OUR COACHES

Coach Jhunior Guarnido

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 40 championship medals and an undefeated 4–0 record in MMA, Jhunior has been on the mats since 1994 and coaching since 2000 from Brazil’s top academies to Melbourne. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, he has led Gracie Elite Australia as Head Coach since 2014, guiding everyone from first-time beginners to competitors chasing gold.

18+Years as a Black Belt
25+Years Coaching
32+Years OF COMPETITION EXPIRIENCE
4–0Undefeated in MMA

Black Belt (21 medals)

  • 2017 — Gold, Melbourne Open International (Gi)
  • 2017 — Gold, Melbourne Open International (No-Gi)
  • 2017 — Gold, Melbourne Open International (Open Weight Gi)
  • 2017 — Gold, Melbourne Open International (Open Weight No-Gi)
  • 2017 — Silver, Gracie Pro, Rio de Janeiro
  • 2015 — Gold, Australian National Championship AFBJJ (Gi)
  • 2015 — Silver, Australian National Championship AFBJJ (No-Gi)
  • 2012 — Gold, Pan Pacific Championship
  • 2011 — Gold, Melbourne Open International
  • 2011 — Silver, Open Division, Melbourne Open International
  • 2011 — Gold, I Etapa Paranaense LPJJ
  • 2011 — Gold, I Etapa Paranaense FPJJ
  • 2011 — Gold, III Etapa Paranaense LPJJ
  • 2011 — Silver, Copa Plastiliti
  • 2010 — Gold, Paranaense LPJJ
  • 2010 — Gold, Circuito Sul Brasil de Jiu-Jitsu
  • 2010 — Gold, Cup Brasil Sul
  • 2010 — Silver, No-Gi Copa Sul Tatame
  • 2008 — Gold, Copa Sul Tatame
  • 2008 — Gold, Paranaense LPJJ
  • 2008 — Silver, Sul Brasileiro CBJJ

Brown Belt (14 medals)

  • 2007 — Gold, Paranaense Championship
  • 2006 — Gold, Sul Americano CBJJ
  • 2006 — Gold, Paranaense FPJJ
  • 2006 — Gold, Brasil Cup Sul
  • 2006 — Gold, Copa Cashcar
  • 2005 — Gold, Open Division, I Etapa Paranaense
  • 2005 — Gold, Brasil Cup Sul
  • 2005 — Gold, Paranaense LPJJ
  • 2005 — Silver, Copa Alc'jo
  • 2004 — Gold, Copa Plastilite Jiu-Jitsu
  • 2004 — Gold, Meca Submission
  • 2004 — Gold, Copa Cashcar
  • 2004 — Gold, I Etapa Paranaense LPJJ
  • 2004 — Silver, Paraná State Championship

Purple Belt (4 medals)

  • 1999 — Gold, Pan American Championship CBJJ
  • 1999 — Gold, Rio State Championship
  • 1999 — Gold, Copa Rio
  • 1998 — Gold, I Etapa do Circuito Teresópolis

Blue Belt (3 medals)

  • 1998 — Gold, Brazilian Championship
  • 1998 — Bronze, Rio State Championship
  • 1997 — Gold, Copa Cabo Frio
  • 2014 – Present — Head Coach, Gracie Elite Australia: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Self-Defense & MMA
  • 2012–2014, Melbourne — Coach at CMF (Richmond), Fighting Fit Lifestyle Centre and Ultimate Fitness Training
  • 2000–2012, Brazil — BJJ, Self-Defense & MMA coach, personal trainer and functional training specialist at SportBatel, Superação, Gustavo Borges and Cia Athletica
  • Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education
  • Certificate IV & Certificate III in Fitness
  • Coach Level 2 — AJJF (Australian Jiu-Jitsu Federation)
  • Functional Training (Core 360) — Training & Injury Prevention (JOPEF)
  • First Aid certified (American Safety & Health Institute)
  • 12+ Sport Integrity Australia certifications — child safeguarding & protection, anti-doping, member protection (MPIO), harassment & discrimination prevention

All child-safety and integrity certifications current with Sport Integrity Australia.

  • 2002 — Meca Curitiba, Brazil — Win by KO
  • 2004 — Storm Samurai, Brazil — Win by Submission
  • 2012 — Fury MMA, Brazil — Win by Submission
  • 2012 — Brute Force, Australia — Win by Decision

Coach Aline Correa

On the mats since 2011, Aline earned her black belt in 2024 after a competitive journey that produced 12 medals across Australian national and state championships. With a Physical Education degree from UFPR, EREPS credentials as a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, and specialist training in teaching Jiu-Jitsu to children, she brings technical precision and genuine care to every class.

