Sensei Bernardo "Trekko" Magalhaes

Our main coach is Bernardo Trekko who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Vinicius Aieta (head coach of Gracie Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) since 2004.

He has been training Jiu-Jitsu on a daily basis for over 19 years. Bernardo also lives the Jiu-Jitsu life style bringing to his life all the benefits that Jiu-Jitsu can offer, such as calm and happiness, confidence, hard work, perseverance, etc.

Bernardo started training Jiu-Jitsu when he was 14 years old. 3 years after that he got the first place in the podium in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He continued to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to improve his skills in Rio de Janeiro until April 2008.
Bernardo came to Australia in 2008. He is very proud to acquire his Australian Citizenship through Jiu-Jitsu. Bernardo lodged the Distinguished Talent Visa whereby Department of Immigration recognized his prominent and outstanding skills in this sport.

In addition, Bernardo has a Bachelor of Physical Education in Brazil and is fully qualified to teach and coach everyone.

Decades of hard training, various titles and a professional fighting career qualify him as a top coach in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. He is passionate about the sport and is more than happy to answer any question that you may have.

Everybody can learn and enjoy training at the Life BJJ. Men, women and children alike, regardless of fitness level and size, all are welcome at our gym.

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Our Coaches

Coach Lucas

Black Belt

​In 2022, our Life BJJ family welcomed Lucas into our team. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt athlete from Arcos, Minas Gerais. With a passion for Jiu-Jitsu, Lucas began his journey at the young age of 11 in 2010. Despite training in his hometown, Lucas always sought to improve his skills by training in other academies around the world, as his small town lacked the resources to provide him with the training he desired.
Lucas has competed in various countries, including Argentina, France, Italy, Qatar, and most recently, Australia. Since joining Life BJJ, Lucas has continued his competitive success, participating in more than 5 major events, including the Australian Nationals, MMA Wollongong Wars, Oceanic, and NSW State Championships. Lucas is not only a talented athlete but also a referee in many Jiu-Jitsu competitions. Although he has practiced other martial arts like karate and Muay Thai in the past, Jiu-Jitsu has always held a special place in Lucas's heart.
Lucas has fought in many championships, including the European Jiu-Jitsu in Rome, where he achieved a remarkable 2nd place. He was also crowned the Argentine Champion and achieved 3rd place in the Brazilian Championship. Lucas is dedicated to continuing his growth as an athlete, and with his talent and determination, he knows that the sky is the limit.
At our Taren Point and Fairy Meadow locations, he coaches all age groups, including females, males, and children, in both Gi and NoGi. Additionally, he provides private classes to any students in the academies. Lucas is a valuable addition to our Life BJJ team, and his infectious passion for Jiu-Jitsu is matched by his knowledge of modern strategies for the sport.

Coach James

Black Belt

James joined the Life BJJ team in 2015, bringing with him an impressive 17 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His unwavering dedication to the sport, which began in 1998, paid off when he was awarded his Black Belt by Sensei Bernardo Magalhaes in December 2021. With his extensive experience and technical proficiency, James is a highly valuable member of our Life BJJ community, earning the respect of his peers and students of all levels.
With a career spanning several decades in martial arts, James has honed his skills in a wide range of disciplines. He began his journey at the age of 8 and has since accumulated years of experience in boxing, Aikido, Washidokan Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kali, MMA, and Muay Thai. He has trained both locally and internationally, including in the UK, Spain, and America. James began competing in BJJ in Australia in 1998 and has since competed in various competitions, including the Pan Pacs, Nationals, NSW States, and QLD States.
In addition to his martial arts career, James has worked as a fitness personal trainer for 19 years and managed an MMA gym for 3.5 years. James's dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his extensive experience in martial arts make him a true martial artist and an inspiration to those who train with him. Whether he is competing, coaching, mentoring, or sharing his love for the sport, James is a valuable asset to our Life BJJ community and a great resource for anyone looking to improve their grappling skills.
At our Taren Point location, James is a versatile coach who leads Adults Gi and No-Gi classes throughout the week, in addition to instructing dedicated MMA classes on Monday evenings. With a focus on technique, strategy, and conditioning, James's classes are a challenging and rewarding experience for those looking to improve their grappling skills to the next level or just starting out. 

