Will / Machado BJJ Australasia

These past few weeks have seen long-time student Stewie Moulden make the two hour drive down to Geelong from Bendigo to take part in the advanced class. What an effort Stewie makes, this six hour round trip he has been making is indicative of his unwavering commitment and dedication to training. For the 11 odd years that I have known Stewie, he has proven to be the kind of person who is fully open to totally re-inventing himself. He has come so very far, on so many levels, that it leaves me feeling truly privileged to have been able to play a role in that journey.
Congratulations Stewie – may you journey be an ever interesting one.
Best respect,

John Will 2009

“On this past weekend’s visit to Western Australia, I had the immense pleasure to be able to award Stacey Wilson, who trains at the Submission Factory, his BJJ Black Belt.
Stacey has trained for 12 years now – and although he has had a couple of short breaks, back in his native New Zealand and over in the UK, he has kept up his training during those times and acquitted himself admirably.
Actually, the word’ admirably’ doesn’t do Stacey justice – he is an exceptionally talented and dedicated BJJ man – and is an asset to any mat he chooses to visit. Congratulations Stacey on this milestone achievement.
Warmest wishes,
John Will”

I have always been lucky. As a kid my mother used to tell people that if ever I fell off a cliff, I would bounce on a soft tree, land in a deep pool with barely a splash and come up with a gold nugget clenched between my teeth. To date, my life has played out just as if she actually knew what she was talking about.

I do believe that fate plays a part; we turn left when we could have turned right and our future unfolds accordingly. I also believe that some people do just seem luckier than other people and enjoy a consistency of good fortune that cannot be explained by mere chance; there is obviously something going on. Creating an abundance of good luck is a process; and like any process, once understood, it becomes easier and easier to replicate.
Download the ebook: The Mechanics of Luck: John Will >>

My wild, new MMA shorts have just arrived, This Wildcat brand is my own design, and something I really like. For anyone needing a good pair of fight shorts that will dry almost instantly – they are hydrophobic – and have a section of stretchy fabric through the crotch – then these shorts are for you. They come in orange with black decals or black with orange decals.
I know you will love them. Train Smart.
John Will
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Steve was ­ and is – many things to many people.

To me – he was an exemplary student and fellow practitioner of the martial arts.

It was both my honour and privilege to have been able to guide him on his personal journey to black belt. It seems to me that our lives may be measured in many ways ­ and one of those ways can be illustrated by the asking and answering of a simple question: “Are the people we come into contact with – better or worse off for having known us?”

In Steve’s case ­ we are all better off for having known, loved and spent time with him. He was uncompromising in his zest for life ­ uncompromising with the loyalty he gave his friends ­ uncompromising in the standards he set for himself.

I cannot begin to account for all that Steve was ­but I can tell you what he was not:

- he was not a person who put off the living of his life for a later date

- he was not a person who took a backward step in the face of challenge

- he was not a person bound by the comfort of mundane life

On the contrary.
In his twenty seven short years – I believe Steve extracted a full measure of living and experience. He welcomed challenge in every form. He had within him, the heart of an explorer. We will miss him dearly ­that we cannot deny ­but I would like to express my thanks for the parting gift that Steve has bestowed on us all. He has reminded us all ­that every moment is precious ­our time in this life is measured by a human clock ­and we should not put off for tomorrow the dreams we would live today.

Thanks for the reminder Steve ­I for one will squeeze every drop of juice out of each and every day I have left to me ­just as you did. We will miss you on the mat.

John Will 2009

Oliver Murray, or Oli, as his friends know him, started BJJ back in Perth nearly 13 years ago, after seeing a small ad in the local paper. He began training there, with Christian Thiel and hasn’t looked back since. He moved to Melbourne for a while, and did a good training stint there, whilst working as a school-teacher. After receiving his brown belt, he took a job back in Western Australia, where he now lives and works in Geralton.

Oli was awarded his Black Belt this Sunday past, at the Submission factory in Perth. Oli is a wonderful example of what the BJJ Black Belt rank is all about­ technical excellence, superior coaching skills and an attitude and way of carrying himself that leaves everyone better off for having had him on their mat.

