So you’ve been hearing a lot about Jiu Jitsu lately and everyone is telling you to give it a go – but what even is it?
Jiu jitsu is a martial art, but unlike other martials arts such as karate, there’s no kicking or punching.
Jiu jitsu is all about leverage and technique – making it a highly effective form of self-defence for people of all sizes and physical abilities. It focuses on using techniques that let you control and submit your opponent.
Unlike other martial arts where you might practice on bags or dummies, jiu jitsu involves hands-on training with live partners.
By practicing with partners, we train our bodies and minds to react instinctively, committing essential techniques to muscle memory.
This means in a real-life situation, we can respond automatically.
Training Jiu Jitsu is not just about learning self-defence, it is for anyone looking to have a blast, increase their fitness, build strength and endurance all while learning an exciting new skill!
Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and as with any sport there is always the risk of injury. Our training area has a sub-floor for shock absorption and joint protection to promote longevity of training.
Our classes are well supervised and all of our coaches are experienced in stepping in when necessary to prevent incident.
Students are required to adhere to our code of conduct and are taught to respect everyone’s reason and right to be on the mats.
We take pride in fostering a supportive and safe learning environment for our students and welcome a call to discuss how we can further support you on your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Our space is ego-free and fosters a nurturing learning environment. We are a family friendly school and inclusive of all.
Professor David Moreira heads up our team of talented coaching staff who create a fun and inclusive atmosphere for all levels of learning,
With over 30 years’ experience and athletic accomplishments including but not limited to Brazilian Champion, South American Champion, Australian Champion and two times Worlds Finalist, Prof. David’s Jiu Jitsu is first-class.
Not only is he a skilled practitioner but his coaching ability is much-admired with a strength in easily connecting with and teaching students of all ages and abilities. Through personal experience Prof. David holds the strong belief that everything you learn on the mat will be positively transferred to any area of life.
As one of the most detail oriented professors, Prof. David is well known in the region for his incredible knowledge and ability to instruct with ease for simplicity of learning.
Prof. Zareena is a black belt who has been happily training and playing with Jiu Jitsu since 2008. She received her black belt under Anthony Lange in Sydney in 2017 before moving to the Northern Rivers and joining our team at Portal in 2020.
We are so fortunate to have her with us! Prof. Zareena has consistently competed locally throughout her Jiu Jitsu journey and additionally competed several times at the Worlds Masters Competition in Las Vegas.
She is a martial artist at heart and has trained and competed in Kung Fu, Muay Thai, and MMA. Being one of Australia’s Female Blackbelts, Prof. Zareena is passionate about growing a strong female team that is competitive and supportive.
Prof. Zareena also has a passion for supporting the BJJ lifespan and growth of the older practitioner. Prof. Zareena believes that BJJ is a great tool to satisfy the human need to play that most adults lack in today’s society.
Mark started training Jiu Jitsu in 2012 and loved it instantly – “it was human chess with exercise thrown in!” Mark went on to compete at every belt level and throughout his journey has been lucky enough to meet and learn from some of the Jiu Jitsu and MMA icons.
Now a Coach, Mark’s favourite part of teaching is seeing the parent who initially brought their kids along suddenly realise it’s never too late to start and jump in and start doing the adults class with the same level of enthusiasm the kids have.
Mark likes to teach Jiu Jitsu that not only has real life application but works for all age groups. His approach to teaching is to demonstrate that Jiu Jitsu is not dependent on an elite level of flexibility, fitness or athletic ability and he enjoys helping people develop a style that works for them.
Most of all Mark likes to see people at the end of class grinning from ear to ear.
Dominic has been a student of Prof. David since 2016. Currently at a brown belt level, Dominic believes Jiu Jitsu is a fantastic way to develop one’s self-confidence.
With a background in Health Science, Dominic’s teachings are greatly influenced by his passion for health and well-being. Dominic ensures a relaxed, enjoyable, learning environment for his students, and supports students of all ages and abilities. He is encouraging of anyone new to give it a go.
A Coach for both the Kids and Adults Program, Wade is a true Jiu Jitsu enthusiast! Training since 2018, he was quick to excel in sport Jiu Jitsu, taking Gold at several local and state competitions before gravitating to the role of Coach. Always on the mat, Wade is just as passionate about teaching as he is training.
Wade connects easily with students of all ages and is a huge advocate for the positive effects Jiu Jitsu has on the developing young mind. He enjoys supporting new students as they start their Jiu Jitsu journey as well as encouraging those who have competition as a goal.
Dan was introduced to Jiu Jitsu in 2005 and then after some time off returned again in 2016 and has been dedicated ever since.
Dan’s coaching approach combines modern concepts and practices with traditional Jiu Jitsu fundamentals. He teaches a simple, effective method of grappling, applicable to all skill levels and body types. Dan is a strong proponent of knowing the “why” behind effective grappling techniques and endeavours to pass this knowledge onto his students.
Off the mats, Dan is a qualified Osteopath and Strength and Conditioning Coach with extensive experience in all aspects of physical conditioning.
One of our Kids Coaches, Joey is recognised for his patient and understanding approach when teaching kids.
Joey loves seeing students learn and build confidence as he himself has done throughout his Jiu Jitsu journey. An extremely humble Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Joey is not only a technically skilled player, but he is highly perceptive to his students’ needs.
Joey’s approach to teaching is to gauge the students’ level of skill and tailor teachings accordingly – all while keeping it fun!
Amber has consistently been training Jiu Jitsu since 2020. Always on the mats and supporting new students; it wasn’t long for Amber to naturally gravitate to a role with us at the admin desk where she has continued to help others.
Amber enjoys getting to know new students and their families – she encourages them as they take their first step on their Jiu Jitsu journeys. Amber is an advocate for the benefits of training Jiu Jitsu noting to have experienced an overall improvement in her own health and fitness as well as greater confidence and self-love since starting training.
Amber has quickly excelled in sport Jiu Jitsu, taking Gold at local, State and National competitions. Amber’s goals include to keep learning and training as well as to continue testing herself in competition.
With a background in Psychology, Holly is a huge advocate for the mental health benefits of Jiu Jitsu. She has seen first-hand gains made in confidence, self-esteem, focus as well as reduced stress of those who train.
Always working behind the scenes; Holly aspires to create an inclusive and family friendly culture. She enjoys supporting new students as they’re welcomed to the Portal Family and seeing people reach their goals.
Holly welcomes a call to discuss any individual’s learning needs and collaborate on how we can best support a student. As a blue belt herself, Holly is an avid admirer of the gentle art and aims to continue to progress in her own Jiu Jitsu journey alongside other students.
We are a Jiu Jitsu school with each of our programs following a set curriculum with testing requirements to progress in rank. Our goal is for our students to develop a well-rounded game and a solid understanding of the Jiu Jitsu concepts.
Our approach to teaching is to instruct on the principles of Jiu Jitsu so students understand the ‘why’ – as opposed to just memorising a variety of techniques. We are deeply invested in the progression of each student and our biggest reward is seeing our students achieve their goals.
Our sense of community and being family friendly is really what sets us apart – we are not just another fitness class you turn up to, workout, and then leave with little more than a ‘hello’. Parents will often sign their kids up and before long they’re jumping on the mats eager to join in as well. We train together and love to catch up off the mats too – whether that’s a post training coffee or a camping weekend away- we love our jiu jitsu family!
Acknowledgement of Country
With deep respect and gratitude, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate, the Bundjalung people. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging, for their enduring connection to this sacred land and their wisdom passed down through generations.
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