A man in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi seated on his knees on a mat, with patches on his uniform, looking at the camera.

VLAD POPOVIC

Vladimir Popovic began martial arts at 14, earning his Judo black belt in 2014 before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he received his black belt in 2019 under Master Pedro Sauer and Professor Thiago Gianneli Bertoni of GJJ Milano.  

He holds degrees in Sport Sciences, Physical Education, and Sports Management, with more than 15 years of full-time coaching experience in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Vlad has competed internationally, winning multiple titles.

Beyond his accomplishments on the mats, he promotes a holistic approach to health, drawing from his vegetarian lifestyle and knowledge of nutrition. His teaching blends science, theory, and self-defence with a strong focus on character development and youth education. He sees Jiu-Jitsu as both a martial art and a life discipline that fosters resilience and well-being.

A woman in a gi receives her black belt from a man in a gi. Another woman in a gi stands nearby, watching the ceremony. They are inside a dojo.

HOBART SALIM

Hobart Salim began his martial arts journey training in various martial arts styles before settling on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While in Melbourne, Australia, he studied under Phil Grapsas of GJJ Thomastown and later Cam Sobes of Essence of Jiu-Jitsu. Continuing his progression, Hobart received his brown belt from Vladimir Popovic and Master Pedro Sauer.

As co-founder of GJJ Singapore, Hobart has dedicated himself to promoting sustainable training for all practitioners. He believes intelligent, safe practice allows students to enjoy Jiu-Jitsu throughout their lives, and that age or gender should never be barriers to participation.

Beyond the mats, he is committed to building community and character, ensuring training is not only effective but also inclusive, supportive, and enriching for every member.

A young woman with dark hair pulled back, sitting indoors, wearing a bjj jacket and holding a book or magazine with a cartoon character on the cover. She appears to be listening or contemplating.

YUKARI KURISU

Yukari Kurisu began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Singapore, where she built her foundation and discovered her passion for the art. A mother of two young boys, she brings a unique perspective to training, emphasizing the importance of self-defence for women and children as well as balance in everyday life.

Her teaching focuses on building both physical and mental confidence, while ensuring safety and structured skill progression. Yukari believes Jiu-Jitsu should be empowering yet enjoyable, and her classes encourage students to challenge themselves while having fun.

Beyond technique, she sees Jiu-Jitsu as a way to build community, strengthen social relationships, and create a safe, welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.

Meet some of our guest professors

Toll Simson

  • Has over 10 years of jiu-jitsu experience, all over Europe and Australasia.

  • A black belt under Martin Aedma, ranked number 2 in the Australian No-Gi division, with a flowing style of jiujitsu.

  • An Arts graduate with a passion for traveling and the outdoors.

A man with a beard smiling, wearing a black T-shirt with Southside Training Centre logo, inside a bjj gym.
A South East Asian man with a beard wearing a black martial arts Gracie Jiujitsu gi with patches, standing in front of a sign. The background includes partially visible text and geometric designs.

Coach Amin

  • Head of Kids Program at Gracie Singapore, CCK.

  • Inspired by Royce Gracie and has been practising BJJ for over 10 years, and is now a Brown Belt under Professor Jude Kang.

  • Passionate about helping every child grow and reach their full potential.

A bjj instructor with two children outdoors, one sitting on his shoulders and the other standing next to him. They are near a fence with trees and plants in the background.

Phil Grapsas

  • Head of PSBJJA Australia, 3 striped black belt under Master Sauer.

  • Owner of Leverage Gracie Jiujitsu Thomastown.

  • Master educator and has produced a strong lineage of black belts and instructors.

Danny Wilmott

  • Brown belt under John Smallios and Phil Grapsas of Pedro Sauer BJJA.

  • Believes that the art of Jiujitsu transcends athleticism and physicality, and is passionate about transmitting his knowledge to his students.

  • An avid compound bow archer when he’s not on the mats.

Black and white photo of a man with a beard in a bjj gi, standing indoors with a window behind him and a fan and a clock on the wall in the background.

Cameron Byrne

  • Purple belt under John Smallios and Phil Grapsas of Pedro Sauer BJJA.

  • Played competitive rugby prior to Jiujitsu

  • Emphasises the importance of developing a playful and intuitive jiujitsu style, in a safe and consistent manner.

A smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a hoodie and jacket, standing next to another person in front of a pedro sauer gracie jiujitsu sign.