Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) has exploded in the Australian scene, especially Melbourne in the last decade. Here, we have five BJJ practitioners explaining the art, their mindsets and their stories…enjoy!
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LACHLAN GILES
Lachlan is a first degree BJJ Black Belt and Coach at Absolute MMA. He is the 2014 Australian Jiu-Jitsu Grand Prix Champion, multiple time Pan Pacific and Victorian Jiu Jitsu Champion. Internationally, he has represented Australia twice at ADCC, twice at Abu Dhabi Pro World Championships and competed at the Eddie Bravo Invitational. He also works as a physiotherapist and in 2016 completed his PhD.
KIT DALE
An actor, BJJ Black Belt and 2x World Pro BJJ champion. Aside from teaching others how to hack the art, Kit Dale is and also now a body transformation coach and is a constant pursuit of inspiring others to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Facebook & YouTube: Kit Dale
Instagram: kit_dale_official
Web: kitdaletraining.com
BURAK SARMAN
Burak started training BJJ at the age of 14. At just 22 years old, Burak Sarman is ranked as the #1 Brown Belt in Australia (2016), with 90% of competition wins via submission. Further accomplishments include numerous Asian, National, State and Pan Pacific Championships. He is also studying teaching at Victoria University.
Facebook: Burak Sarman – Jiu Jitsu
Instagram: buraksarmanjits
JAMES TOMLINSON
Training out of Absolute MMA, JT is BJJ Brown Belt, Strength and Conditinioning Coach, MMA fighter and a lover of all things caffeinated! Throughout his travels, JT has trained with multiple world champions has competed at multiple world championships.
Facebook & YouTube: JT Tenacity
Instagram: jt_tenacity
Web: www.jttenacity.com
DANIEL SCHUARDT
Daniel has recently turned 21 and currently holds a BJJ Purple Belt. Having won several major tournaments in Australia, his is an assistant coach and MMA fighter at Extreme MMA. In addition to a flourishing grappling and fighting career, his is also in the process of completing a Bachelor of Sience at Monash University.
Facebook: Daniel “The Manchild” Schuardt