World-Class Coaching
Meet The Team
Our coaches don't just teach Jiu Jitsu — they live it. With decades of combined competitive and coaching experience, international titles, and a genuine passion for developing every student, the HRJJ coaching team is one of Australia's finest.
Where It All Started
Founded by Champions
High Rollers Jiu Jitsu was built from the ground up by Tony Silvestro and Noriel Bernardo — two black belts with a shared vision: bring world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Western Sydney and build a gym that genuinely develops people, not just students.
Co-Founder & Head Coach
Tony Silvestro
Tony Silvestro co-founded High Rollers Jiu Jitsu with a clear mission: create a gym where every student — from curious beginners to serious competitors — gets the best possible instruction. As a black belt with years of competitive and coaching experience, Tony's vision shaped the culture, curriculum, and community that makes HRJJ what it is today. He remains hands-on at the academy, setting the standard for how the art is taught and lived.
- Co-founder of High Rollers Jiu Jitsu
- Black belt with extensive competitive and coaching background
- Architect of the HRJJ culture and student development philosophy
- Active coach across all programs at North Strathfield
Co-Founder & Coach
Noriel Bernardo
Noriel Bernardo co-founded High Rollers alongside Tony Silvestro and has been central to building one of Australia's most respected BJJ academies. A black belt with deep roots in the art, Noriel brings technical precision, a sharp coaching eye, and genuine care for every student's progress. His influence runs through every class and every training session at HRJJ — from the fundamentals taught to white belts to the competitive game plans of advanced students.
- Co-founder of High Rollers Jiu Jitsu
- Black belt with deep competitive and coaching experience
- Technical specialist with a detailed, methodical coaching approach
- Active coach across HRJJ programs and competition team
The Full Coaching Staff
Every Mat Covered
Our coaching team goes deep. From AFBJJ-ranked competitors to kids program specialists, every class at HRJJ is led by experienced, passionate instructors who care about your progress.
Tadeu Lobato
Head Instructor
AFBJJ #1 No-Gi ranked competitor in 2023. Tadeu brings an elite international competition pedigree and a methodical teaching approach that works for every level.
Oliver Silvestro
Senior Coach & Competition Director
10× IBJJF World Champion, 2× European Champion, 2× Brasileiro. Oliver is one of Australia's most decorated BJJ athletes, bringing current world-class competitive intelligence directly to the HRJJ mat.
India Risby
Coach & Competitor
IBJJF World Champion, 4× European Champion, Abu Dhabi Pro Champion, and 11× Australian Champion. One of Australia's most decorated active competitors in women's BJJ.
Nico Maglicic
Coach
Experienced coach and competitor who brings energy, technical depth, and a competitive edge to the HRJJ mat.
Danyon Boyd
Coach
Skilled coach with a strong competitive background. Known for his approachable style and attention to detail.
Peter Yabsley
No-Gi Specialist
HRJJ's No-Gi specialist, with a technical game built around leg locks, scrambles, and wrestling-based transitions.
Adrian Leaitua
Coach
Brings intensity and technical precision to every class. Particularly effective at helping intermediate students identify and close the gaps in their game.
Milena Roufas
Women's Program Coach
A key part of the HRJJ coaching staff and a driving force behind the women's program. Creates an ideal environment for women new to the sport and experienced grapplers alike.
Bruno
Coach
Brings energy, warmth, and technical skill to the HRJJ mat. Sessions are consistently highlighted as highlights of the training week.
Lucas Bernardo
Coach
Talented up-and-coming coach with strong technical foundations and a sharp competitive instinct. A favourite among students looking to elevate their game.
Arnav Kapoor
Coach & Competitor
IBJJF World Championship Silver medallist. An elite competitor bringing international-level competitive experience to the HRJJ mat.
Our Philosophy
What Makes HRJJ Different
Any gym can claim great coaching. We can show it. Every decision we make about curriculum, class structure, and student development is rooted in years of competitive experience and deliberate teaching methodology.
Championship Curriculum
Our syllabus is built on proven competitive technique — not outdated methods. Head Coach Tadeu Lobato designed a structured program that moves students logically from fundamentals through to advanced concepts, mirroring how champions are actually built.
7:1 Ratio in Kids Classes
We enforce a strict 7-student-to-1-coach ratio in all junior classes. Every child gets real attention, real correction, and real development. This is non-negotiable and a core part of our junior program promise.
Active Competitors Coaching
Our coaches don't just have past credentials — they're still active on the mat and competition circuit. That means the techniques they teach are tested, current, and proven against real opposition.
Individual Development Plans
We treat every student as an individual. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defence, competition, or simply enjoying a great martial art, your coaches will guide your training accordingly rather than running a one-size-fits-all program.
Questions
About Our Coaching Team
Our founders Tony Silvestro and Noriel Bernardo, head instructor Tadeu Lobato, and senior coach Oliver Silvestro all hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Our supporting coaching staff hold brown and purple belts and all have competitive experience at state, national or international level. Belt rank alone doesn't define a great coach, but our team has both the credentials and the teaching ability to back them up.
Yes. Tony, Noriel, Tadeu and Oliver are all active, hands-on coaches — not figureheads. You will train directly under them in regular group classes. Private lessons with any of our coaching staff are also available and can be booked through the academy. This direct access to world-class coaching is one of the things that makes HRJJ genuinely special.
Absolutely. Private lessons are available with all of our coaching staff and are an excellent way to fast-track your development, work on specific problem areas, or prepare for an upcoming competition. Contact us at contact@hrjj.com.au or call 02 9764 5870 to arrange a session.
Yes. All coaches who work with junior students hold current Working With Children Checks (WWCC) and first aid certifications. Our dedicated kids coaching team has years of experience in youth martial arts instruction, and our strict 7:1 student-to-coach ratio ensures every child receives proper supervision and individual attention every class.
Ready to Start?
Train Under Champions.
Your first class is free. No contracts, no pressure — just great Jiu Jitsu.
North Strathfield • Canberra