Sifu Mick

Black Belt

Sifu Mick Spinks is a legendary figure in the world of full contact martial arts fighting in Australia. With a strong foundation in the traditional Jin Wu Koon Kung Fu style, Mick rose to fame as an undefeated champion in full contact martial arts and kickboxing. As a coach, Mick's talents shone through as he led his students to multiple Australian, Commonwealth, and world titles, with some even competing in K-1 and UFC events.
Throughout his coaching career, Mick never stopped learning and continued to expand his knowledge and skills. At the age of 63, he earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in December 2013, a testament to his dedication and passion for martial arts. Despite his success in other disciplines, Mick remains committed to his traditional roots in Jin Wu Koon Kung Fu and continues to pursue his journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mick's martial arts journey has been long and illustrious, and he is grateful for the opportunity to continue his journey at Life BJJ Academy Taren Point under the guidance of Sensei Bernado Magalhaes. Mick's passion for martial arts and his commitment to self-improvement serve as an inspiration to all who know him, and his legacy as a pioneer of full contact martial arts in Australia will live on for generations to come.
At our Taren Point location, Mick is a multi-disciplinary coach who offers Adult Gi classes in addition to Kung Fu. His passion for martial arts and experience as an undefeated full-contact champion and coach make him a valuable member of our team. Whether you're looking to improve skills or deepen your understanding of traditional martial arts, Mick's classes are sure to challenge and inspire you.

Coach Joe

Black Belt

Since joining our Life BJJ team in 2010, Joe has become an integral part of the community. His dedication and hard work were evident when he received his blue belt from Sensei Bernardo Magalhaes in 2013, and he has continued to strive for excellence ever since. In 2022, Joe's efforts paid off when he was awarded his black belt, a significant achievement in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
Joe's commitment to the sport is unwavering, and he spent several years living in Singapore, where he had the opportunity to train with multiple coaches from GFTeam. This experience has allowed him to develop a diverse skill set and a unique perspective on the sport.
Regardless of your experience level, Joe is always willing to share his love of Jiu-Jitsu and help you enhance your skills. With his vast knowledge, remarkable skills, and enthusiastic attitude, Joe is a valuable asset to our Life BJJ team and an excellent resource for anyone looking to develop their abilities.
At the Fairy Meadow location, Joe serves as a dedicated coach, leading classes on Wednesday evenings and hosting open mats on Saturday mornings. His technical expertise and ability to apply effective strategies on the mats have made him a well-known figure among the students. Joe's passion for Jiu-Jitsu is apparent in his teaching, and he takes pride in helping students of all levels improve their skills and achieve their goals.

Coach Shane

Black Belt

Shane has been a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 15 years, a testament to his dedication and passion for martial arts. His journey in martial arts began early in life, having received his Black Belt in Karate as a teenager. Over the years, Shane has pursued an impressive range of martial arts training, including knife fighting from Spetsnaz specialists, Sakarang Arbus stick and sword fighting, Dutch Kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
As an experienced martial artist, Shane has developed a deep understanding of the discipline and its benefits, including self-discipline, focus, and physical fitness. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise with his students, helping them grow and develop in their own martial arts journeys.
At our Fairy Meadow location, Shane brings his extensive experience and skills to coach Adult No-Gi classes on Tuesday nights. With his extensive knowledge and skills in grappling, Shane emphasises technique, strategy, and physical conditioning to motivate and inspire his students to challenge themselves and improve their skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Shane's classes provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment that caters to all skill levels.

Coach Blake

Black Belt

Blake is a highly accomplished martial artist who has been dedicated to the practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 18 years. He began his training at Life BJJ in 2005, and quickly made impressive progress, immersing himself in the practice and striving to improve with each class. Under the guidance of Sensei Bernardo Magalhaes, Blake was awarded his black belt in 2015, and has since gone on to earn his 1st Dan in 2021.
Blake's dedication and hard work have been evident throughout his martial arts journey. He has competed in numerous competitions between white and brown belt, consistently winning most of his matches. In addition to his training at Life BJJ, Blake has also travelled to Europe, Brazil, and the USA to train at other Dojos, expanding his knowledge and skills in the practice of Jiu Jitsu.
Blake's passion for combat sports extends beyond his dedication to Jiu Jitsu. He has also trained in MMA, wrestling, and kickboxing, and has a love for all forms of martial arts. As a young adult, Blake played football, which instilled in him a sense of discipline and commitment that has served him well in his martial arts training.
Blake's dedication to the practice of Jiu Jitsu and his love of all combat sports make him a valuable member of our Life BJJ community. His commitment to self-improvement and his willingness to take on new challenges serve as an inspiration to those around him.
At our Taren Point location, Blake is a highly skilled and experienced coach who specialises in Gi training for adult students of all levels. With a focus on technical precision and individualised instruction, Blake's classes are designed to help students develop their Jiu Jitsu skills, improve their physical fitness, and gain confidence in their abilities. Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced practitioner, Blake's expertise and guidance can help take your training to the next level.

