About Us
About the academy
We’re a family owned and operated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Melbourne offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Self-Defence, No-Gi and Wrestling classes for preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults.
Our head Instructor; Ivan Voronoff is a 3rd 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 3rd 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.
Lucas Vinicius Silva Braga (Dui)
Instructor
Lucas Vinicius Silva Braga, known as Dui, is a black belt under Vicente Murta and a dedicated coach at Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Originally from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, he began training in 2013 through the Sinho Baiano social project in his local community. With over 12 years of training and 6 years of teaching experience, Dui is known for his technical yet human coaching style—clear, practical, and focused on helping students grow both on and off the mats. He believes in discipline, consistency, and creating an environment where students feel safe to learn and progress at their own pace.
His martial arts background also includes boxing, Muay Thai, and capoeira, and he has achieved competition success, including a 2nd place finish at the Victoria Championship. What motivates Dui most is seeing real change in his students—their confidence, discipline, and mindset. He reminds beginners to be patient, stay consistent, and celebrate every small step. Even after years of training, he still feels the nerves before competing, which keeps him grounded and connected to the journey. Outside Jiu-Jitsu, he enjoys swimming, running, cycling, photography, and spending time with family. What he loves most about Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy is the welcoming, respectful environment that truly feels like home. Dui hopes every student he teaches leaves the mats with more self-awareness, resilience, and belief in their own progress.
Rosana do O
Instructor
I am a proud Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under the incredible guidance of Professors Marco Antonio Barbosa and Filipe Thomé of Barbosa Jiu Jitsu (B9), São Paulo, Brazil. My journey in Jiu Jitsu began when a close friend introduced me to this extraordinary martial art. From my very first class, I felt a deep, undeniable connection, I knew instantly that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu wasn’t just something I wanted to try. It was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.
Teaching has always been a profound passion of mine, and it’s something I plan to do for the rest of my life. There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping people, it gives life purpose and meaning. Every time I see someone grow, both on and off the mats, I feel like I’m truly making a difference.
My passion for movement and sports extends far beyond BJJ. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in Muay Thai and Capoeira, which taught me strength, rhythm, and fluidity. I’ve also spent countless hours training Pilates, developing acute body awareness that has deeply enhanced my BJJ techniques. This combination of disciplines has shaped me not just as an athlete, but as a person.
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.
