Macleay Valley Martial Arts located in Kempsey, Verge St, has slowly been built up over a number of years to become a full-sized BJJ club. Glenn Stewart is the head instructor at MVMA and he spoke to the Argus about his club, BJJ and the lifestyle aspects of the popular art. 

Mr Stewart spent 20 years in Kempo karate, but the former prison officer had a revelation after squaring up against several Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners. 

“BJJ is an interesting art; I’d spent 20 years training and was absolutely blown away by Brazilian jiu-jitsu, they were like silk, the control they exhibited, they won easily but nicely,” Stewart said. 

“I have never once rolled with a higher ranked BJJ practitioner and not been blown away by their skill.” 

“During a “Roll” BJJ focuses mostly on grappling and ground fighting, but we do teach takedowns and other stand up techniques as well.” 

Mr Stewart started his fledgling gym in his garage with only three other people, and over the years attendance became big enough for them to get a permanent space. 

“We started with four people in my garage, that was the whole gym for ages, there wasn't really a close gym, Coffs and Newcastle were the only options, so we did our best with what we had.”

Mr Stewart attributes the rapid expansion of MVMA to the friendly gym culture and the lifestyle that comes with training Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

“When we first started there were only four of us, so we had to be very careful about how we trained, we weren't going easy on each other, but we were always careful not to be reckless during training,” he said. 

“In those early days we couldn't afford to lose people to careless injuries. That culture has stayed with us, even though we have grown significantly since then.

“Brazilian jiu-jitsu has so many benefits, you make great friends and keep fit. There are no real diets or anything involved, the healthy lifestyle aspect just comes along with it, eating right and exercise, there isn't much more to it.”

While Mr Stewart admits training isn't easy, the gym draws upon the collective knowledge of the entire membership during practice, so everyone can learn, compete, and improve together. 

“If you're not failing, you’re not progressing. Regardless of your skill level, whether you're new, experienced, or just looking for a different place to train, everyone on the mats will help. There is a real camaraderie here; everyone wants you to get better,” Mr Stewart said. 

“I want everyone here to be still moving around at 94, I saw one of the pioneers of BJJ, Helio Gracie rolling around at 94, that’s what I want for everyone here at MVMA. 

“Brazilian jiu-jitsu is like an arms race, they counter your move, so you try to counter them, it’s a never-ending cycle, and everybody is constantly improving because of it.

“I want my team to be able to walk into any gym or Academy and not feel out of their depth; they should be on par or better than their equivalent rank anywhere.”

Anyone interested in training Brazilian jiu-jitsu or kickboxing can get in touch with head instructor Glenn Stewart on 0407 301-077.

Alternatively, visit the MVMA website here. 

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