Professor Jamie Ballard is the head instructor of Gracie Barra Newcastle. With more then 10 years of teaching experience, he is a primary example of a man who is fully dedicating his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and its members.

Jamie holds numerous titles in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Wrestling and Mixed martial Arts. Of most merit was in 2007 when Jamie represented Australia at ADCC Submission Fighting competition in USA.

He is a former professional mixed martial arts fighter with wins over Stephen Gillinder and Kenichi Matsuo. This outstanding background qualifies him as one of the best coaches and lightweight competitors on the Australian scene.

His formal qualifications include; industry accreditation as provided by the National Martial Arts Instructors Accreditation Scheme (MAIA); Working with Children clearance; Senior First Aid certification.

Rod Staader is the Muay Thai instructor at Grace Barra Newcastle and heads up the NOVA Muay Thai fight team. He is an accomplished muay thai kickboxer, professional mixed martial arts fighter and has a Blue belt in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu.

Rod is a very experienced and qualified instructor. He is committed to helping students develop into well-rounded martial artists. He provides quality instruction in a safe environment, and aims to cater to your goals and needs, whether they relate to health and fitness, competition, self-defense or self-development.
Anybody who has ever done one of Rod's classes always walks away with a real sense of achievement.

His formal qualifications include; industry accreditation as provided by the National Martial Arts Instructors Accreditation Scheme (MAIA); Working with Children clearance; Senior First Aid certification.