Will / Machado BJJ Australasia

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