Meet the Experts Shaping the BJJ Landscape in Australia
At Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy, we pride ourselves on offering world-class instruction led by seasoned professionals dedicated to your growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Our instructors bring years of competitive success, teaching expertise, and a deep understanding of BJJ principles to every class.
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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 Pan Pacific 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.
Discover more: Learn about the history of BJJ and its principles on our Ultimate Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Australia.
More Instructor Spotlights
Our team includes passionate and skilled instructors who share their unique perspectives on BJJ:
- Marie Sales (Program Director): With a focus on program development, Marie ensures our classes are engaging and effective for all students.
Each instructor is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that nurtures both physical and mental growth.
Explore more: Visit our Success Stories Page to learn how our instructors have impacted students' BJJ journeys.


Professor Bruno Pachelli
Head Instructor Rouse Hill | Rank: Black Belt
Bruno is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with 15 years of BJJ experience in practicing, competing and teaching with 5 additional years as a strength and conditioning coach as well as a degree in Physical Education.
In both areas, his focus is always providing good development and results for his students using the many methods he’s learned through his Jiu Jitsu experience as well as his physical education degree.
As a coach, his focus is to ensure that each student whether child or adult improves their capabilities and skills, respecting each stage of development. It also helps them learn the essential values for living in society, valuing respect, discipline, humility, among others.
His goal as a coach is to create an environment in which each student can maintain a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle through martial arts, so they can practice jiu-jitsu without getting injured and leave each class with a sense of accomplishment.
As a resilient and hardworking individual, he always tries to learn something new to add to his own development as well as the development of his students.
Bruno loves the outdoors, spending time with his family, spending time in nature as well as reading, training and of course, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Coach Fernando Granata
Head Instructor Richmond | Rank: Brown Belt
Fernando is a Brown Belt with four stripes under Xavier Sales with over 11 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has been coaching for over 2.5 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.

Learn from the Best
When you train with us at Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy, you’re learning from some of the most accomplished practitioners in the Australian BJJ scene. Their combined expertise, dedication, and passion for the art will inspire you to achieve your best.
Join us today:
- The Ultimate Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Australia
- Sign Up for Classes
- Explore Our Beginner Programs