Tas BJJ History Project

The idea of writing this history came to me in April 2015, I was talking to my friend Pete Rogers about the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seminars in Tasmania and it dawned on me that the 20th anniversary of BJJ was rapidly approaching. Being that I had at that time been involved as a student and coach of BJJ since 2002 I realised that things had changed, the number of practitioners had increased, clubs had grown/split/changed and the methods and purpose of training had diversified as well. 

As a fan of history, the story that is Tasmanian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is fascinating to me and it's really too much to resist recording it. This is where the idea of writing a history came about; a complete, unbiased and accurate (as much as is possible) history of the introduction, growth and development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Tasmania.

This history is to be written following a rough timeline of three to four years per chapter. In intend to include chronologically significant things that occured, this will include, seminars, competitions, promotions and new clubs/associations. I intend to focus in on certain key individuals and pioneers during this story as well as the events that unfolded. While I would like to include dates and names of everyone who has received ranks in BJJ, this may prove difficult or impractical. So my intention is to list ranks awarded and dates where possible at the end of each chapter, unless there is a need to specifically record it elsewhere.

I must start this writing though with a qualification that this work is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I have gone to great pains to verify all details within this history through firsthand accounts and, where possible, photographic and written evidence. I have drawn on the recollections of every one who has played a major role in Tasmanian BJJ; from coaches, to competitors, to those who blazed the trails. To the best of my knowledge everyone who has ever run a club in Tasmania has been interviewed (or valid attempts have been made) as well as those who were early pioneers as my purpose in this history is accuracy and not exclusion.

With that said, please read this history with the proceeding limitations in mind and enjoy it for what it is.

Thank you,

Gerry Young

About the Author

Gerry began his martial arts training in Hapkido and started to incorporate BJJ in his training in 2002 with Adam Newton. Gerry has studied and instructed at several gyms including Tigers Eye Muay Thai, BJJ Hobart, Hybrid Training Centre and Hobart Martial Arts Academy. Gerry was awarded his brown belt in BJJ by Adam Newton in December 2011, making Gerry one of the first in the state to reach this rank. In addition to Adam, Gerry has been lucky enough to train under and with a variety of coaches including: Billy Burton, Clancy Roberts, Paul Burn, Chris Stone, Paul Butler, Arpad Tapp, Priscus Fogagnolo, Jim Reid, Brad Lowe, Pete Rogers and many others.
Gerry has extensive experience coaching all aspects of BJJ, submission wrestling and MMA. Gerry is also an experienced MMA ref and judge.