Meet Our Coaches
A dedicated team that are here to pass on their knowledge and guide you through your Jiu-Jitsu journey.
SIMON ‘TAREE’ BATH
Taree commenced his martial arts journey in 1991, Greco Roman wrestling caught his eye; using throws, locks, and clinching techniques to gain control over his opponents. Taree discovered jiu-jitsu after watching the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993, and began training Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) soon after. He had his first MMA/no rules fight in 1999 and continued competing for a further 7 years.
In 2003, he started jiu-jitsu and committed to travelling two hours to Newcastle 3 or 4 times per week to train. In 2005, after earning his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) he opened a small part time jiu-jitsu school in Forster. In February 2010, he ventured to Sydney for a BJJ seminar with Professor Dave Camarillo, a couple of days before coaching at the first Australian UFC event. Here Taree discovered a newfound love for BJJ and had a desire to pursue the sport at an intensified level. This incredible seminar kicked off the trips to train at the American Kickboxing Academy, where Dave was the head MMA coach.
His craving to learn from the best in the sport continually grew and he repeatedly headed to America to train with Professors Dave Camarillo, Matt Darcy and Sergio Penha. The wealth of knowledge and experience gained from these visits only fuelled the fire. In August 2012, Taree earned his Brown Belt from Dave Camarillo.
Taree is currently a second degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Dave Camarillo. He has competed at all belt stages and across the various age divisions with medals at State, National and International levels. With a Cert IV in fitness and personal training, as well as 18 years of coaching experience, Taree has an educated and well-rounded approach to training and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“My goal as a jiu-jitsu coach is for each person to be the best practitioner they can be and then some. Over the years of coaching I have had the privilege of helping people from all walks of life; from the average Joe through to professional fighters, make massive changes in both their bodies and minds. Jiu-Jitsu will change your life, as it has mine.” ~ Taree
CRAIG ‘MACCA’ MCEVOY
Craig started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2009 at age 41. He was privileged to train under Australian ADCC representative Professor Jamie Ballard. After 10 years of training, in 2019, Craig received his Black Belt from Professor’s Dave Camarillo and Simon Bath.
In his younger years, Craig competed in drugfree powerlifting at both a state and national level. Very early on in his Jiu-Jitsu journey Craig learnt that good technique could quickly overcome strength. As a mature athlete, Craig has developed a passion to study more efficient ways of applying techniques to take advantage over both younger and stronger opponents. His understanding of the biomechanics of Jiu-Jitsu and how it relates to injury-free training has not only helped him to achieve longevity in the sport it has also helped to influence his coaching style. With Jiu-Jitsu generally being considered to be young person’s sport, Craig adds a unique perspective to the Guerrilla coaching team and he passes this knowledge to the Guerrilla students.
ELISE PAVETT
Elise’s interest in jiu-jitsu was sparked after watching her first MMA match. She had participated in boxing for fitness and decided to persue it competitively- with an impressive 11 amateurs bouts with record 9 wins 2 losses. The Master Games in Adelaide saw her achieve a silver, this further ignited the flame and she wanted to expand her skill set to Mixed Martial Arts. In 2012, she decided to “quickly pick up some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”, after her first class she was hooked and discovered the swift skill acquisition she was hoping for was going to be a lifelong journey.
Elise commenced jiu-jitsu in 2013 at TP Gym in Caringbah, with Alex Prates and Bernardo ‘Trekko’ Magalhaes. She was involved in kinda-gym, gi and no gi kids and teens classes and women’s self defence sessions. Her time at TP Gym saw her earn her blue and purple belts. She then moved academies to Grappling Education where she was graded to brown belt.
She has had an extensive Jiu-jitsu career, completing both nationally and internationally – meddling at State, Pan Pacs and Abu Dhabi Pro. She also had the opportunity to teach a Competition Training camp in Foshan, China.
Elise believes the jiu-jitsu mats provide the perfect balance of challenges, fitness and friendship!
