Meet Our Team & BJJ Coaches in Brisbane

Coaches who connect

At Gather, our training lives at the intersection of strong character and precise technique. Get to know the dedicated Jiu Jitsu instructors in Brisbane who lead our community on and off the mats.

Head Instructor and Curriculum Lead, BLack Belt

Marcio Marinho

For Head Instructor Marcio Marinho Ribeiro, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport - it is a lifelong anchor that has provided structure, community and purpose across two continents.

Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, Marcio was immersed in a culture where martial arts and sports were essential outlets. His path took him through boxing and karate before he eventually discovered the art of jiu jitsu - a discipline that would become a defining thread of his life.

Marcio’s journey to Australia began as a six-month adventure, but life had other plans. Through the challenges of navigating a new country, becoming a father and balancing the demands of work and life, jiu jitsu remained his constant sanctuary. It was during his time in Australia that Marcio truly deepened his practice, evolving from a dedicated student to a leading instructor who views the art as a complex language that must be translated clearly for every student.

PHILOSOPHY

Marcio’s approach to teaching is built on the belief that jiu jitsu should be structured, intentional and deeply connected. He rejects the "copy-and-paste" method of instruction, focusing instead on the why and the how behind every movement.

Systematic Learning: Marcio believes in sequence over speed. He structures his classes to build specific mechanical habits, ensuring warm-ups, drills, and techniques are all aligned with the day’s learning objective.

Continuous Evolution: Marcio treats coaching as a craft. He constantly seeks feedback, observes students' progress and refines his curriculum to ensure he is delivering the most effective and accessible instruction possible.

The "Task-Based" Approach: Marcio emphasises task-based training for students of all levels. This ensures that time on the mats is spent actively learning and problem-solving rather than defaulting to old, inefficient habits.

Connection and Communication: Having learned in various environments - from small gyms where students had to help lay the mats every session to high-level training centers - Marcio understands the importance of community. He prides himself on his ability to communicate complex concepts in ways that make sense to students of all levels.

Senior Coach, Black Belt

Ben Holding

Ben Holding’s journey in martial arts is defined by a lifelong pursuit of technical excellence and a competitive spirit.

From his early days as a boxer and elite junior footballer, to his transition into the world of mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu jitsu, Ben's path has been one of total dedication. Since narrowing his focus to pure jiu jitsu, Ben has lived and breathed the sport, often training twice a day to push the boundaries of his own development.

Now as a BJJ coach in Brisbane, Ben is driven by the desire to pass on that hard-earned knowledge to the next generation of students. He believes that the true value of his experience lies in the ability to share the nuances of the sport with others, helping them bridge the gap between fundamental concepts and high-level application.

PHILOSOPHY

Ben’s approach to teaching is built on the belief that BJJ should be both technically rigorous and personally accessible. He thrives on creating an environment that is high-energy, insightful and adaptable to every student’s unique style.

Foundation First: Ben emphasises you cannot build a complex game without mastering the fundamentals. He works to ensure every student understands the "why" behind every movement.

Inclusivity: Whether you are a day-one beginner or a seasoned competitor, Ben’s classes are structured to offer techniques that cater to different body types and skill levels.

Energy and Intent: Every session is designed to be upbeat and focused. Ben brings a "work-rate" mentality to the gym, encouraging his students to show up with intent and leave the mats better than when they arrived.