About Us
Who we are, our approach to training, and community values
Structured Training. Real Results.
Grounded Mat Sports provides regular training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, grappling and mixed martial arts in Cairns. Our focus is on structured class formats, technique progression, and safe practice.
Classes are structured to build technique and practical application. Instructors guide progression through repetition and feedback. Training emphasises safety and mutual respect.
Our Instructors
Caleb
Head Coach
Caleb is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under the Equipe Mestre Wilson Jiu Jitsu Australia banner, promoted by the head instructor of EMWJJA, Minol Tavares Tutida. Caleb is honoured to continue the instruction of BJJ and hopes to instill the same passion for life in others that he has found through martial arts. Caleb, along with his team of mixed martial arts and self-defense training experts have a passion for increasing student's strength and confidence whilst challenging them.
Nathan
Assistant Coach
Nathan is our Striking Coach with over 20 years of martial arts experience. He began his journey in traditional Karate before transitioning into a more fluid style that incorporates elements from many different martial arts. Nathan brings a wealth of striking knowledge and a sharp eye for detail, helping students refine their technique and reach their full potential. He is passionate about the technical precision and power of striking, and he strives to create a positive and challenging training environment where students can develop confidence, improve their skills, and experience the benefits that martial arts can bring to their lives. Nathan is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt under head coach Professor Caleb Peart.
Samir
Assistant Coach
Samir is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt under Cicero Costa through the Ottawa Jiu-Jitsu Club. He has competed internationally in BJJ and brings a wealth of experience from years of training and competition. Early in his martial arts journey, Samir also competed in amateur mixed martial arts, which helped shape his understanding of grappling and combat sports. Samir is passionate about the technical depth and discipline of gi BJJ. He strives to create a positive and challenging training environment where students can develop confidence, improve their skills, and experience the benefits that martial arts can bring to their lives.
Training Philosophy
Our emphasis is on learning foundational movement patterns, positional understanding, and consistent progression. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is predominantly a ground-based martial art using principles of leverage, angles, pressure and timing along with knowledge of human anatomy to achieve control and submission.
Classes incorporate live resistance training to develop practical skills applicable to self-defense and competition scenarios. Technique instruction is followed by controlled practice to reinforce learning.
Safety First
Regular mat cleaning, supervised training sessions, and first aid available at all times.
Community
A welcoming environment built on mutual respect, support, and shared growth.
Progression
Structured curriculum with clear pathways from beginner to advanced levels.
Our Facility
81 Fearnley Street, Portsmith — behind Iron Strength Gym & Cairns Osteo & Rehab.
The space accommodates Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, grappling, striking and mixed martial arts training. Mat space is maintained to facility standards for hygiene and safety.
Equipe Mestre Wilson Jiu Jitsu Australia
Grounded Mat Sports is affiliated with EMWJJA. This affiliation provides access to curriculum standards, grading protocols and a broader training network.