

Steven Martin Cowan has spent more than 25 years building a remarkable career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A black belt and long-time practitioner, he is widely respected in the sport, not just for what he has achieved on the mat, but also for how he has helped shape the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene in Norfolk and across […]

Steven Martin Cowan has spent more than 25 years building a remarkable career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A black belt and long-time practitioner, he is widely respected in the sport, not just for what he has achieved on the mat, but also for how he has helped shape the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene in Norfolk and across the UK.

Cowan’s journey as a competitor is marked by consistency and high-level success. He has competed at major tournaments across Europe and earned several top finishes. Among his most memorable results are three silver medals at the IBJJF European Championships in 2005, 2008, and 2009. These medals, earned at one of the most respected events in the sport, show just how skilled and determined he has been throughout his career. He has also collected a number of gold, silver, and bronze medals at the British Open and other national and regional tournaments, earning respect from teammates and rivals alike.

While his personal achievements are impressive, Cowan’s biggest impact may be in how he brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Norfolk at a time when very few people in the UK knew about the sport. He was among the first to teach and promote BJJ in the region. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for what has now become a thriving martial arts community. He didn’t just open a gym—he built a space where people could grow, learn, and compete, and his leadership played a big role in making the sport more popular and accessible in that part of the country.

Cowan founded the Icon Jiu-Jitsu Team Norwich, a well-known training centre that welcomes people of all levels—from beginners to experienced competitors. Under his guidance, the academy has grown into one of the most respected in the area. His style of coaching is known for being detailed, thoughtful, and focused on helping each student reach their full potential. Many of his students have gone on to win medals and make names for themselves in competition.

Among the standout athletes he has coached are Daddy Kabuiku, Michael Ford, and Luke Platten. These students have all earned major titles at events such as the European Championships, British Open, and English Open. Their success is a reflection of Cowan’s ability to train athletes not just to participate, but to win at the highest level. His influence on their careers goes beyond just teaching technique—he has helped shape their discipline, mindset, and confidence.

Cowan’s work with young people is also worth noting. He has taken a unique approach to training children by including important life skills in their lessons. Through programs like Early SKILLZ and Core SKILLZ, which are run at his academy, young students learn to improve both physically and mentally. This method has made his gym a popular choice for families who want more than just sports training—it’s a place where kids can grow into well-rounded individuals.

His experience and reputation have taken him beyond Norfolk. He has been invited to speak and teach at events in the UK and abroad. One such occasion was a seminar where he shared the stage with Melody Johnson, the founder of the internationally known SKILLZ program, in front of more than 1,500 martial arts school owners and coaches. He also mentors coaches online, many of whom are based in the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe.

Steven Martin Cowan’s career is filled with highlights, but perhaps his greatest achievement is the lasting impact he has had on others. His students, his academy, and the community he helped build all speak to his dedication. What started as a personal journey has grown into something much larger—a legacy that continues to grow as he shares his knowledge around the world.