Coach Ivan

Black Belt

Ivan will be coaching at our new Coffs Harbour location. More details to follow soon.

Coach Vince

Brown Belt

Vince is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt who has dedicated over a decade to the sport. He began his journey in 2009 at Life BJJ and has since become a well-respected and accomplished member of the BJJ community. Vince's passion for the art of Jiu Jitsu and his natural talent have propelled him to success, as evidenced by his many competitions wins throughout Australia.
Under the tutelage of Sensei Bernardo Magalhaes, Vince received his brown belt in 2021, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Vince's journey to achieving his brown belt was not an easy one, but he persevered through numerous challenges and obstacles to achieve this impressive accomplishment. His unwavering commitment to the sport is evident in the way he continues to hone his craft and improve his skills.
As an athlete, Vince has competed and won in many competitions across Australia, starting from his white belt to his purple belt. His dedication to the sport has made him a force to be reckoned with on the mat. In addition to his proficiency in Jiu Jitsu, Vince also has experience in wrestling, making him a well-rounded athlete with a diverse skill set.

As a coach at our Taren Point location, Vince is known for his unique teaching style and ability to inspire others. He shares his knowledge and skills with students of all ages and genders. His students appreciate his patient and compassionate approach to teaching, and he has helped many of them achieve their own successes in the sport. Vince's dedication to sharing his passion for Jiu-Jitsu with others is a testament to his commitment to the sport and his desire to see it grow.

Coach Brendan

Brown Belt

Brendan is a highly skilled and accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who has dedicated the past decade of his life to the sport. Since starting his BJJ journey in 2012, he has taken part in a variety of competitions, ranging from local events to prestigious state, national, and international Pan Pacs tournaments.
With years of training and experience under his belt, Brendan has become a formidable force on the mat, having earned the rank of brown belt in BJJ. He is known for his technical proficiency and unwavering dedication to the sport, and he is always seeking ways to improve and challenge himself.
Brendan has travelled around the world training with a variety of Jiu Jitsu dojos. Not only is Brendan a skilled practitioner, but he is also known for his sportsmanship and humility. He is dedicated to the BJJ community, sharing his knowledge and experience with others, and serving as an inspiration to those around him. His passion for the sport is contagious, making him a true ambassador of BJJ.
At our Taren Point location Brendan imparts his expertise in NoGi classes. Whether you're a novice or an advanced practitioner, Brendan shares his knowledge and skills with all students, helping them refine their techniques and reach their full potential.

Coach Peter

Purple Belt

Peter has been training at Life BJJ in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2015 and was awarded his Purple Belt by Sensei Bernardo Magalhaes in December 2020. His martial arts journey began with wrestling, and he has an impressive career in Olympic freestyle wrestling, having trained for 20 years. Peter has won multiple Australian championships in the School Boy and Junior categories, represented Australia in numerous World titles and cups, and held the Oceanic Championship title.
For Peter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a space where he can clear his mind and focus on the present, while also enjoying the fitness benefits and camaraderie that come with the classes. His dedication to martial arts and wrestling has helped him develop a strong sense of discipline.
At our Taren Point location, Peter coaches Kid classes on Tuesday's, instilling his passion for martial arts in the next generation. He also coaches Adult Wrestling Classes on Wednesday nights. With a keen eye for detail and a focus on proper technique and positioning, Peter is dedicated to helping each of his students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Coach Claire

Purple Belt

Claire has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Life BJJ since 2015 and, after years of hard work, achieved her Purple Belt from Sensei Bernardo Magalhaes in December 2021.
Claire started her martial arts journey more than three decades ago, in 1989, with a focus on Tae Kwon Do. She dedicated seven years to the practice, and in 1996, she achieved the milestone of earning her Black tip.
Throughout her Jiu-Jitsu journey, Claire has actively taken part in different Gi and NoGi competitions, including the Australian Nationals, NSW State, QLD State, Sydney Cup, Autumn Cup, and other local events. She has competed at all belt levels, from White to Purple, with her most significant victories being the QLD and NSW state titles as a Blue Belt. Claire’s dedication and accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu serve as an inspiration to others, motivating them to follow their passion for this sport.
Claire is an enthusiastic Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who firmly believes in the numerous benefits that this sport has to offer. For her, Jiu-Jitsu represents a way to challenge oneself both physically and mentally, foster discipline, learn self-defence, have fun, develop problem-solving abilities, and boost confidence. Claire is a dedicated mother and recent grandmother who loves to share her love and knowledge of this gentle art with others.
At our Taren Point location, Claire is an experienced coach who supports female and adult Gi classes, sharing her extensive knowledge and expertise in Jiu Jitsu with students of all levels. With a supportive and challenging teaching style, Claire helps students improve their skills and achieve their goals.

