We will teach our students excellence through the art of Jiu-jitsu. We will help them to build the strength and resilience to achieve their goals on and off the mats. We will always strive to be a world class team, competing around the world at the highest level. We will always foster a family-friendly environment that welcomes and nurtures anyone who wants to train Jiu-jitsu.
Head Coach
Richard Avery
Black Belt
Richard took up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2006 after 19 years of playing rugby and becoming interested in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Training under the legendary Roger Gracie (10x Black Belt World Champion) for five years, Richard earnt his Blue Belt in 2008 and Purple Belt from Roger in early 2011. Upon arrival in Australia in late 2012, Richard began training under Sydney Jiu Jitsu Head Professor Bruno Alves (2016 World Masters Champion and 2017 Abu Dhabi Pro World Champion) earning his Brown Belt in March 2014 and his Black Belt in December 2016.
Richard has trained in many academies all around the world ranging from New Zealand, UK, Poland, Argentina, Brazil and now Australia. He is delighted to be in Gladesville teaching the techniques that he has acquired through 15 years of training with the very best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the world.
Assistant Coach
Roxey Kelly
Purple Belt
Through training and competing in mixed martial arts (MMA), Roxey was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). She instantly enjoyed the challenge of BJJ and knew this was the sport she wanted to pursue. Since 2014, she has trained at Sydney Jiu Jitsu Academy. In 2019, as a blue belt, she was a national champion and bronze medallist at IBJJF World Masters Championship. Roxey was awarded her purple belt later that year from Head Professor Bruno Alves.
Since 2020, Roxey has trained at SJJA Gladesville under Professor Richard Avery. An active member, assistant coach and competitor, she believes this sport can be enjoyed at any age and at any level, from the social roller to the elite athlete. With mentoring from Professor Richard, Roxey has now introduced a Women’s Self Defence Program to Academy to provide alternate pathways for girls and women to experience the confidence that practicing martial arts can bring.
Assistant Coach
Alexander Poniris
Blue Belt
A lifelong Martial Artist, Alexander was first introduced to Tae Kwon Do at an early age. He has obtained a black belt in this discipline and has won numerous state and national competitions as well as having competed internationally.
Alexander has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for four years and is now a Senior Instructor at SJJA Gladesville. He competes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions regularly and is unbeaten in amateur MMA and kickboxing.
Alexander brings his unique background and experience to SJJA Gladesville and his dedication and commitment to his training is an enormous inspiration for all students.
FILL OUT THE FORM TO BOOK A FREE TRIAL
To help you make your mind up to see whether or not Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is right for you, we have a FREE TRIAL class for all levels. Please check our timetable and book in a session on us. See you soon.
