ABOUT US

At Flying Squirrel Jiu-Jitsu, we’re more than just a martial arts school; we’re a community of passionate individuals dedicated to helping you achieve your goals, both on and off the mats. Whether you’re here to explore the art of Jiu-Jitsu, enhance your self-defence skills, or embrace the competitive spirit, you’ve found a place where your aspirations can take flight.

Our lineage boasts a rich tradition of Jiu-Jitsu excellence, carrying forward the wisdom and techniques passed down from generations of dedicated martial artists. Our academy proudly traces its lineage back to legendary Master Rickson Gracie and Takamasa Watanabe from Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Tokyo. 

Mark and Michelle began their Jiu-Jitsu journey at Axis Jiu-Jitsu, located on the Gold Coast under the guidance of Professor Jason Roebig during 2005. Jason’s deep understanding of fundamental Jiu-Jitsu movement serves as the cornerstone of our foundational Jiu-Jitsu knowledge. With his expertise, we’ve honed our skills and built a solid understanding of the art’s core principles, ensuring a strong base for our Jiu-Jitsu journey. 

Mark was honoured to receive his black belt from Jason 2017, with Mark awarding Michelle her brown belt in 2021.

The name: Flying Squirrel Jiu-Jitsu.. funny story that.

Mark has been an avid competitor in Jiu-jitsu since white belt. As a purple belt competing in the prestigious Rickson Gracie Cup in Japan in 2013, Mark was up against a high level Judo competitor who had beaten him in a previous match. At one point in the match the competitor broke contact and was walking around the mat, rather than resort to one of many correct techniques Mark decided to launch onto him as what can only be described as a Flying Squirrel to the surprise of everyone, including the opponent, the referee, the crowd, and even Mark himself. This is not a move that can be taught, it’s something that comes from the heart, once every 200 years or so, and as such when looking for the name of our gym, something that truly represents us… well there was no other option. Flying Squirrel Jiu-Jitsu was born.