About Us
About the academy
Our head Instructor; Ivan Voronoff is a 2nd degree black belt and has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 23 years, and teaching for 10 years. Growing up in Brazil, Ivan learnt from the best of the best; The godfathers of BJJ. At MJJA he’s created a unique curriculum which caters for everyone and incorporates the best of both self-defence and sports Jiu-Jitsu, giving you a complete perspective of the art.
About the academy
Our head Instructor; Ivan Voronoff is a 2nd degree black belt and has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 23 years, and teaching for 10 years. Growing up in Brazil, Ivan learnt from the best of the best; The godfathers of BJJ. At MJJA he’s created a unique curriculum which caters for everyone and incorporates the best of both self-defence and sports Jiu-Jitsu, giving you a complete perspective of the art.
Our Location and facilities
Our Location and facilities
Why train with us
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught by a Brazilian
- Flexible membership options and no sign-up fee
- Passionate, expert instructors
- Capped class sizes, personalised training
- Custom, spring sub-floor and high-quality mats
- Family-friendly, Ego-free, inclusive and welcoming member community
- Winners methodology accredited program for children
- No exorbitant fees for grading. Just pay for your belt
- We’re open during school holidays
Why train with us
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught by a Brazilian
- Flexible membership options and no sign-up fee
- Passionate, expert instructors
- Capped class sizes, personalised training
- Custom, spring sub-floor and high-quality mats
- Family-friendly, Ego-free, inclusive and welcoming member community
- Winners methodology accredited program for children
- No exorbitant fees for grading. Just pay for your belt
- We’re open during school holidays
SIGN UP, JOIN THE
MJJA FAMILY
and first-class instruction will speak for itself.
SIGN UP, JOIN
THE MJJA FAMILY
and first-class instruction will speak for itself.
Meet our Team
Ivan Voronoff
Head Instructor and Owner
I’m a 2nd degree black belt under professor Breno Angelo of Gracie Humaita Petropolis, Brazil. Born and raised in Brazil, Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport to us. It’s about family. It’s a lifestyle. It’s about the way you live your life every day on and off the mats. I’ve been fortunate to learn from the very best. I believe a true understanding and appreciation of the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy prepares you for everything life throws at you. It guides you to a healthier lifestyle and becomes a way to live, a way to be better human being.I’ve been in Australia teaching, refereeing, and competing since 2012. I’m certified in ‘Ginastica Natural’ by Professor Alvaro Romano. This complete full-body weight training method is being used by fighters and athletes worldwide and I incorporate it into my teachings. I’m also the first Victorian BJJ instructor qualified in the Winners methodology for children. The program originated in the UAE where Jiu-Jitsu is part of the school curriculum due to the undisputed benefits to their physical and mental health. It’s simple. Jiu Jitsu is for everybody, and everyone should feel supported to be a better version of themselves. I look forward to seeing you on the mats.
Rafael Palermo
Professor
I’ve been doing martial arts my entire life and started my Jiu Jitsu Journey at Gracie Humaita Petropolis, Brazil under Master Breno Angelo. Through the years I have improved my technique by going to seminars, Jiu-Jitsu camps, and competitions. My passion for Jiu-Jitsu started when I watched the beginning of UFC and I knew immediately that I wanted to do Jiu-Jitsu for life.
As a student, coming to class was never hard, even if it was cold and raining or as hot as Rio de Janeiro in summer, because I did it with love for Jiu Jitsu. As an instructor I feel the same because it’s incredibly rewarding to see a positive change in people’s life; from the kids to the seniors, to the young white belt to a high level Black Belt. If I can contribute to the improvement of somebody’s life, then it’s enough to keep doing it. I received my Black Belt in 2017, my instructor degree a year later, and my 1st stripe in 2020. I relocated to Melbourne in 2022 to join the Melbourne Jiu Jitsu Academy family and it’s been life changing! I can’t wait to welcome you on the mats.
Apryl Eppinger
Women’s Only BJJ and Self-Defence Instructor
I’m a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a former member of the Philippine National Jiu-Jitsu team. I’ve been competing since 2012 in such events as Pan Pacs medaling in 2022, 2018. SEA Games 2019 as a medallist, 2017 JJAU Asian Champion, 2016 Oceania Freestyle Wrestling Championships medalist, 2015 IBJJF Asian Open Champion, and a returning champion 2016 – 2019 & 2022 Philippine National Champion.
Outside of combat sports I have over 14 years’ experience as a professional road and track sprint cyclist representing both Australia and the Philippines. I’m also a former Australian Sprint Champion and Philippines National Sprint title holder, with numerous female track sprint records in the Philippines which still today.
I’m passionate about teaching and working with my students to help develop core fundamentals and critical thinking and creativity with their jiujitsu. Coaching for me isn’t just about imparting my knowledge but building a student’s confidence, seeing them succeed and achieve goals and working toward hitting personal goals.
Jenny Voronoff
Academy Manager
I’m Ivan’s other wife (the first being Jiu-Jitsu), and business partner. You won’t find me on the mats, but you’ll see me around the academy with our son (and future black belt!). I’m the person on the other end of the emails and updates. I’m here to answer all your questions and help you get started on your BJJ journey. I’ll put your membership on hold when you’re off on holidays, get your uniform organised, and get you RSVP’d to our annual end of year Brazilian BBQ.We’re family owned and operated, and we opened the academy in 2017 with the vision to create a space where absolutely everyone feels safe, welcome, comfortable, and supported. Inclusive, ego free and family friendly. It’s not just an academy, it’s a community, and we’re really proud of the strong member culture we’ve cultivated here.
Try us
Book a 14 day trial with us. No experience is necessary. Absolutely everybody is welcome.