Academy of Combat: Christchurch Martial Arts

The Chief Instructor

Geoff is a martial artist with over 30 years experience. He has taught students from all walks of life for over 26 years. He has a 6th degree Black Belt in Freestyle martial arts, is a Thai boxing trainer with over 25 years experience, a Thailand certified referee and Judge and has a black belt in Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Formerly working as a research scientist in the field of molecular biology he now teaches martial arts full time.
Geoff is also a certified NLP/Neurosemantics Trainer which allows him to assist people in
realizing their full potential.

Director & Chief Executive Office Academy of Combat

Leonie has a science background with a B.Sc. and worked as a research scientist. She is a NLP/Neurosemantics practitioner, has 10yrs experience working with community groups/committees, business owner and has managed the Academy since it's conception in 1995.

Thai boxing red patch
MMA purple belt
BJJ blue belt

Former South Island Light-Heavyweight Thai boxing champion.

Excellent instructor with over 16 years experience and a friendly personality that is reflected in his caring for his students.
Adam also enjoys movies, video games and pro-wrestling when he is not training.

Black patch Thai boxing
Black belt MMA
BJJ brown belt

“Member of the Academy for 9 years out of 13 years in martial arts in total.
Came from a traditional background and wanted to do more realistic training.”

South Island Welterweight Thai boxing champion.
South Island Lightweight Vale Tudo champion
New Zealand WMC Welterweight Thai boxing champion
Former Australasian Purple Belt Machado BJJ champion

Thai boxing red patch

Koata is one of our most dedicated and longest serving members with over 20 years experience. Currently Koata teaches ladies Thai boxing.

Weaponry Combat black belt

“Been doing martial arts for most of my life, including Judo from age 6 and 3 different styles of traditional Karate.
Soldier for 10 years, mechanic by trade, married for 16 years and business owner/operator.
Love training in martial arts which is why I keep coming back.”

MMA black belt
BJJ brown belt
Thai boxing blue patch

Jason currently teaches fundamental mixed martial arts, his other interests include computers and reading.

MMA black belt
BJJ purple belt

John teaches fundamental MMA and has a very impressive MMA fight record. He also won the light heavy-weight white belt division at the 2007 Australasian Machado BJJ championships.

Weaponry Combat black belt

Tony coaches the fundamental weaponry class.

Thai boxing black patch
MMA blue belt
Weaponry Combat blue belt

Grant is a very well rounded martial artist who currently teaches fundamental Thai Boxing and is a Program Director. He can be seen in many of the projects filmed at the Academy including Geoff's Mastering The Danger Zone DVD series.

Thai boxing brown patch
MMA brown belt
BJJ purple belt

James is a small bald man and found his way to the Academy 5 years ago by accident and we've been unable to get him to leave yet!
Very friendly and always eager to help anyone at Thai boxing or on the mat.
Also the self-confessed biggest geek at the gym, he helps teach fundamental Thai boxing and MMA.

Purple Patch Thai boxing
Blue Belt MMA

Hayley is a member of our hard working reception/admin staff and trains in Thai Boxing and MMA.

BJJ purple belt
MMA purple belt
Thai boxing orange patch

Mark teaches fundamental MMA and helps teach the kids martial arts classes.
His main interest outside of martial arts is computer graphics.

MMA blue belt
Thai boxing yellow patch

Kathryn is a member of our hard working reception/admin staff who also trains in MMA and Thai boxing.

Thai Boxing Purple Patch

Phil coaches the fundamental Thai Boxing class.

Thai Boxing Brown Patch

Kullen coaches  fundamental Thai boxing and ladies Thai boxing.

Thai boxing blue patch

Brad coaches fundamental Thai boxing.

Thai boxing green patch
MMA blue belt

Kieran assists with the Kidz Martial Arts classes.

Thai boxing green patch
MMA blue belt

Hayden assists with coaching fundamental Thai boxing.

Thai boxing blue patch

Alan coaches fundamental Thai boxing

Thai boxing blue patch
MMA orange patch

Matt coaches fundamental Thai boxing

Thai boxing orange patch

Oliver assists with coaching fundamental Thai boxing.

Sophie is a member of our hard working reception/admin staff.

Estela is a member of our hard working reception/admin staff.

Anthea is a member of our hard working reception/admin staff.