There’s something about stepping onto the mats that keeps you coming back, and it doesn’t matter how many years you’ve trained or how many belts you’ve earned along the way, as every time you begin something new, you start again as a student.
My journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in September 2011. By that stage, I had already spent decades training in martial arts - striking, discipline, structure - it was all part of my foundation, but I knew something was missing. I wanted to become a more complete martial artist. Strong striking skills are important, but without grappling, without control, and without the ability to restrain, there is a gap. For me, BJJ filled that gap and, in many ways, humbled me, too.
Starting something new and immersing yourself in a new discipline after so many years of experience isn’t as easy as you are used to knowing, guiding and teaching. Then suddenly, you find yourself back in a position where you are learning again, making mistakes and most importantly, being challenged in ways you didn’t expect. That’s what drew me in, as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a way of stripping things back - it forces you to think, to adapt and most importantly, to stay patient under difficult and trying situations - on the mat and in real life.
Over the years, there have been plenty of challenges, and like anyone who spends time training on the mats, I've had moments of frustration and periods when progress felt slow. But there have also been breakthroughs and small shifts in understanding that change everything. That’s the nature of this art. It rewards persistence, not shortcuts.
There has also been a significant change in our community recently. Changes had to be made following the passing away of Professor Richard Norton, who had a significant impact on many of us. We were previously part of the Richard Norton BJJ Association. Following his passing, his wife asked that we no longer use that name.
From that, the Tactical BJJ Association was formed in late 2025, and it is now led by Professor Jeremy Ta’Kody, who was Professor Norton’s most senior BJJ Black Belt. This transition brought reflection and reminded all of us that what we do is bigger than any one individual. What we do is about passing on a legacy, upholding the values that were taught and making sure they are preserved for the next generation.
People often ask what it feels like to earn a black belt. The truth is, after more than three decades in martial arts and having earned multiple black belts across different styles, the belt itself no longer carries the same meaning it once did. Rank gradually loses significance in favour of knowledge, application and how you pass it on.
For me, this black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not about achievement - it is about responsibility. The responsibility to uphold the standards that were instilled in me, the responsibility to teach properly, to guide students honestly and to stay true to the principles of martial arts both on and off the mats. I feel that strongly in relation to Professor Richard Norton and the people I trained alongside - there is a sense of duty there - a quiet understanding that what was passed down must be respected and continued. That is what a black belt truly means. Not an end point….but a continuation.
At Bujutsu Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. Whether someone is stepping onto the mats for the first time or has years of experience behind them, the focus remains the same.
Learn properly. Train consistently. Respect the process.
We’ve also seen that same spirit come through in events like our first BJJ seminar and tournament in March 2026. Bringing people together on the mats, testing skills, learning from one another, it all reinforce why we train in the first place. It’s not just about technique. It’s about community.
For those considering starting BJJ in Sydney or the surrounding areas, the message is simple. Don’t worry about the belt. Don’t worry about how long it will take. Just start.
Because the real value isn’t in the colour around your waist.
It’s in the journey you take to get there.
Train in our authentic martial arts classes in a family-friendly, safe environment. Classes for kids and adults.
