Meet our Coaching team
Coach Oli
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Oliver Murray, widely regarded as the father of BJJ in Geraldton, is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Black Belt in Shootfighting (under John Will), with over 30 years of experience in combat sports. His deep expertise is backed by a formal degree in Education and more than 25 years of coaching experience.
Career Highlights:• 2007–2020: Founded and led Geraldton’s first BJJ club at PCYC, laying the foundation for the local grappling community.• 2020–2022: Helped to establish and coached at Geraldton BJJ, continuing to grow the sport in the region.• 2022–2024: Played a key role in establishing and coaching at Valhalla MMA.• November 2024: Launched Midwest Martial Arts alongside a team of passionate coaches, united by a vision to teach combat sports in a safer, more inclusive, and modern way—drawing on cutting-edge coaching methods of ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach.
Oli’s legacy is built on technical excellence, educational insight, and a commitment to evolving martial arts coaching for the better.
Coach Moby
Michael “Moby” Jones is a lifelong Geraldton local with over 30 years of coaching experience across multiple sports, including basketball, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing. Known simply as “Moby” to almost everyone in the community, he has dedicated his life to both playing and coaching sport in Geraldton.
Before turning his focus to martial arts, Moby spent 15 years playing for the Geraldton Buccaneers, where he built the foundation of his athletic career. He went on to discover Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training for more than 12 years and ultimately earning his black belt.
Moby’s approach to coaching draws on his deep sporting background, blending technical skill with a passion for building strong, resilient athletes. With decades of experience and a strong connection to Geraldton, he is committed to helping people of all ages and abilities reach their potential.
Before turning his focus to martial arts, Moby spent 15 years playing for the Geraldton Buccaneers, where he built the foundation of his athletic career. He went on to discover Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training for more than 12 years and ultimately earning his black belt.
Moby’s approach to coaching draws on his deep sporting background, blending technical skill with a passion for building strong, resilient athletes. With decades of experience and a strong connection to Geraldton, he is committed to helping people of all ages and abilities reach their potential.
Coach Jamie
Coach Jamie Martin began his martial arts journey at a young age, training in Muay Thai at Geraldton’s Dragons Way Dojo under the guidance of Luke Marshall. His passion for striking led him to travel to Thailand, where he immersed himself in the culture and sharpened his skills through authentic training experiences.
In his early twenties, Jamie discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Geraldton PCYC, training under Coach Oliver Murray. Although life’s demands—work, travel, injuries, and other hobbies—paused his BJJ journey for several years, he returned to Geraldton in 2019 and resumed training with renewed focus. His dedication paid off when he earned his purple belt in 2023.
Jamie is currently the only coach at the club actively competing in BJJ, bringing a fresh and competitive edge to his coaching. He frequently visits gyms across Western Australia, learning from a variety of coaches and training styles to continually evolve his own approach. This openness to new ideas and techniques enriches the experience he offers to students and paid off when he won a state purple belt title at SGT in November 2024.
Now coaching MMA and striking classes at Midwest Martial Arts, Jamie is committed to expanding his knowledge and sharing his love for martial arts. His goal is to keep training engaging, inclusive, and fun for everyone who steps onto the mats.
In his early twenties, Jamie discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Geraldton PCYC, training under Coach Oliver Murray. Although life’s demands—work, travel, injuries, and other hobbies—paused his BJJ journey for several years, he returned to Geraldton in 2019 and resumed training with renewed focus. His dedication paid off when he earned his purple belt in 2023.
Jamie is currently the only coach at the club actively competing in BJJ, bringing a fresh and competitive edge to his coaching. He frequently visits gyms across Western Australia, learning from a variety of coaches and training styles to continually evolve his own approach. This openness to new ideas and techniques enriches the experience he offers to students and paid off when he won a state purple belt title at SGT in November 2024.
Now coaching MMA and striking classes at Midwest Martial Arts, Jamie is committed to expanding his knowledge and sharing his love for martial arts. His goal is to keep training engaging, inclusive, and fun for everyone who steps onto the mats.
Coach Shannon
Coach Shannon has been immersed in martial arts since 2009, beginning his journey with Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Over the years, he has expanded his expertise to include Muay Thai, both as a practitioner and coach, and has trained as part of a competitive boxing team. His diverse background across striking and grappling arts gives him a well-rounded approach to coaching.
Outside the gym, Shannon is a dedicated high school teacher, known for his ability to connect with students of all ages. His approachable nature and passion for teaching have made him a favorite among both kids and adults at the club. Whether he's leading a beginner's class or working with advanced athletes, Shannon brings energy, patience, and a deep respect for martial arts to every session.
Currently holding a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shannon emphasizes safe, long-term, and sustainable training methods. His coaching philosophy centers on helping students grow not just as martial artists, but as confident and resilient individuals. Above all, Shannon simply loves martial arts-and it shows in everything he does.
Outside the gym, Shannon is a dedicated high school teacher, known for his ability to connect with students of all ages. His approachable nature and passion for teaching have made him a favorite among both kids and adults at the club. Whether he's leading a beginner's class or working with advanced athletes, Shannon brings energy, patience, and a deep respect for martial arts to every session.
Currently holding a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shannon emphasizes safe, long-term, and sustainable training methods. His coaching philosophy centers on helping students grow not just as martial artists, but as confident and resilient individuals. Above all, Shannon simply loves martial arts-and it shows in everything he does.
Coach Brendon
Coach Brendon Forrester began his martial arts journey in 2010, training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Oliver Murray at the Geraldton PCYC. Driven by a desire to be more competitive, he expanded his training by exploring other martial arts disciplines, including boxing at Geraldton Boxing Centre. His passion for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) grew during his time at Valhalla MMA, where he found his true calling in the sport.
As the only active MMA fighter coach in the gym with four cage fights under his belt, Brendon brings real cage experience and tactical insight directly to the mats. In his most recent bout he skillfully won with a first round submission against a seasoned opponent. He has achieved a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and emphasizes outcome-based skills in a safe, controlled environment, helping students reach their personal goals while prioritizing safety.
As the only active MMA fighter coach in the gym with four cage fights under his belt, Brendon brings real cage experience and tactical insight directly to the mats. In his most recent bout he skillfully won with a first round submission against a seasoned opponent. He has achieved a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and emphasizes outcome-based skills in a safe, controlled environment, helping students reach their personal goals while prioritizing safety.