Jiu-Jitsu

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, self-defence system and combat sport which uses grappling and positional control to gain a dominant position over the opponent which leads to a submission hold.

It is founded on the concept that a smaller, weaker person can control and defend themselves against a stronger, heavier opponent. Developing these principles in practice, the practitioner aims to develop a core understanding of the positional hierarchy and how to control their own movement as well as their opponents which leads to a submission hold.

Live training or “rolling” plays a major role in developing the practitioners effectiveness and their own game, which makes it a highly effective method for promoting physical fitness, self-confidence and character.

How can it help you?

Everyone is unique in their stature, learning ability and physical characteristics and BJJ provides a broad scope of techniques, concepts and movements that each individual adopts only that which is effective for them. We have a structured training schedule that allows for individual development supported by a strong fundamentals program.

Common benefits of training include:

• Increased cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength

• Increased flexibility, balance and coordination

• Confidence, weight loss and self-defence

• Social connection and community engagement

Who is Jean Jacques Machado?

One of the pioneers of the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one of its greatest champions, Jean Jacques Machado is one of five brothers of the world-renown Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu family.

Jean Jacque began his BJJ training over 40 years ago, dominating the competitive BJJ circuit capturing every major title from 1982 to 1992 in his native country Brazil. Upon arriving in the United States he gained worldwide recognition after his performance at the 1999 Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Submission Wrestling Championships. Today, he teaches full time at both his Tarzana (H.Q.) & Malibu academies in Los Angeles, CA.

To learn more about Jean Jacque and our affiliation, click here.

BJJ Black Belt - director and senior coach

Ben began his BJJ training in 2009 and currently holds the rank of black belt under coach Stewart Moulden and Jean Jacques Machado. During this time Ben has also developed freestyle wrestling and submission grappling experience with numerous trips overseas to the US, Canada and Thailand.

Ben coaches all classes during the week including the kids program. His aim is to continue to build a strong and increasingly technical Jiu-Jitsu program over the foundations of a welcoming and enjoyable team culture.
Ben is also a physiotherapist and is the owner and managing director of Evolution Physiotherapy and Performance in Ivanhoe.

Experience:
• 15 years BJJ
• Freestyle wrestling and submission grappling
• Amateur boxing, KyoKushin Karate, Muay Thai
• Competition experience freestyle wrestling Australia Cup, Australian nationals.
• BJJ Pan Pacific, Melbourne Open and Australian national competitor.

BJJ purple Belt - assistant coach - kids coach

Costa has been heavily invested in the martial arts since 2016, initially beginning with Aikido, he soon discovered a passion for all the grappling arts and especially the ground game of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

With the addition of Judo, he continues to study and train intensely in an effort to blend the arts and become a well rounded martial artist and grappler.

Costa takes Tuesday and Thursdays 12pm all levels Gi class, is well respected in the club and has a passion for sharing his Jiu-Jitsu knowledge.

Professionally, Costa is a musician and teaches bass guitar.

Experience:

• 6 years BJJ

• Aikido Black Belt

• Local and state Jiu-Jitsu competition

Hrishi Pendse

BJJ Blue Belt - assistant coach - competition coach - Judo coach

Hrishi has always been fascinated by the martial arts, for its strong emphasis on mind, body and soul. Hrishi is a blue belt in Jiu Jitsu and a black belt in Judo.

Hrishi took a “short” detour in his martial arts journey and became a professional rugby union player for over a decade in India, NZ and Japan. Hrishi is formerly the captain of India’s national rugby union team and played for the Mitsubishi Dynaboars and Suntory Sungoliath in the Japan Top League.

Hrishi has maintained a strong commitment to the martial arts throughout his playing career and following his retirement now focuses on his continued progression in Jiu Jitsu and Judo. He brings a wealth of high performance sport experience to JJM Melbourne’s competition team and his fun loving nature lifts the energy in the training room.

Hrishi now works as a Consultant in the CBD and teaches Judo to kids and adults.

Experience:

• 20 years Martial arts

• Blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu

• Local and state Jiu-Jitsu competition

• Black belt in Judo – 1st Dan

• 10 years Professional Rugby Union Player