ABOUT US
Home / About Us
23+ Years of Experience
Kids & Adult Programs
Family-Friendly & Inclusive Culture
Rouse Hill & Richmond Locations
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Everyone
Find the perfect program for your goals and experience level
Kids
Confidence, discipline, anti-bullying skills
Teens
Fitness, self-control, positive
mentors
Adults
Self-defence, fitness,
stress relief
Competitors
High-level training and structured
development
We would like to welcome all of you to come down and visit us at Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy. Our team is dedicated to provide a family-friendly environment, teach the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and give you an experience that you and your whole family will truly enjoy. Our school has been established since the July 2018 serving to people from all walks of life. We have a set curriculum for men, women, and kids from beginners to advanced and not only that but we also cater to people who need special attention. We believe that everyone deserves the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
BJJ is not just an extra activity in people’s lives. It is a core activity that becomes a lifestyle and will positively reflect in every dimension of your life.
All of us at Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy give our 100% commitment in providing every student with the highest quality of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training to cater for everyone regardless of age, gender, physique and physical fitness in a clean, friendly and family-oriented environment.
With the guidance of our fully qualified instructors trained under the Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy curriculum, we will see to it that every student will get the attention and guidance required to excel in the sport and their personal wellbeing.
We at Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy aim to spread the knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and we will pursue to see that our contribution will make a difference not just in the growth of the sport but also in the lives of others. We are now open Full time with classes in the morning and classes at night so feel free to come and check out our Premium school.
Click on SCHEDULE to view our class times or contact us to book your FREE introductory class.
Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy Richmond’s dedicated team of gifted coaches and trainers are passionate about giving every grappler, irrespective of their skill level and experience, the support and guidance they need to thrive. Our Kids and Adult Classes cater for beginners through to seasoned grapplers, and make fitness fun, allowing our members to be the best version of themselves.
Our Programs
Structured training paths designed for every age and skill level
Professor Xavier Sales
Credentials and Achievements
Professor Xavier Sales, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 1st Degree Black Belt under Master Jean Jacques Machado, is the cornerstone of our academy. His accolades include:
2x Melbourne IBJJF Open Champion
2x Sydney IBJJF Open Champion
Pan Asian Champion
5x Australian Champion
2x Sydney IBJJF Open Champion
6x NSW State Champion
2x QLD State Champion
Teaching Philosophy
With a leadership style rooted in the NSW Principles of Coaching, Professor Xavier balances structured guidance with individualized student growth. His innovative approach ensures every student, beginner or advanced, feels supported in their journey.
Professor Bruno Pachelli
Head Instructor Rouse Hill
Belt Rank in Jiu Jitsu: Black
Bruno is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with over 15 years of experience training, competing, and teaching, along with 5 years as a strength and conditioning coach and a degree in Physical Education. His coaching approach blends technical jiu-jitsu knowledge with proven physical education methods to ensure effective development and measurable results. He is deeply committed to helping each student progress safely while maximizing performance and long-term growth.
As a coach, Bruno prioritizes individual development for both children and adults, respecting each stage of physical and mental growth while instilling core values such as respect, discipline, and humility. His goal is to create a supportive environment where students maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid injuries, and leave every class feeling accomplished. Outside the mats, Bruno enjoys nature, family time, reading, continuous learning, and of course, living and breathing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Fernando Granata
Head Instructor Richmond
Belt Rank in Jiu Jitsu: Black
Fernando is a Black Belt under Professor Xavier Sales with over 11 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has been coaching for over 3 years at Alpha Jiu-Jitsu Academy, working with both kids and adults. Additionally, with more than four years of experience as a personal trainer, allowing him to integrate strength and conditioning principles into his training approach.
His journey began in MMA before discovering his passion for BJJ, which led him to train and compete across South America, Europe, and Australia.
Fernando focuses on structured, effective teaching while fostering a strong sense of community. He is passionate about making BJJ accessible to everyone, including individuals with diverse abilities.
His approach ensures that every student not only improves on the mats but also gains valuable life skills through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Meet Our Founders: The Story Behind Alpha Jiu Jitsu
Discover the passion, philosophy, and people behind our academy.
In this special podcast episode, hear directly from founders Marie and Professor Xavier Sales as they share the inspiring journey of building Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy. From humble beginnings to shaping champions and a tight-knit community, this candid conversation covers it all the values, the vision, and the heart behind every class.
Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just curious about who we are, this video gives you a deeper look into what makes our academy truly unique.
What does it really take to achieve your goals?
For Xavier and Marie Sales, the answer is found in three words: Sweat, Grit, and Growth.
Unmasked story of resilience, learning, and relentless effort.
Our Programs
Structured training paths designed for every age and skill level
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Build confidence, coordination, and self-defence skills in a fun, safe environment. Our structured curriculum teaches discipline while keeping kids engaged and excited to learn.
Adults Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Improve fitness, learn real-world self-defence, and challenge yourself. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning to training, our classes cater to all levels.
Competition Training
Structured, high-level training for students looking to compete. Develop advanced techniques, strategy, and the mental edge needed to succeed in competition.
What Our Community Says
Real stories from parents and students
OUR PHILOSOPHY
More Than Jiu Jitsu
We believe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a tool to develop resilience, confidence, and character not just physical skill. Our approach balances technical excellence with
Resilience
Through Challenges
Confidence
Through Achievements
Character
Through Discipline
Train With Us
Two convenient locations in Sydney’s North-West
Rouse Hill
Our flagship location serving the Hills District community with spacious mats and modern facilities.
Richmond
Conveniently located to serve the Hawkesbury region with dedicated training areas for all programs.
Getting Started is Simple
Four easy steps to begin your Jiu Jitsu journey
Book a Free Trial
Schedule your first class at either location
Meet the Coaches
Experience a class and meet our team
Choose Your Program
Find the right fit for your goals
Start Your Journey
Begin training with our supportive community
Ready to Get Started?
Join a supportive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community where safety, skill, and
personal growth come first. Take the first step today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before getting started
How long does it take to get a Black Belt in BJJ?
On average, it takes around 11 years to achieve a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). However, individual timelines can vary significantly, ranging from 3 years to more than 20 years depending on factors like consistent training, natural talent, and competition experience. Keep in mind that the journey is as important as the destination!
What does BJJ stand for?
BJJ stands for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a self-defense martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. If you’re interested, you can explore BJJ classes to experience it firsthand!
How to tie a Jiu Jitsu belt?
1. Hold the belt flat against your stomach.
2. Cross the sides around your back.
3. Pull the belt ends to your front.
4. Cross the right side over the left side.
5. Fold the right side under the belt and thread it through the gaps created by the other end of the belt.
6. You’re ready for action! Remember, practice makes perfect!