Will / Machado BJJ Australasia

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