About SMMA

We’re passionate about teaching martial arts.

Steven Mclaren Martial Arts (SMMA) has been teaching combat sports since 2002.

The club was founded by head coach Steven Mclaren, 6th Dan black belt in Taekwondo. It started in Helensburgh with Steven running classes in Taekwondo for a couple of hours per week. And it’s grown considerably since then. Through Steven’s hard work and passion for martial arts, we now have a team of excellent and as equally enthusiastic instructors - who have come through our ranks guided by Steven - and a range of classes in Taekwondo, kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in Helensburgh and Glasgow East.

As the club continues to grow, its heart will always be our members, who truly support us and each other. And that’s why we can confidently say that when you join us you’ll be given a warm welcome and made to feel part of the team.

Our Coaches

Steven Mclaren

Taekwondo, Kickboxing & Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Helensburgh & Glasgow East

SMMA founder & head coach, Steven has been teaching taekwondo for over 20 years. He’s a 6th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and a BJJ purple belt under Marcos Nardini. His passion for martial arts shines through when he’s coaching - which is why he has produced numerous Black Belts in Taekwondo and European and World competitors in Taekwondo and kickboxing. He is also the Taekwondo Scotland team coach.

Steven is regularly invited to local schools as part of the Active Schools programme.

David Burris

Taekwondo
Helensburgh

David is a 4th Dan Black Belt. He started Taekwondo in his native Wales in 1987 with TAGB. He made the move to ITF in 1999, which is when he first met Steven. They trained and taught together for a few years before life took them in different directions. Luckily for team SMMA, David came back to the area and is now firmly planted in the heart of the club!

David regularly teaches Taekwondo but also occasionally takes Little Dragons and kickboxing classes. He’s known for his random exercises and infamous ‘20’s plenty’ warm up!

John Wilson

Taekwondo
Helensburgh

John’s a 3rd Dan Black Belt, but his Taekwondo journey started on the sidelines, watching his two children. Needless to say, he didn’t stay there for long, and quickly developed a passion for Taekwondo and kickboxing.

John’s patience, calm demeanour and ability to explain and teach complex techniques make him an exceptional coach. And although he’s a very popular instructor for Taekwondo, John’s classes are probably just as well known for their ‘enthusiastic’ dodge ball games!

Anthony Morrow

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Helensburgh

Anthony initially joined SMMA for kickboxing, having previously trained at a boxing club. But when he subsequently started Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, he quickly developed a passion (some might say obsession) for the art. He has trained at clubs throughout the country and regularly travels to attend seminars. Because of this dedication, he quickly earned his blue belt. He’s also tried his hand at competing, doing himself and the club proud with his performances.

When not rolling around on the mats, Anthony can be found in the gym weight training with a focus on improving his BJJ.

Mary-Anne Cameron

Kickboxing, Little Dragons & Club Manager
Helensburgh

Mary-Anne (Mac) previously trained in Muay Thai and came along to our kickboxing classes when her kids were training with SMMA in Taekwondo. Before long, she started leading classes, which unleashed a passion for coaching and fitness. She trained and now works as a qualified personal trainer.

Within the club she eventually succumbed to Taekwondo, after years of resistance. As well as running her own Little Dragons and kickboxing classes, Mac helps out with the junior Taekwondo classes - and she’ll join the Taekwondo coaching team later this year when she’s promoted to Black Belt.

Find out more about MacFit PT and personal training

“I stepped out of my comfort zone by joining SMMA but was put at ease by the warm and welcome club atmosphere. I’ve made friends who support and motivate me, while we learn and progress together, I’ve built up my fitness and most of all had loads of fun. Wish I had found it sooner!”

— Christine R.

“Joining SMMA to take up Taekwondo turned out to be one of the best things I’ve done. I’m now only two grading away from becoming a Black Belt. For me it’s not just a club, it’s my lifeline - they’re my extended family.”

— Neil S.

“SMMA was exactly the club environment I was looking for. Relaxed, friendly and non-intimidating atmosphere which put me at ease when attending classes. That was 5 years ago and I’m still going.”

— Claire B.