John Kavanagh is an Irish mixed martial arts (MMA) and grappling instructor, as well as a black belt in jiu-jitsu under Matt Thornton, holding this same rank in kenpo karate. A former International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) European Open champion as a purple belt (2005), Kavanaugh became revered as one of MMA's leading coaches through his work with UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor and Gunnar Nelson. Coach Kavanaugh is also widely regarded as Ireland's first BJJ black belt.