MEET THE TEAM

  • Professor Rich is our Head Coach.

    A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu First Degree Black Belt under Professor Steve Oliver.

    Professor Rich is a Personal Trainer by trade, gaining tertiary qualifications from AUT University.

    Having competed previously in BJJ, MMA and Kickboxing, he has shifted his focus towards coaching and overseeing our gym's BJJ and MMA curriculums.

    Professor Rich has a passion for the sport as a whole and is driven to produce top results for his students.

  • John is the owner/operator of Oliver MMA South Auckland.

    A Purple Belt under Professor Steve Oliver, John has been a member of Oliver South Auckland since its humble beginnings at Papatoetoe Recreation Centre.

    Born in South Auckland, John is passionate about bringing positive change to the youth in our community.

    He is currently our head Fight Team coach and his time is spent developing our fighters, so they are able to perform to the best of their abilities.


  • Sally is a long time member of the Oliver MMA Family. She is a multi talented athlete and can often be found participating in some form of sport.

    Sally’s knowledge and experience in striking and grappling makes her an asset to not only the gym but also the members she coaches. She has won numerous titles over the course of her MMA career, representing the gym internationally for BJJ and fighting professionally in boxing and MMA


  • A Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Rich, Dan has been a member of Oliver MMA South Auckland since 2016.

    He comes with a wealth of knowledge in BJJ and was previously our beginner kids coach. Dan has won numerous medals in Grappling competitions across the country whilst progressing in belts.

    As his family has expanded, Dan’s time at the gym has reduced, however he can often be found in all Classes, alongside his son who has recently graduated to the adult belt grading system.

  • A blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Rich, Hans is passionate about grappling and MMA.

    He comes to us from a performing arts background.

    Hans also volunteers at his former high school, providing coaching in grappling to students who have competed or will be competing nationally. He aims to assist students to improve their grappling skills for MMA in his classes.


  • A Purple Belt under Professor Rich, Kaleb is a very humble and quiet man who has been part of the OSA Whanau since 2015.

    He has alot of experience in BJJ/Grappling Competitions.

    Born in Napier and raised in Fiji. He is now married and a proud father of four.

    Kaleb enjoys the quiet outskirts of South Auckland.


  • A Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Rich, Taalili coaches some of the adult's striking classes.

    Often utilising strength, conditioning and mobility exercises as a part of his instruction, he strives for excellence to ensure his students are trained to a high standard.

    His love for combat sports has taken him across the world, including training at world renowned gym Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand.


  • A Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Rich, Tom is a hardworking family man who is passionate about BJJ and the positive change it can bring to those who enjoy it.

    Tom’s commitment and dedication to Jiu Jitsu is often reflected in his teachings and the progress of his students.

    You can follow Tom over on youtube as he takes his "Journey to Black Belt NZ" alongside his growing whanau.