Michael

As the Head Striking Coach at Besnek Jiu-Jitsu, Michael brings over four decades of martial arts experience and more than 35 years of coaching expertise to the development of students at all levels. His approach combines traditional martial arts values with modern combat sports training, focusing on technical excellence, practical self-defence, fitness, and competition success.

Michael has been involved in martial arts since 1983 and has been teaching self-defence, fitness, and combat sports programs to children and adults since 1987. He holds an 8th Degree Black Belt in Freestyle Martial Arts, a 7th Degree qualification in Muay Thai, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Arnis Escrima Kali, and is an accredited Krav Maga Instructor. Throughout his career, he has developed martial arts training curricula, mentored instructors, and delivered seminars and workshops across Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

As a competitor, Michael progressed from light-contact events to professional kickboxing and Muay Thai competition, compiling 20 professional bouts and earning Victorian, East Coast, and South Pacific championship titles. Beyond competition, he has extensive experience in combat sports administration, governance, and officiating — including competitor and official accreditation, event sanctioning, ratings administration, title bout supervision, rules development, and the training and mentoring of referees and judges. He continues to actively train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, compete in BJJ tournaments, and officiate at Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts events throughout Victoria.