Professional qualified instructors, ready to provide you with the best training experience
Meet Head Instructor, Professor Marcus Lima - First degree Black Belt Professor Marcus has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since he was 19 years old. Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Professor Marcus has learned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from incredible instructors across the world. Once making the move to Sydney in 2012 and coaching at various Gracie Barra schools, he finally moved to the beautiful Shellharbour to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and surf on his favourite beach in the Illawarra, The Farm Beach. Professor Marcus loves the natural camaraderie among the students no matter their age, gender, or experience levels. This brotherhood allows every student to feel at home whenever they walk into the Academy, willing to help each other learn, grow, and become better than they were the day before.
Professor Marcus not only has a passion for Jiu Jitsu, but he also loves the lifestyle that comes with it. Whether it's the discipline and mental fortitude required to master the art, or the camaraderie that comes with training alongside like-minded people, he fully embraces it all. When he's not on the mat, you might find Professor Marcus catching some waves in Shellharbour, Kiama, Gerringong or Gerroa. He's just as passionate about surfing as he is about Jiu Jitsu and finds that both activities bring balance to his life.
Meet Professor Thiago Castro - Second Degree Black Belt Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, professor Thiago has been training Jiu Jitsu for most of his life and has become a highly skilled practitioner of the art. Professor Thiago is known for his infectious smile and positive attitude, earning him the title of "the biggest smile in the Academy." He is a dedicated professor, athlete and competitor, always striving to improve his skills and reach new levels in the sport, so he can pass on that knowledge to his students. He is known for his kindness and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of his students, both kids and adults. He is truly passionate about Jiu Jitsu and believes that this martial art has the power to touch people's lives and help them grow in many ways.
When he's not sharing his knowledge of grappling with his students, he can be found on the water, riding the waves and enjoying the ocean breeze in Shellharbour and its surroundings. For Professor Thiago, Jiu Jitsu and surfing are more than just hobbies - they're a way of life. He loves the physical and mental challenges that come with both activities, and the way they keep him grounded and focused. Whether he's rolling on the mats or catching a big wave, he's always pushing himself to improve and explore new possibilities.
Meet Kids Instructor, Amy Giligan Coach Amy is passionate about Jiu Jitsu and is also an avid competitor. She has accumulated many titles during her competition journey and she says she is just getting started. Her husband and son also train at Gracie Barra Shellharbour and they are a very special family in our community. She is always excited to get on the mat and push beyond her limits, step outside her comfort zone and continue to grow within the sport. Helping teach the next generation the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu inspires Amy to always give her best to her students. She loves seeing her students continue to not only improve their skills and abilities on the mat week in, week out, but also grow into caring, compassionate, and strong people.
Meet Kids Instructor, Paulo Fernando Paulo is a beloved instructor here at Gracie Barra Shellharbour. He is originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil and has been living in Australia for 11 years. Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu now for almost a decade, Paulo has become incredibly experienced and offers amazing insight to those he teaches at our Shellharbour Academy. Through instructing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to both beginners and more advanced students in our kids classes, Paulo has found no matter how young or old, small or big, experienced or inexperienced someone may be, if they keep showing up, training hard, applying themselves in every way possible - they can be very successful!