OUR COACHES
Nabil
CoachNabs as known by friends and team mates has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2008, quickly developing a deep passion for the sport. His dedication led him to compete at a high level, where he won multiple national titles and even tested his skills in MMA.
In 2019, Nabil was awarded his black belt by the legendary Leo Vieira, a testament to his skill and commitment. Today, he continues to train and share his expertise with others.
Known for his eye for detail and patience, Nabil is a great example of hard work and discipline, and his passion for coaching inspires athletes of all levels.
Kayte
CoachKayte has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2012 and is now a highly decorated BJJ athlete, having competed globally and earned medals at the highest levels of competition. Known for her aggressive style and exceptional wrestling, Kayte’s unique approach has resulted in a remarkable submission rate in competition.
Kayte is fortunate to be coached by none other than Michelle Nicolini, widely regarded as one of the greatest female BJJ athletes of all time.
In 2024, Michelle awarded Kayte her brown belt, and the two work closely to ensure that women’s BJJ continues to grow and thrive in Australia.
Kayte serves as the head coach of the children's team, where she passes on her wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of BJJ practitioners.
Pedro
CoachPedro began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2009 and quickly fell in love with the sport, developing an undeniable addiction for it.
Known for his dynamic and acrobatic style, Pedro earned the nickname "Popcorn" due to his ability to cartwheel and bounce over opponents' guards with ease.
A quiet individual by nature, Pedro lets his skill set speak for itself on the mats.
In 2024, Pedro earned his black belt from the legendary Leo Vieira, a testament to his dedication and mastery of the art.
His coaching style is as unique as his BJJ approach, combining technical precision with a creative, fluid flow that has proven to be an invaluable asset to the team.
Marcelo
CoachMarcelo, now 24, is the young gun of the team, starting his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 12. By the time he was 20, he had already earned his black belt under Thiago Abreu, also known as Baiano.
Marcelo is a fierce competitor, having travelled the world to chase his goals and dreams while winning competitions at the highest levels.
His long list of accomplishments continues to grow, and a quick search of his name will leave you eager to watch him compete live or train with him personally.
Now, Marcelo is relocating to Australia full-time, where he will coach and compete alongside the team, bringing his experience and expertise to elevate the students to be the best they can be on and off the mats.
Bjorn
Assistant CoachBjorn is a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and accomplished amateur MMA fighter with over a decade of experience in combat sports.
A proud member of Checkmat throughout his entire career, he has earned multiple gold medals at state, national, and Pan-Pacific BJJ championships, showcasing elite skill and dedication.
Transitioning into MMA, Bjorn built an impressive record that led him to capture the amateur lightweight title at path to hex. Known for his relentless work ethic and technical precision, he continues to push the limits of his performance both on the mats and in the cage.
Jabez
Athlete & Assistant Kids CoachJabez is a rising star of the team and a dedicated assistant coach for the Checkmat kids team. Known for his powerhouse strength and razor-sharp technique, he brings both intensity and precision to every training session.
A proud Checkmat member since the age of 8, Jabez has racked up impressive wins at major national competitions, establishing himself as a serious talent to watch.
With his sights set on the big stage and a transition to MMA on the horizon, Jabez’s future is bright—and he's just getting started.
Sami
Freestyle Wrestling coachSami is a fierce young competitor carrying on a powerful legacy as the son of freestyle wrestling world champion Mahdi Sarijloo. Following closely in his father's footsteps, Sami has already made his mark with state and Australian titles in freestyle wrestling—and he’s only just getting started!
With a relentless drive and a champion’s pedigree, Sami is now preparing to make his debut on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene, where he's sure to turn heads. But make no mistake—wrestling remains at the heart of his journey. Sami is coming for every podium, every division, and every medal.
Brayden
Beginners Class CoachBrayden is an exciting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete with a bright future and a growing collection of gold medals from competitions across Australia.
A regular face on the Fusion FC Shows, Brayden is known for delivering thrilling performances every time he steps on the mat—win, lose, or draw, you know he’s coming to fight! His passion, dedication, and relentless drive set him apart, both as a competitor and as a coach.
As the instructor of the beginners class, Brayden passes on his strong technical skills along with the values of discipline and perseverance.
Whether you're new to BJJ or looking for fresh motivation, we highly recommend stepping into one of Brayden’s classes—you’ll quickly see why his journey is one to follow.
