Forrestdale-based Mat Shark Jiu Jitsu has recently returned from an immensely successful 2026 Australian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Nationals with 20 medals, including six national titles.
Nine competitors from the school and their coach, Adam Jacques, attended the event, held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) this month. It was the largest Nationals to date, with more than 3000 competitors.
Among the school’s most successful competitors were Michael Bruce, with a gold and silver medal, Melissa Toomey, with a gold and bronze, and Meng Chua, with two silver and three bronze.
Among the junior team, the performances of 13-year-old Ella Humfrey and 10-year-old Brodie Parkin were highlights, with both young athletes winning gold in Gi and No-Gi to become double national champions.
Brodie’s achievement was especially impressive because a lack of competitors in his normal division meant the 10-year-old had to compete two weight classes above his usual category.
The academy currently has roughly 200 students training there and has been a major feature in the Forrestdale sporting community since opening 10 years ago. Their next focus will be the Pan Pacific Championships.
The academy’s owner Adam Jacques believes the recipe for their success lay in a dedication to technical improvement and the support of like-minded teammates who genuinely want to see each other grow and succeed. He feels that bringing home six titles from Australia’s biggest Nationals is another indication that the academy’s approach to training and team culture is producing serious results.
“I’m very proud of our entire team. This was a huge accomplishment,” said Mr Jacques.
“The club’s continued success across both its adult and junior teams is particularly rewarding given Mat Shark’s roots as a local Forrestdale academy.”
