Meet the Coaches
Joel Costello - 2nd Degree Black Belt
Joel is Director the Head Coach at Gracie Balmain. He has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 24 years and coaching for the more than half that time. He was fascinated with games and puzzles and was drawn to martial arts at an early age, courtesy of Bruce Lee and Rocky.
He’s won multiple Pan Pacific and Australian Championships as well as winning the first Subversion Mainevent Superfight, Joel was awarded his black belt on March 7, 2018 from Bruno Panno and Royler Gracie. He one was of Hyperfly Australia’s first Athletes and team members.
A Balmain boy, born and bred, Joel opened the academy in July 2016. He’s motivated and passionate about giving back to the community that’s given him so much.
Lachlan King - Black Belt
Lachy found BJJ when looking for a new physical challenge after finishing his Rugby playing days, in his late 20s.
He says, “Although I was initially drawn to the sport’s physicality, I’ve grown to appreciate the mental intricacies the sport brings, and I think this is one of the main reasons BJJ is so addictive. I’ve been lucky enough to train at many different gyms around the world and by far the best aspect of BJJ for me has been the unique camaraderie you share with the guys/girls that you train with. Nothing beats the post-session chats with friends and strangers you’ve just tried to strangle. What a crazy, beautiful sport.”
What he loves most about coaching is seeing students take concepts he’s taught and making it their own by moulding it to their own style.
Jayden Lawrence - Wrestling Coach
Jayden Lawrence is a freestyle wrestler with over 20 years of experience and represented Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
A 3x Commonwealth Games representative and 2022 bronze medallist, Jayden is also a multiple-time National and Oceania Champion.
Jayden brings world-class takedown skill, intensity, and precision to every session - and he’s passionate about helping our kids and adults build real wrestling that transfers straight into Jiu-Jitsu.
Leighlan Martin - Brown Belt
Outside of the 9-5 Leighlan is a brown belt focusing mainly on no-gi. Leighlan's teaching style prioritises understanding positional concepts through sparring, and is suitable for beginners through to advanced practitioners.
Rod O. - Brown Belt
Rod has been a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) since 2019 and is currently a Purple Belt under Gracie Humaita Balmain. Rod is the number one ranked masters Brown belts and has competed in over 40 BJJ tournaments and Super fight events. Placing 1st in both Weight Classes and Absolute divisions, both locally and internationally. Rod brings a wealth of competition experience to the mats. He teaches the Morning No-Gi classes, offering members an opportunity to dive into the world of submission grappling. Rod is known for his passion in competition-focused training, emphasizing the importance of developing strong fundamentals for all members.
Gabe Bitti - Purple Belt
Leo Dadgostar - Blue Belt
My Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey began when I was 16. I was training boxing/kickboxing next door to Gracie Balmain and I told my father in an offhand comment that I thought I wanted to try MMA. He looked next door and saw what Joel was teaching and sent me to learn.
This led to me falling in love with the Grappling arts. Becoming passionate about learning and sharing anything new I come across.
I eventually wanted to test what I've learned so far. Which led me to compete in the national wrestling competition in 2022, and my first BJJ competition in 2023 where I came 4th overall.
I love coaching because it keeps me thinking about the Grappling arts I enjoy. Guiding others to find their own solutions in this sport and seeing someone improve and/or progress their skills in BJJ.