2024BJJ Black Belt
14+Years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
EREPSPersonal Trainer & Pilates
UFPRPhysical Education Degree

Purple Belt (2 medals)

  • 2015 — Silver, Pan Pacific Championship AFBJJ (Gi)
  • 2015 — Bronze, Pan Pacific Championship AFBJJ (No-Gi)

Blue Belt (8 medals)

  • 2015 — Gold, Australian National Championship AFBJJ (Gi)
  • 2015 — Silver, Australian National Championship AFBJJ (No-Gi)
  • 2015 — Gold, Victorian State Championship AFBJJ (Gi)
  • 2015 — Gold, Victorian State Championship AFBJJ (No-Gi)
  • 2015 — Silver, Sydney Open Championship IBJJF (No-Gi)
  • 2015 — Bronze, Sydney Open Championship IBJJF (Gi)
  • 2015 — Bronze, Grappling Tournament Australia Championship (Gi)
  • 2014 — Silver, Victorian Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi)

White Belt (2 medals)

  • 2011 — Gold, III Etapa do Aberto Paranaense de Jiu-Jitsu (Brazil)
  • 2011 — Silver, V Copa Plastilit de Jiu-Jitsu (Brazil)
  • 2024 — Awarded Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (25 March 2024)
  • 2011 — Started training BJJ in Curitiba, Brazil
  • Medallist at Australian national and state level in every belt on the way up
  • Physical Education Degree — UFPR (Federal University of Paraná, Brazil)
  • Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor — EREPS
  • Course of Rehabilitation using the Pilates Method — TAO Pilates, Sport's Medicine Institute
  • Course to Excel the Teaching Method of Jiu-Jitsu for Children — Leão Teixeira Escola de Jiu-Jitsu
  • First Aid certified
  • Current Working with Children Check

Coach Wayne Spence

Wayne’s journey from white belt gold medallist to black belt is proof of what consistency on the mats can do. With over 12 years in martial arts, 12 championship medals across state and national competitions and more than 6 years of coaching, he is passionate about building tailored training programs that help every student grow, on and off the mats.

1stDegree Black Belt
12+Years in Martial Arts
6+Years Coaching
12Championship Medals

Purple Belt (2 medals)

  • 2019 — Silver, Australian Grappling Championships (Middleweight Advanced No-Gi)
  • 2019 — Bronze, IBJJF Pan Pacific Championships (Medium Heavy)

Blue Belt (5 medals)

  • 2017 — Bronze, Australian Cup Championships (Medium Heavy No-Gi)
  • 2016 — Gold, Arnold Classic BJJ Championship (Medium Heavy No-Gi)
  • 2016 — Silver, Arnold Classic BJJ Championship (Open Weight No-Gi)
  • 2015 — Gold, IBJJF Melbourne Open (Middleweight)
  • 2015 — Gold, IBJJF Melbourne Open (Open Weight)

White Belt (5 medals)

  • 2015 — Gold, Australian Cup Championship (Open Weight No-Gi)
  • 2015 — Bronze, Australian Cup Championships (Medium Heavy No-Gi)
  • 2014 — Gold, Victorian State Championship (Middleweight)
  • 2014 — Gold, Victorian No-Gi State Championship (Middleweight)
  • 2014 — Gold, Grappling Industries Melbourne Championship (Middleweight)
  • 2025 — Promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt
  • 2022 — Awarded Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Over 12 years in martial arts and more than 6 years coaching athletes at all levels
  • Tailored training programs built around each athlete's individual needs
  • Deep knowledge of technique, strategy and competition preparation
  • Mentoring focused on skill development and personal growth
  • Active promoter of martial arts through coaching and community outreach

Coach Stuart Prior

A martial artist for over three decades, Stuart brings a rare depth of teaching experience to the mats from a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo to more than 13 years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with over 9 years coaching BJJ. Certified in First Aid & CPR and holding a current Working with Children Check, he is dedicated to making every class safe, welcoming and technical for students of all ages.

30+Years Teaching Martial Arts
3rdDan Black Belt — Taekwondo
13+Years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
9+Years Coaching BJJ

Purple Belt

  • 2019 — Silver, Gracie Elite Competition (Heavyweight)

White Belt

  • 2015 — Gold, Melbourne Open (Gi, Heavyweight)
  • 2015 — Gold, Melbourne Open (Absolute)
  • 30 years of experience teaching martial arts
  • 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo
  • 13 years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with over 9 years coaching BJJ
  • Certified in First Aid & CPR
  • Current Working with Children Check

Coach Sandro Gomes

An IBJJF-accredited black belt, Sandro spent two decades coaching at some of Brazil’s most respected academies, including the world-renowned Gracie Barra Curitiba, preparing athletes for the sport’s biggest stages: the World Championship, Pan Ams and ADCC. A 3× Paraná State Champion and internationally accredited referee, he brings elite competition knowledge and passion for self-defense to every class.

