Our team

Rogue BJJ Canberra is owned and led by 25 year BJJ pro Mike Armstrong. Mike leads Rogue BJJ Canberra with members, for members. Mike's experience as an artist and veteran living with PTSD, his support of connected communities and his belief in Brazilian jiu jitsu as a healing modality underpins Rogue BJJ Canberra. Mike is a 25-year BJJ pro and experienced senior teacher who's studied martial arts most of his life. He's a highly skilled black belt in BJJ and Karate and is passionate about the benefits of BJJ. He's driven, passionate, kind and connected and he is committed to his community supporting personal growth and individual expression. As senior coach and mentor, Mike encourages all to see the big picture about what BJJ naturally does mentally, physically and emotionally. He has a highly technical instructing style based on his personal grappling principles. Mike uses different techniques to illustrate principles rather than a standard technique syllabus. Mike is driven to support individual approaches to BJJ.

Essentially, Mike is an all round amazing human - he's the man that founded Rogue Jujitsu and now runs Rogue BJJ Canberra and his Art practice from Mandala Studio. Rogue Jujitsu is the culmination of decades of Mikes study, training, observation and reflection in what constitutes effective BJJ teaching and training. Mike's experience as an artist and veteran living with PTSD, his support of connected communities and his belief in BJJ as a healing modality underpins Rogue BJJ Canberra.

Mike studied martial arts for most of his life. He was awarded his BJJ Black Belt in 2017 from John Will after many dedicated years of study, travel, training and teaching. Mike was a Senior Instructor in a range of Army combative courses and has delivered training all over Australia and the world to Australian Defence Force members and their allies. In addition to John Will, Mike has trained extensively with Eduardo Dias, Ray Floro, Hunter Armstrong, Tony Morris, Rob Williams, Wayne Williams, Frank Dimarco and others.

In the Australian Army, Mike served in East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and also as part of the Tactical Assault Group East. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ballarat, Masters of Arts in Creative Arts from UniSQ and Masters in Cyber Security from UNSW. 

Mikes’ contribution to his community through art and movement is outstanding. He has successfully supported countless Australians to reach out and take the necessary steps toward a better life after service. Mike is joined by his service bulldog Squish who is part of our team and our loved Rogue BJJ mascot. Squish greets everybody at Mandala Studio and supports people with presence, play and comfort.

Thomas is a senior educator who believes that self development and balance cultivates wellbeing. He's a gentle soul who cares deeply about the health of his community. Thomas has a unique BJJ teaching style after practicing martial arts most of his life including Goju Ryu Karate and Taekwondo. He offers detailed Rogue BJJ Canberra classes with inquisitive expertise and generous support.

David is a curious and creative Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor. He has spent his career in BJJ being one of the smallest on the mat and as a result his understanding is highly technical favouring strong leverage and structure. David is a highly motivated, clever, funny and patient. He's generous with his knowledge and seamlessly links principles to techniques in his Rogue BJJ Canberra classes.