Meet our coaches
"Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience. You need experience to gain wisdom" - Albert Einstein
We are proud to have assembled the strongest coaching team in the state.
Our coaches are leaders in their respective fields, but more importantly, they all passionate about helping each and every student reach their potential, exceed their expectations and grow through martial arts.
Steve Brown
Steve is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Judo, a former Australian Champion and Australian Team member.
He is South Australia's only ever Judo Olympian and was selected to represent Australia at 4 World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Later in his sporting career he moved his competitive focus to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). He has had 6 fights and is still an active competitor.
Steve has trained BJJ for 15 years and holds the rank of Brown Belt. He has practiced in Brazil, through Asia and Europe.
As a coach, he has been working both children and adults for over 15 years.
Amy Meyer
Amy began her martial arts journey at just 6 years old with the University of NSW Judo Club.
As an athlete, Amy has been selected to represent Australia at many international events. She has a decorated resume of competition results, highlighted with a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
As black belt in Judo, Amy has travelled the world improving her skills. She backs up her athletic and coaching career with proven methodology, utilising her Bachelor Degree in Excercise Sport Science with the University of Sydney.
Amy is passionate about sharing her knowledge with aspiring martial artists and is especially driven to inspire young females to set lofty goals and chase their dreams.
Tony Pokarier
With a martial arts career spanning across three decades, Tony has developed a wide range of skills from a number of influential coaches, across Australia. While predominately focussing on Muay Thai, his diversity expands to a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Zendokai and a Brown Belt in Krav Magazine, which have helped to create a well rounded coaching style.
Tony has real ring experience as a Muay Thai fighter, and has a drive as a coach to help everyone achieve their own goals - whether it be simply improving fitness through martial arts, or fighting for a belt in the ring. Tony is committed to sharing his passion of Muay Thai and seeing other grow through the art.
Pedro Silva Gonçalves
Professor Pedro began his martial arts journey at 9 years old in Pirapozinho, Sao Paolo Brazil, learning street Capoeira.
He started training Jiujitsu at 13 years old, where he is a black belt under Marcio Mendes.
Pedro is also no slouch on the feet, boasting a brown belt in Judo and he has an impressive competition resume in both grappling arts.
Pedro holds a degree in Chemistry and worked in Brazil as a network engineer for an internet service provider, before moving to Australia with his wife and son in 2022.
Whether you’re just starting out on your BJJ journey, or are a seasoned veteran, there is plenty to learn from Professor Pedro's encyclopaedia of knowledge.
Sean Hesketh
Sean began Judo at just five years old, following the footsteps of his father - a life long martial artist.
Sean has fantastic technical understand and awareness of how to best use the body to generate power. He holds the rank of Black Belt in Judo and blue belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu.
As a well rounded grappler, Sean has achieved medals in Judo, BJJ and no gi submission grappling tournaments.
Sean is a passionate coach who enjoys sharing his knowledge with students. He has an ability to teach complicated techniques in a way that is easy to understand and applicable for all levels.
Darren Camp
Darren first began training in 2013 with the South Australian Judo Academy, where he holds the rank of Brown Belt.
It was obvious from early on that Darren had the qualities required to make a great coach and when searching for a coach to work with our fundamentals program, Darren was a clear choice.
As an integral part of our coaching team, Darren ensures that members have a strong understanding of not just how to do a technique - but how and why it works.
Darren still actively trains himself and is currently working towards the final stages of his Black Belt grading. He epitomises a famous quote by the founder of Judo, Kano Jigoro -
"If there is effort, there is always accomplishment"
Josh Saxton
Josh started practising Judo in 2005 with the Lismore PCYC Judo club and currently holds the grade of Ik kyu (brown) since 2011.
Josh's most notable Judo achievements are being 2011 NSW young men's country champion and 2nd men's country championship, and in 2018 he was selected for the QLD State Team.
Josh is also a key figure with our Jiujitsu program, holding the rank of Purple Belt (under Professor James Hellyer), he has a grasp of both traditional and modern BJJ and is able to translate the key points in a way that it is understandable for all levels.
The key to Josh's success is "perseverance under pressure"; there is always a way to improve a position.