IBJJFAccredited Black Belt
20+Years Coaching
Paraná State Champion
5Championship Medals
  • 2006 — Silver, Sul Americano Championship (Florianópolis, Brazil)
  • 2006 — Gold, Copa Cashcar (Brazil)
  • 2005 — Gold, Paraná State Championship (Brazil)
  • 2004 — Gold, Paraná State Championship (Brazil)
  • 2003 — Gold, Paraná State Championship (Brazil)
  • 2012–2026 — Coach, DNA Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Curitiba, Brazil)
  • 2006–2010 — Instructor, Cia Athletica (Curitiba, Brazil)
  • 2006–2009 — Instructor, Gracie Barra Curitiba — one of the world's most recognised BJJ academies

Responsible for competition training of athletes competing at the highest level of the sport — including the World Championship, European, Pan American, Brazilian Nationals and ADCC — with many securing medals at international events.

  • Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accredited by the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation)
  • Qualified self-defense instructor
  • Internationally accredited referee, officiating BJJ competitions
  • Mentor and competition strategist for BJJ & MMA athletes — training plans, fight strategy and performance analysis

What Our Clients Say

Michael Glendenning
Michael Glendenning
I don't normally write reviews, but sometimes I feel so passionate about a business I have to! My Daughter has trained here for over 2 years and just loves it. The coaches are welcoming and incredibly skilled. I myself have started the journey and have found the experience to be amazing. The other students are warm and helpful and seem to understand that the ego is left at the door. Aline and Jhunior are very passionate about Jiu Jitsu and as a father i feel incredible confident in the way the coaches make sure the children are as safe as can be when they are "rolling". I think it wont be long until our youngest is in the Kinda class!!
Strive
Strive
The BEST Jiu jitsu club in the South East suburbs of Melbourne. Highly skilled (and decorated) coaches that have a deep care and understanding of this amazing art/sport. What makes it so good? The coaches, the other students, the huge training schedule that allows us to train as little or as much as we want, the additional weights gym attached - that you can access for a very small fee. What else? Uniforms, hoodie, rash guards and more for sale at friendly prices. It is a solid business (and service) that has stood the test of time. You feel like part of the family and there is a real camaraderie. Gracie Elite is the real deal if you really want an authentic Jiu jitsu experience. I am coming up to two years and would never want to train anywhere else. Come, try, join, love.
 Dan Wiliams
Dan Wiliams
Came down for a new challenge not thinking long term However the culture and team environment here Had me coming back for more. Encouraging and supportive coaches that lead from the front bleeds down to the students of all levels to raise there standards. A safe place to train alongside everyone that supports your development and growth as you progress. They say as you grow so do I.
Prajna Kosaraju
Prajna Kosaraju
Our kids have been training at Gracie Elite Jiu-Jitsu for the past seven years, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. Jhunior and Aline are incredibly dedicated instructors who truly care about their students’ growth, both on and off the mats. The level of instruction is outstanding, and the supportive, family-like atmosphere makes it a fantastic place for kids to build confidence, discipline, and skills. Highly recommend to anyone looking for top-quality Jiu-Jitsu training!
Bailey Collins
Bailey Collins
Gracie Elite is more than just a Martial Arts Club, it is a family. I have been training BJJ for almost 10 years under world class coaches. It has been an amazing journey that has changed my life and taught me so many important life skills. I highly recommend this to people of all ages, fitness levels and experience. The Real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is here.

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Our free trial class is reserved for those who have not yet done BJJ or for white belts in the BJJ ranking.

AT THE MOMENT WE CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING FREE TRIAL TO KIDS UNDER 5yrs. PLEASE JOIN OUR WISH LIST HERE

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Got Questions?

Everything you need to know before stepping on the mats.

Do I need experience to start Jiu-Jitsu?

Not at all. Our programs are designed for complete beginners. Your first classes are structured, guided and focused on learning, not on performance or competition.

Absolutely not. We have students of all ages starting their journey. Jiu-Jitsu adapts to your body, pace and goals, not the other way around.

No need to wait. Training is how you get fit. Our sessions are progressive and adapted to your level.

Safety is our priority. All classes are supervised by certified instructors, with controlled intensity and structured learning. Respect and control come before strength.

Comfortable sports clothing is enough. We’ll guide you about uniforms (gi) after your trial class.

Absolutely. We have a strong female community and a supportive environment where women train, grow and gain confidence.

Our kids program focuses on:

• Confidence
• Respect
• Emotional control
• Discipline
• Social skills

Parents often notice positive changes in behaviour, focus and self-esteem.

No. Well-structured programs teach control before power. Children learn respect, boundaries and cooperation, not aggression.

Classes usually last 60 minutes, depending on the program.

Yes! We offer a free trial class so you can experience our environment before committing.

Yes. Our instructors are certified professionals, trained not only in Jiu-Jitsu but also in teaching methodology and student development.

Simply click the Book Free Trial button or contact us directly. We’ll guide you step by step.

You can cancel your membership at any time by:

  • Submitting a request through our member app

  • Sending us an email

  • Speaking directly with our team at reception

We aim to keep our process simple, transparent, and hassle-free. If you ever need assistance, our staff will be happy to help.