Gracie Oceania Instructors

Mario Sergio Yokoyama, Head Instructor (Brazil / Australia)

Regarded internationally as leading competitor in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, Mario Yokoyama is known for his training methods, technical knowledge and attention to detail. Trained since childhood in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mario moved to Sydney in 2004 where he now lives with his Australian wife and daughters. A Judo black belt, and BJJ black belt under the late Ryan Gracie, Mario is responsible for the development of the Gracie Oceania curriculum and instructor training program.

Rafael 'Gordinho' Correa de Lima, Mentor Instructor (Brazil / Singapore)

Co-leader of Asia's premier MMA gym, Evolve MMA, Gordinho is a multiple time World Champion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and is responsible for the Renzo Gracie Curriculum at Evolve MMA in Singapore and Brazil. Lending his expertise to Gracie Oceania, Gordinho visits Sydney annually to mentor our students and instructors.

Celso 'Celsinho' Venicius, Mentor Instructor (Brazil)

Head coach of the Ryan Gracie Team Brazil, Celsinho is a multiple-time World Champion black belt under Roberto 'Gordo' Correa de Lima. Celsinho made his mark at BJJ competition as a teenager and continues to be regarded amongst the elite lightweight competitiors today. As a mentor instructor at Gracie Oceania, Celsinho supports our instructors and international competitors.

Stuart Marks, Principal Instructor (New Zealand)

As a partner and Principal Instructor at Oceania Fitness Solutions in Dunedin, New Zealand, Stuart was the first Gracie Oceania student to be graded all the way from white to black belt under Head Instructor Mario Yokoyama. A passionate and technical instructor, Stuart often travels to Australia to keep up-to-date with the Gracie Oceania curriculum and team news.

Joao Kauvauti, Senior Instructor (Brazil / Japan)

A seasoned competitor, Joao moved to Japan as a blue belt from his native Brazil. One of Mario Yokoyama's original students, Joao trained at the original Gracie Oceania in Nagoya, Japan and was awarded his black belt in 2009. Joao's leadership and ability as an instructor is reflected in the success of his students at Gracie Oceania Japan.

Roberto 'Betinho' Yokoyama, Senior Instructor (Brazil / Japan)

Moving to Japan from his home in Brazil, Betinho started his training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the original Gracie Oceania in Nagoya. The cousin of Head Instructor, Mario Yokoyama, Betinho is considered one of Japan's top competitiors and currently teaches at Gracie Oceania in Aichi-ken, Japan.

Phil Lindsay, Senior Instructor (New Zealand)

An experienced and successful MMA and BJJ competitior, Phil is a partner and Senior Instructor at Oceania Fitness Solutions in Dunedin, New Zealand. As an instructor, Phil regularly travels to Australia to update his skills and knowledge under Mario Yokoyama, can often be found coaching and leading his students by example at national and international competitions.

Fabio Aquio, Senior Instructor (Japan)

Bio coming soon.

Moodi Dennaoui, Instructor (Australia)

Moodi is a nutritionist and elite fitness consultant fast becoming one of the most trusted and sought after health and fitness professionals. He has trained athletes such as Anthony Mundine, Billy Dib, Lauren Eagle, and John Steffenson whilst also featuring as the "Diet Doctor" in Men's Health November 2012 issue. Moodi has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Mario Yokoyama for a number of years and has the unique ability to pair and tailor his nutrition and fitness expertise with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Hope Douglass, Instructor (Australia)

Bio coming soon.

Nabil 'Bill' Sfeir, Instructor (Australia)

Billy's friendly personality is clearly evident in the adults and children's classes he teaches at our Marrickville, North Sydney and Sweatbox Rozelle locations. A local, and long time student of Gracie Oceania, Billy adds a sense of humour and personal touch to his technical knowledge making him a popular instructor amongst new students of Jiu Jitsu.

Dave King, Instructor (Australia)

One of Mario Yokoyama's first Australian students, Dave is a seasoned BJJ and MMA competitor and can be found leading our early morning classes at Marrickville HQ. Known for his all-around fitness, Dave motivates his students to be technically sound and physically fit, and can often be found leading conditioning sessions for Gracie Oceania students.

Clive Girdham, Instructor (Australia)

A veteran of the Australian Martial Arts community, Clive started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Mario Yokoyama after pioneering the country's reality-based self defence scene and earning his black belt in Judo. As an instructor at Marrickville, North Sydney and SweatBox Rozelle, Clive uses his vibrant personality and diverse knowledge to ensure his students have effective and enjoyable classes.

Julian Alva, Instructor (Australia)

Known as one of our most technical instructors, Julian has travelled the world, learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from some of the world's best instructors in the US, Brazil and Singapore. At Gracie Oceania, Julian can often be found leading additional training sessions for students to gain more 'mat time' and refine their technique.

Benoit Auvray, Instructor (New Zealand)

Bio coming soon.

Peter Yabsley, Instructor (Australia)

Bio coming soon.

Ted Tarpley, Coach (Australia)

Bio coming soon.

Andrew Vassili, Coach (Australia)

Bio coming soon.

Fergus Ly, Coach (Australia)

Bio coming soon.

Rafael Alag, Coach (Australia)

Rafael has been at Gracie Oceania since 2009 and is one of our most active competitors at the Academy. Rafael has competed and placed at many events including the NSW State Championships, Pan Pacific Championships and the Worlds Jiu Jitsu Championships. Rafael has taken opportunities to expand his knowledge of BJJ by training with greats such as Rillion Gracie, Ronis Gracie, Fabio Leopoldo, Nino Schembri, Kyra Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie and Ralek Gracie. He is always happy to teach and is very approachable on and off the mats.

Hayden Coulter, Coach (Australia)

Bio coming soon.

Kevin Moss, Instructor (Australia)

Bio coming soon.

Salvador Japon Jr, Assistant Instructor (Australia)

With a black belt in Escrima and years of teaching under his belt, Salvador brings a wealth of Martial Arts experience to the Gracie Oceania Team. Salvador's friendly personality has made him a popular instructor amongst students at our Marrickville location where he regularly assists classes for both adults and children.

David Davies, Assistant Instructor (New Zealand)

Bio coming soon.