GROUNDFORCE BJJ
COACHES
Head Coach
Stephen Taylor
Steve has over 20 years of martial arts experience and offers assistance and support to new and experienced students. Steve focusses on building strong fundamentals within students as well as encouraging exploration of technique and adaptation.
Steve has been a part of the Will-Machado BJJ family for many years, commencing under the instruction of Sean Kirkwood and Brian Hayes in Newcastle NSW before moving to the Sunshine Coast QLD to train with Rob Bowen and Tom Mackel. Steve was awarded his Black Belt by Vince Perry in May 2023
Experience
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Black Belt
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Chitokai Karate - Black Belt, 2nd Degree
Coach
Maximillian Cruz
Max has over 12 years of experience & knowledge for students wishing to learn the art of gi and/or no-gi BJJ. He has competition experience and is an excellent coach to students wishing to embark on their BJJ journey.
Max has a passion for fostering the potential of students, developing skills and strategies to remain “cool under pressure’’ in competitive situations.
After many years of dedicated training, Max was awarded his Black Belt by Vince Perry in November 2024.
Experience
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Black Belt
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BJJ & MMA competition experience
Coach
Robert Burns
Bob provides coaching for new BJJ starters and our kids classes. Strong fundamentals is a crucial factor to the positive progression of students and Bob's training provides all our new students with an excellent foundation for their BJJ journey. His kids classes are interesting and engaging to the students and deliver what all kids want - to have fun!
Experience
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Purple Belt
Coach
Matthew Martin
An experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, teaching to a fundamentals curriculum at GroundForce. With over 4 years of training and competition experience, Matt is committed to passing on the essential techniques and strategies that build a strong foundation in BJJ. Whether you're starting out or refining your skills, Matt offers patient guidance and skilled instruction to help you succeed in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
Experience
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Purple Belt
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Competition experience
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Smother choke enthusiast
Assistant Coach
Natalia Wysocka
Assistant Coach
Matthew Hayes
