Instructors / Murat Besnek
Head Trainer & Founder
Murat Besnek
3rd-Degree Black Belt under Peter de Been
Biography
Murat Besnek
Murat Besnek is a 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Peter de Been and a qualified referee with the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AFBJJ). Peter de Been is a 6th Degree Black Belt under Carlos Gracie Jr, founder of the AFBJJ, while Carlos Gracie Jr is an 8th Degree Red Belt and founder of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the world's largest BJJ organisation.
Murat began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in Melbourne's northern suburbs before joining Peter de Been's academy in St Kilda in 2009 to pursue the sport at a higher level. Immersing himself in daily training, technical drilling, and competition preparation, he quickly established himself as a dedicated competitor and student of the art.
Over the years, Murat has achieved success at state, national, and Pan Pacific championships, earning multiple titles across his competitive career. His passion for continuous improvement led him to expand his grappling knowledge through wrestling. In 2012, he began training under Sahit Prizreni, a three-time Olympian representing Albania and bronze medallist at the 2007 FILA Wrestling World Championships. Murat trained regularly in freestyle wrestling and competed at the 2014 Australian Wrestling National Championships, winning two of his three matches.
Today, Murat continues to train, compete, and coach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, sharing his knowledge and experience with students of all ages and skill levels. As the head instructor of Besnek Jiu Jitsu, he is committed to developing technically skilled, confident, and respectful practitioners in a positive and supportive environment.
Outside of martial arts, Murat holds a Ph.D. in Economics and has built a successful career as an economist and executive leader within the Australian Public Service. He has extensive experience leading teams of economists, delivering strategic policy advice, and conducting economic research. His background in both high-performance sport and economics reflects a lifelong commitment to discipline, learning, and excellence.
On the podium
Competition record
2019
- Asian Open Masters — Bronze (Black Belt)
2014
- BOA Super 8 No-Gi 73kg Super Fight Champion (Black Belt)
2013
- Tasmanian Championships Gi 85kg — Gold (Brown)
- Tasmanian Championships No-Gi 85kg — Gold (Brown)
- Tasmanian Championships Gi Open — Gold (Brown)
- Tasmanian Championships No-Gi Open — Gold (Brown)
- Australian Champions Cup Gi 73kg — Gold (Brown)
- Australian Champions Cup No-Gi 73kg — Gold (Brown)
- Melbourne International Open No-Gi 73kg — Gold (Brown)
2012
- Victorian Championships No-Gi 73kg — Gold (Purple)
- Victorian Championships Gi Open — Silver (Purple)
- Pan Pacific Championships No-Gi 73kg — Silver (Brown)
2011
- Victorian Championships Gi 79kg — Gold (Purple)
- Victorian Championships No-Gi 79kg — Bronze (Purple)
- NSW Championships Gi 73kg — Gold (Purple)
- NSW Championships No-Gi 73kg — Silver (Purple)
- Australian Champions Cup Gi 73kg — Silver (Purple)
- Australian Champions Cup No-Gi 73kg — Gold (Purple)
- Pan Pacific Championships No-Gi 73kg — Gold (Purple)
2010
- Victorian Championships No-Gi 79kg — Silver (Blue)
- NSW Championships Gi 79kg — Silver (Blue)
- Australian Champions Cup No-Gi 73kg — Gold (Blue)
- Australian Champions Cup Gi 73kg — Silver (Blue)
- Pan Pacific Championships Gi 73kg — Bronze (Blue)
2008
- Australian Champions Cup Gi 85kg — Silver (Blue)
- Australian Champions Cup No-Gi 85kg — Silver (Blue)
Train with our team
Learn from coaches who compete.
All levels welcome. Ages 4+. Your first class is free.