at the International Martial Art Center

Among the first of the top-notch Brazillians to make the move to America, were the renowned Brazillian fighting family, the Machado Brothers. Through the help of martial arts legend Chuck Norris, himself a Machado student, the brothers relocated from Rio De Janeiro to the United States during the late 80's and early 90's. Before setting up their Academies in Los Angeles, eachof the five brothers held Brazil National Jiu Jitsu titles in each of their respective weight divisions. A unique accomplishment in a highly competitive arena. The five brothers, Carlos, Rigan, Jean, Jaques, John and Roger were all brought up on a diet of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; spending most of their childhood years on the mat, and competing in innumerable local, state and national tournaments.

Related to the Gracie family by marriage, the Machado's have always been regarded as part of the inner circle of the authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tradition.

My personal introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu took place in the late 80's. Prior to that, I had spent fifteen years training ina variety of combative systems throughout Indonesia, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and the USA. My penchant for training in teaching and writing about the martial arts eventually led me to give the publication business a try. And so it was that as owner/editor of the Australian Martial Arts Magazine - "Blitz" I had my first sobering experience on a BJJ mat. Through circumstance and good fortune, I had my first extended training trip to Brazil in 1989. Rigan Machado was to accompany me there; and through his efforts, I was able to train with a healthy cross-section of the more renowned of the BJJ community.

The decade to follow afforded me some of the most exciting and stimulating learning I have ever undergone. The concepts, principles, mechanics and techniques of this rich and fascinating art as taught by the Machado family, were to me, like ingots of of gold. Each, hard earned, but all the more valuable for it. Progress through the ranks of blue, purple and brown to the level of BJJ black belt is a slow painstaking one; but the effort pails to that of the rewards to be gained. Upon being awarded the rank of black belt by Rigan Machado in 1998, I became Australia's official Machado representative and immediately founded BJJ Australia - the Machado face in the Australasian region.

Their competition portfolio includes a plethora of Brazilian and American National BJJ titles; Sambo titles, Greco-Roman wrestling and World Submission Grappling titles. They are among the most sought after BJJ coaches on the international circuit; and to date are proud to count an impressive list of martial arts celebrities and fighters as part of their student body. Through their coaching efforts, the Machado's have produced National champions in both Brazil and the USA. Following their move to the USA they have produced a number of fully qualified black belt instructors, who in turn, have begun producing champions of their own.

Master Mike "Young Gun" Lee
International Martial Art Center Head Instructor

Master Young Gun Lee has trained in the Martial Arts for over 20 years. He has studied under the great Korean Masters of old and the top professional N.H.B. fighters of new. He is one of the top practitioners of Hapkido and is a 4th degree black belt. He has also studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, boxing, and wrestling. Master Lee has experience fighting on the international circuits of Asia, Europe, and South America. His experience can help you achieve all of your goals in the martial arts world.

Master Rick Minter

Master Minter has trained in Martial Arts since 1962. He has also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1986, and studied under both of the famous names, the Gracie and Machado families. He received his black belt under Rigan Machado. Master Minter is a two-time Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu champion and and is a certified instructor of Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee's style) under Danny Insanto. He also holds black belts in Gojo-ryu and Shorin-ryu Karate. He is also a very skilled boxing instructor with many years of experience. Do not pass up the opportunity to train with one of the best in martial arts today. He will help you to reach your goals, whatever they may be.