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 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

We’re a family owned and operated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Self-Defence, No-Gi and Wrestling classes for pre-schoolers, kids, teens, and adults.

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 Prahran academy is located on Regent Street, just off High Street and moments away from iconic Chapel Street. We boast a large, modern, training facility with changerooms, lockers, toilet and shower. Our mats are maintained to the highest standards, and we have a deluxe, spring subfloor. Elevate your training with comfort and safety.

Our Location and facilities

Our Prahran academy is located on Regent Street, just off High Street and moments away from iconic Chapel Street. We boast a large, modern, training facility with changerooms, lockers, toilet and shower. Our mats are maintained to the highest standards, and we have a deluxe, spring subfloor. Elevate your training with comfort and safety.  

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

We’re confident that the class structure, academy culture,
and first-class instruction will speak for itself.

SIGN UP, JOIN
THE MJJA FAMILY

We’re confident that the class structure, academy culture,
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.

YOUSSEF ALI

Assistant Instructor (Kids & Juniors)

I joined Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 2019 after arriving from Brazil. I wanted to make friends, maintain my fitness, and learn some new skills. I love training with my friend Ivan and have been fortunate to gain a purple belt under his instruction.

Working out and looking after myself has always been a big part of my life. I was a police officer in Brazil and have completed training courses in sky diving, abseiling, self-defence and have also run half marathons. But what I love about Jiu-Jitsu is that it uses my mind too. There are endless combinations and possibilities, and I love trying them and teaching them.

My youngest son does Jiu-Jitsu at the Academy because I believe it’s a great way for kids to learn discipline, respect for themselves and others, and it gives them confidence. As well as the endless physical and self-defence benefits.
When I am teaching, I get so much joy from seeing kids master a new skill or technique. I look forward to sharing your children’s journey to fitness and fun!

Hugo Checkley

Assistant Instructor (Kids & Juniors)

When I was 10 years old, I started training Jiu-Jitsu at Melbourne Jiu Jitsu Academy after doing a trial and realising my love for the sport.

A few years ago, I started taking part in competitions, pushing myself to challenge my limits. That wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Ivan, both mentally by instilling confidence in me, and physically by technically training me. At the Victorian Championship in 2021 as an orange belt I came second, which made me extremely proud as it showed that all my hard work and dedication to training had paid off.

 

I’ve been training for 5 years now and am “currently a blue belt and enjoy training with the adults and competing. I started as an assistant coach for the Kids and Junior classes in 2021. I love helping with the classes because it gives me the opportunity to share the sport I love with others.

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.

Saied Karsaz

Wrestling Coach

I’m a professional wrestler, MMA fighter and coach. I was born in Iran and started wrestling when I was eight years old. In Iran, wrestling is like AFL for Australians, or Soccer for Brazilians. It’s the first national sport. We learn as soon as we can walk and practice every day. Wrestling is life.

I moved to Australia in 2012 but found Wrestling wasn’t popular and I was killing myself for nothing. So, I started training and competing in MMA. I have 23 years of experience, and 74 fights in wrestling, MMA and kickboxing here and overseas.

In 2017 I started coaching and I’m very happy to now be able to do what I love full time. At Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy I start from the very basics and teach the fundamentals of wrestling to improve BJJ students’ standup game. Good Jiu-Jitsu and good wrestling are a powerful combination and it’s going to put you ahead of the other BJJ guys. You don’t need any experience to join my class, but you do need to be ready to work hard.

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 for free

Book a free 7 day trial with us. No experience is necessary. Absolutely everybody is welcome.

Got Questions?

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