Coach Pietro

Blue Belt

Pietro is a dedicated martial artist who has been training in various disciplines for over a decade. He started Jiu Jitsu at Life BJJ in September 2019, quickly immersing himself in the practice and making steady progress as a blue belt.
Prior to this, Pietro started his martial arts journey with Judo in 2005, under the tutelage of Sensei Ragmar and Sandro. He worked his way up the ranks, ultimately earning his black belt in Judo, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Pietro is also an experienced Judo competitor, having represented his skills in Uruguay in 2017. He has trained at Judo Matsu with Oren Janiv, further expanding his knowledge and skills in the discipline. Pietro's unwavering passion for martial arts and his commitment to self-improvement are the driving forces behind his Jiu Jitsu training.
Pietro's dedication to martial arts is evident in his focused approach to training and his eagerness to tackle new challenges. His years of experience in Judo have provided him with a strong foundation in martial arts, and he is continuously seeking opportunities to improve his knowledge and skills. He is a respected member of our Life BJJ community, and his commitment to Jiu Jitsu serves as an inspiration to his peers.
At our Taren Point and Fairy Meadow location, Pietro coaches both Gi and NoGi classes to adults and children. His classes are tailored to suit all levels of experience, and he is dedicated to helping his students improve their skills and achieve their goals.

Coach Zane

Blue Belt

Meet Zane, a highly accomplished martial artist with a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With over a decade of training in various disciplines including karate, boxing, wrestling, and MMA, Zane has honed his skills and achieved numerous accolades. In 2022, he claimed the national championship titles for both Gi and NoGi BJJ, as well as in Sambo.
Zane's martial arts career extends beyond BJJ. He attained a Junior black belt in karate, was a four-time NSW state kumite champion, and represented the NSW karate team from 2015 to 2017. He also showcased his talents in an exhibition boxing match and had his first amateur MMA fight after receiving a junior scholarship with Freestyle fighting club, which he won.
As a coach at Life BJJ, Zane is determined to inspire and guide the next generation of BJJ students. His ultimate goal is to develop a youth competition team, where he can impart his knowledge and expertise to young athletes seeking to follow in his footsteps.
At our Taren Point location, Zane coaches kids classes on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, sharing his love and knowledge with the younger generation. Zane is able to connect with the children and tailor each class to best suit the individuals on the day allowing each student to grow and build their knowledge and love of this sport.

Coach Sara

Blue Belt

Sara embarked on her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2020 and earned her Blue Belt from Sensei Bernardo Magalhaes in December 2021. Her interest in martial arts dates back to her teenage years when she and her younger brother trained in Boxing at their local PCYC. However, it was not until she enrolled her two children in Life BJJ and witnessed the physical and mental benefits they derived from it that she discovered Jiu-Jitsu. After watching her children for a few months, Sara decided to give it a try herself, and since then, she has been hooked.
For Sara, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a means to work on herself and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life as a mother and university student, while also acquiring self-defence skills. She has witnessed significant improvements in her physical and mental well-being since starting her Jiu-Jitsu journey, and she is committed to sharing this newfound passion with younger generations and women who want to learn the "gentle art."
At our Taren Point location, Sara coaches all Little Worriers classes and Thursday Kids Boxing, using her expertise to instil discipline, self-confidence, and valuable life skills in her students.

Visit Us in Taren Point, Sydney

​FREE INTRODUCTION CLASS

We offer a FREE introduction class designed to give those who have never experienced martial arts a taste of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), our facilities, and all that is Life BJJ Australia.

​Those who have previously trained in the gentle art of BJJ are also welcome to find out more about Life BJJ Australia.

This class is the beginning of every martial artists' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, be they serious or casual.
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At Life BJJ Australia, we believe it’s of the utmost importance that you challenge yourself by being confronted with the signature Life BJJ methodologies first-hand. And come to realise why those who are students of BJJ are so passionate about it. 

At the end of the session, a team member will recommend a membership options and programs that we feel would be best suited to your needs.
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Please note: the introduction classes are by appointment only - fill out the form to the right.

If you are unable to attend the times as listed, call us at 0404 544 509.

CONTACT US
For more information & general inquiries, fill out the form below and a team member will contact you.