CHARLES HALL
Charles has always had a passion for martial arts from a young age, he started boxing at 9 years old and eventually would compete at the age of 20. Charles started working as a security guard around this time and soon came to realise that boxing alone was not the best tool to use in the workplace, this sparked an interest in different forms of martial arts.
After trying ninjutsu under instructor Dean Connors, Charles gradually gravitated toward Jiu-jitsu, with his first class under Jamie Ballard at The University of Newcastle. This would eventually lead to taking up mixed martial arts at Beston Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, while training with several striking and conditioning coaches including Simon Bath, Paul Daniel and Rob Murdoch.
After competing in MMA and at the age of 32, Charles decided to make the switch to strictly Jiu-Jitsu and began as a white belt under Graham Waera representing Gracie Humaita. He enjoyed competing and graded to purple belt with Graham, due to the closure of this academy and a long-standing friendship with Taree, Charles joined the team at Guerrilla Jiu-jitsu where he was graded to brown then black belt under David Camarillo and Simon ‘Taree’ Bath.
“Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, we all do it for different reasons, and we all have our own personal goals that we want to achieve both on and off the mats, the best thing you could do is give it a crack!”~ Charlie
BRODIE HARDMAN
Brodie started jiu-jitsu in 2018 with the goal of being challenged physically and mentally, to test the limits. He has successfully medalled in all competitions he has participated in, both gi and no gi divisions. Brodie enjoys studying the concepts and skills encapsulated in the art of jiu-jitsu and sharing these through his coaching.
BIANCA CHARMAN-SMITH
Bianca started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2017. She quickly became passionate about the sport for the self-defence, physical and mental health benefits, the endless challenges and learning opportunities, supportive community and inspiring people that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu attracts. She began training with Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Newcastle in December 2020. Bianca enjoys being a role model to her two young daughters through her passion and dedication. She aims to provide a welcoming and educational environment to foster greater participation of women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
ROGER KIRKLAND
Roger’s martial arts journey began in Brisbane in the early 90’s with Kick Boxing and Muay Thai for approximately 8 years, in which he competed multiple times and was an assistant trainer. He also trained in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu also, for around 3 years. In 2001, Roger joined the Navy putting his martial arts pursuits on hold for a while. After the Navy service, Roger returned to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, achieving his first-degree black belt in early 2015 after approximately 10 years of combined training.
After relocating to Newcastle Roger began at Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu and is currently a Purple Belt. With a passion for teaching jiu-jitsu to children, his attitude and enthusiasm provides a welcoming start to the children’s journey. Roger relishes in seeing kids self esteem, confidence and resilience grow as students are empowered with self-defence techniques to support them through life.
DOUG MARR
Doug started his martial arts journey in 1991 when he trained Kokusai Jujutsu. He also trained in kickboxing and traditional boxing at the local PCYC. In 2008, he started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and commenced competing as a white belt. He competed at white, blue and purple belt levels and earned many state and national titles, including silver at the Pan Pac Games for No-Gi and a Bronze at the ADCC qualifier.
He travelled to the USA and trained with top-grade coaches Robert Drysdale, Wanderlei Silva and Cleber Luciano. This helped to build a coaching strategy around mental toughness and different styles of Jiu-Jitsu. For the last few years, he has focused on coaching children by integrating his Jiu-Jitsu techniques, mentoring, life skills, situational awareness and team-building skills. His passion now is teaching the next generation of athletes in, both juniors and adults, and to help others reach their full potential.
JADE MARR
Jade began training jiu-jitsu in 2008. She has competed at white, blue and purple belt levels – medalling at Abu Dhabi trials in purple and brown belt. Jade has been a kids jiu-jitsu coach, implementing self-defence and well-being programs in local schools for the past 5 years. She’s an active member of Australia Girls in Gi, promoting and advocating for equality in gyms for women, supporting women’s competitions and the Australian women’s Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community.
What Our Students Are Saying About Us
The vibe drew me in! I’m surrounded by fantastic like-minded people.
I was looking for a safe space to train, get fitter, learn great technique and importantly have fun.
Cath Eather
Student
