Meet the Expert Coaches at Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu, Perth
Elevate Your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey with Perth’s Leading BJJ and MMA Coaches
At Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu, our coaching team comprises of seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and MMA practitioners dedicated to guiding students through every stage of their martial arts journey. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced competitor, our coaches provide personalised training to help you achieve your goals in a supportive and inclusive environment.
BRAndon chin
Brandon is the Head Coach and is a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Will-Machado Australasia.
Brandon was introduced to the gentle art of BJJ over 20 years ago. From there, he fell in love with the combination of intellectual and physical aspects of BJJ. Brandon enjoys the benefits of improved balance, coordination and self defence that BJJ imparts and finds practicing the art a great stress relief and wonderful social outlet.
In addition to his expertise in BJJ, he has had extensive training in a range of different systems, including various Filipino weapons, judo, kung fu and kickboxing.
Paul edwards
“You don’t have to win every fight or roll at training. Try to dial down the use of strength and athleticism; technique is king.”
Paul started his BJJ journey in his 30s when he ‘retired’ from team sports and was looking for his next challenge. Having long been a fan of MMA, he was inspired to try his hand at BJJ. Nine years on, Paul coaches both Kids and Adult BJJ programs at Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu.
Paul likens BJJ to an all-body game of chess that challenges him mentally, as well as keeping him physically healthy.
ANDREW LIM
Andrew has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2009. Starting out at 63kg, he was drawn to the art for its focus on technique and leverage, allowing smaller athletes to overcome larger opponents. Over the years, through competing, training and teaching, his style has evolved from fast and flexible to more methodical and pressure-based — giving him the ability to coach students of all body types and experience levels.
Andrew received his black belt in 2021 and has since coached both locally and internationally, including co-founding Grappling Dynamik, a BJJ academy in Germany. Now back in Perth and training at Kaizen Lab, he is passionate about helping students develop strong fundamentals, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the art.
Phil hagen
“Just keep showing up.”
Fourteen years ago, a friend wanted to try BJJ and persuaded Phil to tag along. Phil had done other martial arts as a child and didn’t go in with high expectations of BJJ but loved it straight away!
Phil attributes BJJ with keeping him humble and mentally resilient. BJJ is a great stress outlet for Phil and he enjoys the increased control and awareness of his body. It also provides him with effective tools to defend himself and his loved ones.
Whilst BJJ is perceived as an individual sport, you are very dependent on your training partners, and develop a great sense of camaraderie and community with them
simon wickson
“Persevere, train consistently and don’t get disheartened early on. The great thing about BJJ is that you learn at every single training session”
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Simon started martial arts at the age of 18, training in Kung Fu and then Muay Thai. Six years ago, Simon wanted to expand his martial arts knowledge so he bought a cheap Gi and headed to his first BJJ class at Ippon Gym in the UK. He has never looked back!
Simon has trained under excellent BJJ instructors including Ippon Gym’s Jeff Lawson, Ben Dyson and now Kaizen Lab’s Head Coach Brandon Chin. Simon is also a keen BJJ competitor, having participated in many tournaments from white through to his current rank.
jeremy pui
BJJ is a well-rounded art. It’s a full body chess game – intense when you want it to be and improves your own body awareness, strength and a lot more.”
After many years of striking martial arts, BJJ has closed the loop of Jeremy’s martial arts journey; adding close combat and ground work to his game. BJJ has also brought a whole new level of confidence in self-defence situations and the added bonus of full body conditioning and strengthening.
As one of the smaller rollers on Kaizen’s mat, Jeremy finds learning how to wrestle effectively and efficiently with people 30% heavier very rewarding and satisfying.
deon peterson
"Facing an ember or flame, the fire is the place to be"
Deon’s journey into the world of BJJ began 6 years ago when a friend invited him to an open mat in a humble garage. After getting manhandled by the seasoned practitioners, Deon had a transformative “what is this sorcery?!” moment that ignited his passion for the martial art.