Congratulations Oli ­ may you wear your new belt with the dignity you always bring to the mat.
Best regards,
John Will 2009

Steve Stevenson is a friend of mine. A consummate martial artist, a family-man, and now a BJJ Black Belt. I like to say, you don’t get a Black Belt in BJJ, you become a Black Belt. It’s all about the becoming. Steve’s journey, of becoming – began back in Scotland, where he practised Boxing, Muay Thai, JKD, Kali, Judo and Karate. He has been an institution in Perth ever since having made the decision to emigrate to Australia. A thousand-plus people owe him thanks for introducing them to the martial arts in Perth, many of whom have gone on to now have schools of their own.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to have had the opportunity to introduce and guide him into the world of BJJ. Steve makes a talented, thoughtful and inspiring instructor; as any who have spent time with him can attest to. Congratulations Steve ­ more than any, I know you understand that this is just the beginning.

John Will 2009

I have just arrived back at melbourne airport after teaching a seminar in Launceston (Tasmania) last night. The mat was full of BJJ Tasmaniacs from all over. They had come from Hobart and Ulvertson for the two and a half hour session and a great time was had by all. The highlight of the night was the presentation of several new ranks, among which was the first Black Belt I have awarded to someone from the Apple Isle.

Adam Newton from Hobart was the well-deserved recipient. He has been a driving force behind the Tasmanian BJJ scene for many years now – and a great competitor. Adam’s elevation to Black Belt has broken the ‘glass ceiling’ in Tassie and now opens the way for others to move up through the ranks.

Congratulations Adam, you are a wonderful example of what the rank of Black Belt is all about. I wish you all the best in your continuing training and have no doubts that you wear the new belt with pride and honour.
Warmest regards,
John Will 2009

On Thursday night I had the pleasure of being able to award another BJJ Black Belt to long-time student and ‘old school’ martial artist, Joe Tosic, from Melbourne. Joe came down to Geelong for a visit and a training session, after organising a night off from his teaching duties at Fusion Martial Arts in Yarraville. I have known Joe for some 12 odd years now, and am proud to have been instrumental in guiding him through his BJJ journey. Joe has a long history of martial arts training, and his dedication to ‘the way’ is exceptional.

Joe not only received his Black Belt on Thursday, but by way of an unfortunate accident on the mat, he received a broken arm as well. A bad and untimely ‘twist of fate’ but one that will no doubt add some spice to the story of his Black Belt presentation as time goes by. Congratulations Joe – you are well-deserved of the new rank – though not so of the injury that came with it.

Warmest regards and best respect.
John Will 2009

Paying insurance premiums is one of life’s little pains. But we need to accept that it is just part of the coat of doing business. You may not like paying out each year – but if ever push comes to shove, and you are sued for negligence, etc, you will be overjoyed in the knowledge that you have the safety net that insurance provides. Sleeping easy, with a smile on my dial – is important to me. Insurance premiums can go a long way to helping with a good nights sleep.

The good news is that we have just brokered a fantastic insurance rate for all BJJ Australasia schools. These rates are unbeatable and provide professional indemnity and public liability coverage for schools that participate in BJJ, Grappling and MMA style training. I have switched to this cover myself and have saved over $700 on my last years premium by doing so.

These are the kinds of prices you can expect – depending on how many students you have:

AUSTRALIS GROUP (UNDERWRITING) PTY LTD
Via QBE Prices:
25 Members From $495
40 Members From $595
60 Members From $695
100 Members From $885
150 Members From $1125
200 Members From $1375
250 Members From $1670

Larger schools refer to managing agent below:

Benefits of BJJ Australasia Package:
* Higher cover 5 mil Professional Indemnity (not 2 mil Error & Omissions)
* Lower excess $1000 (not $5000 with other insurance packages on each and every claim)
* Policy wording is the only one that covers ŒPlayer to Player Participation¹
* Includes special IMA membership with: Instructor Certification, Badge, DVD, Networking, Free Business / Coaching Seminars, Free web advertising of events and discounts to numerous products.

International Martial Arts Alliance (Managing Agent) working with BJJ Australasia to helping make discounted group insurance packages more accessible to martial art school operators at prices they can afford.

All prices include, GST, Stamp Duty and Broker Fees. Another aspect I really like about this deal is that there is only a one-page, very simple for to fill in each year.

DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE: >>

As a bonus, any school who takes up this offer, also receives free membership with the International Martial Arts Alliance, which can provide a host of other benefits. Any BJJ Australasia member who has questions on this great insurance deal can call Graham on 03 98973213 – who will happily provide any answers you may need.

My suggestion … make sure you have insurance – and as this deal is the best you’ll get, now is the best time to get it done.

John B Will 2009