Meet the Rogue BJJ Team

Mike Armstrong founded Rogue Jujitsu in 2014 and now leads Rogue BJJ Canberra at Mandala Studio. Rogue Jujitsu is the culmination of decades of Mike's study, training, observation and reflection in what constitutes effective BJJ teaching and training. Mike leads Rogue BJJ Canberra with members, for members. His 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 underpin 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, sincere, kind and connected. As senior coach and mentor, Mike encourages everyone to see what BJJ naturally does mentally, physically, and emotionally. He has a highly technical instructing style based on his grappling principles. Mike uses different techniques to illustrate principles rather than a standard technique syllabus. He's driven to support individual approaches and group collaboration in BJJ.

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 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.

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

Mike has successfully supported countless Australians in reaching out and taking the necessary steps toward a better life after service. He is joined by his service bulldog Squish, who is part of our team and our beloved 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.