HEAD BJJ PROFESSOR, MMA & KICKBOXING COACH - Kids & Adults
Matt relocated his family to Red Beach in 2014, bringing with him his passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA. Matt has been involved in some form of training from the age of 14 after a back injury left him unable to play traditional kiwi sports. His earlier years were spent learning Tae Kwon Do in order to gain some movement and flexibility, then progressed to weight training and competitive bodybuilding.
Matt then set his sights on boxing and began training under national coach Dr John McKay. He had his first amateur boxing fight in 1997. Matt then teamed up with Monty Bhana (a well known New Zealand kickboxer and boxer) at the Glenfield Recreation Centre, and started pad work and fitness sessions at his home in Beach Haven. This attracted a group of local lads whom also wanted to train and eventuated in the creation of boxing gym, The Zone.
Matt’s passion for continuing to learn the art of BJJ eventually moved him away from The Zone, joining Steve Oliver from Oliver MMA in 2007. During this time Matt initiated the growth of the kids club and co-coached boxing and kicking-boxing at Oliver MMA North Shore.
Now Training under one of New Zealands most respected Black Belts and owner of Tu Kaha, Pedro Pacheco Fernandes, We are excited about the future and the direction of the club.
Matt looks forward to sharing his extensive knowledge and experience at his new club Coast Academy BJJ in the Hibiscus Coast and welcomes everyone old, young, beginner or advanced to come and join one of the fastest growing sports – First Week is FREE!
Login to your MEMBER PORTAL, select SCHEDULE and toggle the dropdown TIMETABLE to PRIVATES to see Matt’s available spaces!