Rear naked choke, arm triangle or darce choke may not be common terms to some, but for kids and adults training at Mountain Lions Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they’re all part of the learning curve.
The Tamborine Mountain-based martial arts club has quietly built a reputation for empowering people of all ages through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline often referred to as the “gentle art” for its focus on grappling, leverage, and restraint rather than striking.
Founder and head instructor Matheus Frustockl, a two-time national champion and veteran of the combat sports world, said BJJ offers more than just a work out – it provides life skills.
“You can’t go around punching and kicking people these days, you get in trouble,” he said.
“But with Jiu-Jitsu, you can learn to control someone and de-escalate a situation without being aggressive. It gives you confidence and teaches you discipline.”
Mr Frustockl, who still works in security on the Gold Coast, said the principles of Jiu-Jitsu align closely with non-violent conflict resolution, especially for children navigating schoolyard tensions.
“If you punch someone at school, even if you’re defending yourself, you could get suspended. But if you can restrain someone without hurting them, you’re in control,” he said.
“That’s the power of Jiu-Jitsu – it’s self-defence that teaches calm.”
With classes catering to students from five to 55 years old, the club is preparing to move into a larger space this June to meet growing demand.
“We’ve got kids who come in hyperactive or shy, and Jiu-Jitsu transforms them,” he said.
“I’ve had girls who wouldn’t make eye contact or speak – now they’re submitting boys twice their size and walking tall.”
He said the benefits extend beyond self-defence and fitness.
“When you know you’ve got this invisible skill, you don’t need to show off,” he said.
“You’re more respectful, more disciplined. Kids learn to win and lose gracefully, and that’s something not every sport teaches.”
The club includes fitness-focused MMA sessions and entry-level classes that welcome all abilities.
While some members go on to compete, like 12-year-old Luca Voulcaris, who has already racked up eight gold medals, others simply train for health and confidence.
“You don’t need to get fit before you start Jiu-Jitsu,” Mr Frustockl said.
“Come as you are. You’ll get fit while learning a powerful skill and you’ll be part of a community that looks out for each other.”
With plans for a grand opening on the mountain mid-year, Mountain Lions BJJ is set to expand its reach while maintaining its small-town ethos: respect, discipline, and empowerment through the gentle art.