The benefits of BJJ in Deon’s life extend beyond physical fitness. As someone who used to work in late-night bars, he found that BJJ provided him with a tremendous boost in confidence; empowering him to handle various situations that arose in his line of work. Moreover, Deon is drawn to the technical depth of BJJ, constantly finding new setups, combinations, and details to explore.
christian rodriguez
“Either you win or you learn, you never lose as long as you keep going.”
With a background in Karate Kyokushin and Kickboxing, Christian was looking for a new martial art to immerse himself and nothing drew him in – until Jiu-jitsu.
With Jiu-jitsu, Christian had a whole new world to explore and enjoy. Many years later he still loves the constantly challenging experience and how BJJ exercises your mind as well as your body.
Outside of coaching, Christian can be found working with his hands in the construction industry. He is also a 2D digital artist, board game enthusiast, lover of trying new food and isn’t afraid to dance in public
max hearn
“Experience everything once.”
As a rugby union athlete, Max began training BJJ in 2017 to incorporate new skills into his rugby and fitness training regime. From that moment he discovered a love for BJJ and has since adopted it as his primary sport.
Max is motivated by BJJ’s infinite learning possibilities and it’s ability to greatly improve his fitness. Max also enjoys the challenge of mastering new BJJ techniques.
He is an active competitor at both state and national level and plans to further refine his abilities through participating in many more competitions in the future.
christian magaraggia
“Don’t rush the process. Skills take time to build, you might not notice the incremental increases day-to-day or week-to-week but the improvement is taking place!“
Christian was getting bored with going to the gym and pumping out weights. He was looking for something a bit more fun that would still keep him fit – enter Brazilian Jiujitsu. As someone who doesn’t have much time outside of work and other commitments, BJJ is perfect. It fulfills the need to do a sport that is challenging, rewarding and involves constant learning.
Outside of coaching, Christian works as a Physiotherapist and often spends time reading, getting outdoors, having coffee and just generally hanging out
jess sardi
“Know your strengths and design your game around them. BJJ isn’t about being better than someone else – it’s about being better than what you used to be. Knowing that you are progressing within yourself is what really matters.”
Jess coaches our women-only sessions and assists with developing our junior members. Jess started BJJ in 2019 when she retired from playing and coaching state soccer/Futsal. She’d always wanted to try a martial art and had found her new sporting passion with BJJ!
Inspired by the intellectual and physical aspects of the gentle art, Jess loves that there is so much to learn every time she steps on to the mats. She also enjoys Kaizen’s positive and inclusive club atmosphere, making some great friendships along the way.
jason dallman
“Relax and be a T-Rex”
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu captured Jason’s attention many years ago after taking his young son to BJJ classes. Jason would spend his son’s classes thinking “I want to do this too”, then return home to practice techniques with his son – who would make him tap in surrender easily! Years later, Jason is a much-loved coach at Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu.
In contrast to Jason’s professional life, where he has a multitude of things requiring his attention at the same time, BJJ provides Jason a sanctuary where he can have 100% singular focus and the opportunity to calm his mind. He also enjoys the friendly relaxed atmosphere and strong team vibe at Kaizen Lab.
When he’s not rolling on the mats, Jason loves to make hammers, tongs and knives and seek out excellent single malts.
Why Choose Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu?
Expertise Across All Levels: Our coaches have extensive experience in BJJ and MMA, offering insights and techniques suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners.
Structured Programs: We provide well-organised training programs that focus on skill development, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
Inclusive Environment: Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu prides itself on maintaining a welcoming and respectful community, encouraging students from all backgrounds to thrive.
Flexible Training Options: With a variety of classes, including women-only, and kids' and teens programs, we accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences.
Work At Your Own Pace With Private Lessons
Work at your own pace with our experts in private or small group sessions. Choose from a custom designed training plan designed to meet your goals in the fastest possible time. We also offer corporate team building sessions for companies that care about the mental and physical well being of their staff.
Discover The Class For You
Classes designed to inspire you and structured to help beginners to grow and flourish, Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu has programs to suit you. From beginners Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, women-only and children's classes available throughout the week, there is a class and program to fit your needs and crush those fitness goals. Be inspired now with our fun programs while learning practical skills.