meet our coaches

Scott is one of the original founders of Training Grounds and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with a deep passion for Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, and MMA.

He’s a strong advocate for the ecological approach to coaching, creating dynamic, game-based training that’s centred on exploration, adaptability, and real-world application.

Scott believes martial arts should be both practical and enjoyable, helping people thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.

His greatest reward is seeing members grow in confidence and capability, and he’s deeply committed to building a strong, supportive community where everyone feels welcome and inspired to improve.

Jamie is our Head Boxing Coach and also brings years of experience in Muay Thai, MMA, and BJJ.

Inspired by Bruce Lee movies and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, his love for martial arts runs deep, and so does his passion for coaching.

Jamie’s all about helping students grow in both skill and confidence, and he finds real joy in watching people light up as they improve.

He values technique, style, and the power of using smarts over aggression.

Known for his calm energy and commitment to creating a welcoming space, Jamie is a big part of what makes the vibe at Training Grounds so special & since taking over as head coach, our boxing program is going from strength to strength.

Wayne is our dedicated Kids BJJ Coach, known for his thoughtful approach and genuine care for each child’s journey.

He’s passionate about the unique bonds formed on the mats and the endlessly evolving nature of Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline that challenges both mind and body.

Wayne’s training philosophy centres on patience, kindness, and being fully present; he treats every class like it’s the most important one he’ll ever teach.

What he loves most is passing on knowledge, nurturing growth, and celebrating the wins, big or small, alongside his students.

Jason is one of our dedicated Boxing Coaches, known for his calm presence and genuine connection with his students.

Originally drawn to boxing to build confidence and to learn to better handle confrontation, Jason went on to headline multiple boxing promotions during his career.

What motivates him most now is giving back. Sharing the knowledge passed down from his own coaches and watching students at Training Grounds grow and evolve.

For Jason, it’s the people that make boxing so special, the relationships, the support, and the sense of community that continues to shape him both inside and outside the ring.

Tristan is one of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling coaches, bringing sharp technique, good humour, and real passion to every class.

His love for BJJ was sparked after watching Aussie fighter George Sotiropoulos dominate at UFC 110 — a moment that lit the fire and pulled him deeper into the world of grappling.

With a handful of competition medals and years of experience on the mats, Tristan’s philosophy is simple: just show up. He’s driven by the progress he sees in his students. Those moments when something clicks and they pull off something they never thought they could.

Janise is our Women’s BJJ coach and Women’s Self-Defence instructor with a passion for empowering others through movement and mindset.

Originally inspired by her children’s journey in martial arts, she found herself drawn into the world of BJJ and never looked back.

With a background in dance and over two decades of teaching experience, Janise brings creativity, empathy, and energy to every class. Her philosophy? Be your own yardstick as progress is personal.

She loves helping people discover what their bodies are capable of and finds deep joy in supporting others as they grow in strength, skill, and self-belief.

Nathan is one of our Boxing and Muay Thai coaches whose journey into martial arts began at the end of a rugby season. Looking to stay active, he tried Muay Thai and BJJ and quickly found his passion.

Since joining Training Grounds, he's not only grown as a fighter but discovered his calling as a coach.

Nathan’s training philosophy centres on quality over quantity - sharpen your skills first, then build the intensity.

He’s driven by the positive impact martial arts has on people’s lives, from confidence and fitness to purpose and mindset.

For Nathan, the community at Training Grounds sets it apart as it’s a place where students and coaches genuinely support one another and lift each other up.

John J is one of our Muay Thai coaches, bringing a relaxed vibe, sweet tunes, sharp skills, and years of passion for martial arts to every session.

After years of watching the early UFC events, and wrapping up a rugby career, stepping into martial arts felt like a natural next move.

Johnny’s training philosophy is simple: show up, stay patient, and enjoy the process.

He loves helping people grow into the best version of themselves, both on and off the mats.

For Johnny, what makes Training Grounds so special is its inclusive energy - a gym that truly welcomes everyone, no matter their background or goals.

Dave Barlow brings decades of experience and a deep passion for Muay Thai to every session.

He began training in 1996 and has spent years honing his craft both in the UK, Australia and at the source, in Thailand itself where he immersed himself in the traditional roots and rhythm of the sport.

Dave has trained under two of the UK’s most respected Muay Thai masters, Master Sken and John Steele, whose influence helped shape his technical style and coaching philosophy.

Dave creates an environment where students of all levels can build confidence, sharpen their skills, and truly enjoy the art of Muay Thai.

Dane is one of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaches.

Inspired early on by Baki the Grappler, Dane was drawn to BJJ for its mix of physical challenge, mental clarity, and practical self-defence, a functional skillset he believes everyone should have.

A seasoned competitor with gold medals at Nationals, Abu Dhabi Pro, and multiple NSW Cups, Dane recently hit a major milestone: competing at black belt level, with more goals on the horizon. His training philosophy is simple: show up with intent, ask questions, and stay curious — whether you're refining movement patterns or testing out something wild you saw on Instagram.

What fuels Dane as a coach is seeing students fall in love with the process, especially when casual hobbyists turn into full-blown BJJ obsessives, always experimenting, evolving, and coming to class excited to learn.

He thrives in the Training Grounds community, where ego takes a back seat and training stays focused, fun, and functional.

The ecological approach? Right up his alley - no wasted time, just quality rolling, open dialogue, and growth…Beautiful.

Ethan started his BJJ journey right here at Training Grounds after being inspired by his dad, Craig, training at the original TG when he was just eight years old.

What started as a curious (and slightly amused) interest quickly turned into a lifelong passion once he stepped on the mats himself, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Now a key part of our Kids and Teens program, Ethan brings energy, relatability, and heart to every session.

His training philosophy centres on staying active, pushing personal boundaries, and finding purpose through growth, values he carries into both his own training and his coaching style.

Ethan loves seeing the kids improve week by week, but it’s the little moments that mean the most, the laughs, the friendships, and the pride when a young student confidently shows their parents a new move.

For Ethan, coaching isn’t just about teaching techniques, it’s about helping the next generation fall in love with the journey, just like he did.