From Pete's early days, he faced the challenges of bullying, which prompted him to learn the sweet science of boxing for self-defence. This journey led him to competitive boxing by the age of 12, competing at the pinnacle of Australia's boxing scene. As he matured, his love for martial arts continued to grow and he found myself driving into a diverse range of disciplines.”
Pete’s dedication to martial arts also led to achieving the prestigious Black Belt in Doce Pares in 2018 from Michael Clark.
Pete’s Jiu-Jitsu journey commenced in late 2016, a revelation arising after his first class. It dawned on him that when the fight hits the ground, his defences were inadequate. This realisation ignited his passion for Jiu-Jitsu, driving him to learn the art and lead him pursue teaching since 2019. Pete’s pursuit has taken him far and wide, crossing state and international borders for the love of Jiu-Jitsu.
In 2022, Pete proudly received the Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a testament to his unwavering commitment to chase and master this art form.
These days, you can find Pete right at the heart of Shepparton Jiu Jitsu, co-founder and all-around enthusiast. He's all about sharing what he knows and loves, often saying, "Just remember, 1% better every day can add up to a 365% by the end of the year, you just have to take that first step."

Marcus's Jiu-jitsu journey has been nothing short of amazing! He fell in love with the art of grappling and the mental and physical challenges it presents. Jiu-jitsu has taught him discipline, resilience, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. It's not just a sport for Marcus; it's a way of life. He is grateful for the incredible friendships his made and the endless lessons he continues to learn on and off the mats. Oss!
Fitness is a big part of his life, as it helps him stay strong, healthy, and focused. It's not just about the physical benefits, but also the mental clarity and inner strength it brings. Embracing an active lifestyle has taught him discipline, perseverance, and the importance of setting and achieving goals. He is on a journey of self-improvement, constantly seeking new challenges and pushing his limits.
In addition to his love for Jiu-jitsu and fitness, he values playing a significant role in shaping who he is. He strives to live with integrity, treating others with kindness and respect. Honesty and authenticity are important to him, as he believes in being true to himself and others. He values perseverance and determination, always pushing himself to overcome challenges and achieve his goals. Community and connection are also at the core of his main values, as he believe in fostering meaningful relationships and supporting others on their own journeys. Together, let's embrace these values and create a positive impact in the world!

Dino Manalo has been a student of the game since 2002 after watching the very first Ultimate Fighting Championship on a VHS tape. Seeing the relatively smaller guy, Royce Gracie beat bigger and stronger opponents with the use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he thought, this is a martial art that I need to learn!
Dino hasn't always been the biggest, strongest or most athletic person in the room, but he then realised that with technique, precision and timing, he could then level the playing field.
Dino has always had a friendly and supportive presence on the mats, always has the enthusiasm to help anyone who is willing to learn.
He received his blue belt from 4th degree blackbelt Kazeka Muniz, his Purple Belt from 3rd degree blackbelt Alvin Aguilar then his brown and blackbelt from 4th degree black belt, Thiago Steffanuti.
“When I got started, I loved the art from the get-go. It had everything – you get a work out, you use your brain to problem solve, you meet awesome people and you make great friends.”

Raf, the new MMA coach at SJA! I've been training in martial arts since I was young, starting with Wushu Sanda.
I began competing at a young age and continued until 2019. Since then, I've dedicated myself to coaching and have taught at renowned places like Bali MMA and AKA.
My passion is helping people progress from having zero experience to becoming high-level competition fighters. I'm excited to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to SJA and support our members in reaching their full potential.

Pete

Marcus