THE RIGHT DECISION.
and Modern.
At Nexus, our people are the heartbeat of the academy. A shared commitment to excellence drives every coach, mentor, and training partner — passionate in their approach, disciplined in their mindset, and dedicated to helping every student grow. From world-class instructors to the students who step onto the mats each day, we train with purpose, support each other, and push one another toward becoming stronger, more capable versions of ourselves. Our team leads by example: focused, hardworking, and united by the belief that the environment you train in — and the people you train with — shape who you become. This is why families trust us, athletes choose us, and why Nexus continues to build champions on and off the mats.
Karadenizli
Pan Pacific Champion
Murat’s journey began long before Nexus — long before titles, students, or success. As a young boy, he wrote on a small piece of paper that he would one day become a black belt. It wasn’t just a childhood dream, it was a promise he made to himself — one that would shape the course of his entire life. Drawn to combat sports from the earliest age, he begged his father to let him train. Despite constant warnings that martial arts were “too dangerous,” he stayed determined. Like many great beginnings, his path started humbly in a garage, training with a few friends and family members. That simple start eventually grew into one of Melbourne’s most prominent Jiu-Jitsu and MMA academies.
Murat began formal Jiu-Jitsu training in 1999 under Peter De Been. His pursuit of mastery took him across the globe — from Brazil to the United States — learning from some of the greatest minds in the sport. A defining chapter of his journey came when he met Professor Pedro Sauer, whose influence shaped Murat’s understanding of Jiu-Jitsu at the highest technical level. Under Professor Sauer, Murat earned his black belt in 2011 and later progressed to 3rd degree.
Throughout his development, he drew inspiration from icons such as Marcelo Garcia and, later, John Danaher, whose systemised approach elevated Murat’s coaching and personal study to an entirely new level. Over the years, he has trained at countless seminars, camps, and world-class academies, absorbing knowledge from world champions and elite coaches worldwide.
Today, Murat brings this wealth of insight back to Nexus every single day. As both a coach and mentor, he has helped develop numerous champion students and is regarded as one of Melbourne’s most prominent Jiu-Jitsu and MMA instructors.
His mission is clear:
Raise champions, guide youth away from the wrong path, and help people build stronger lives — mentally, physically, and personally.
As he often says:
“When you’re on the mats, you’re out of trouble. You’re protected. You’re growing.”
Murat founded Nexus to create more than a gym — a place where discipline becomes strength, training becomes purpose, and every student is empowered to become the best version of themselves, on and off the mats.
He believes every person who steps onto the mats has the potential to transform — whether they seek confidence, fitness, discipline, or a path toward competition.
Luca Dolfini
Coach Luca — Kids & Adults Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Luca is a long-time Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and a foundational member of the Nexus coaching team. With many years of dedicated training and teaching experience, he brings consistency, passion, and genuine care to every class he leads.
Highly experienced in working with children, Luca has taught countless young students over the years and plays a key leadership role in our Kids Program. His ability to break down complex techniques into simple, easy-to-understand steps makes him a favourite among both parents and kids. Luca creates an environment where children feel supported, confident, and excited to learn — a rare quality that sets him apart as a youth instructor.
Beyond his work with the younger students, Luca also contributes to our adult technical sessions. His deep understanding of Jiu-Jitsu, combined with a disciplined and structured approach to training, makes him a valuable guide for adults looking to refine their skills. He leads by example — always studying, always improving, and always committed to helping others grow.
At Nexus, Luca embodies the values we stand for:
technique, discipline, and a genuine commitment to advancing every student on their journey.
k.
Craig Searle
Coach Craig — Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Craig is a highly experienced grappler with years of active competition and coaching behind him. With multiple Jiu-Jitsu titles across Australia, he brings a powerful blend of technical precision and real competitive insight to every session he teaches.
Known for his clear communication and structured teaching style, Craig has a natural ability to break down complex techniques in a way students immediately understand and apply. His classes are energetic, detailed, and delivered with a genuine passion for helping people grow — whether they’re complete beginners or seasoned athletes.
Craig’s presence on the mats elevates everyone around him. His professionalism, consistency, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of the Nexus coaching team. Students value his guidance not just for the techniques he teaches, but for the confidence and clarity he brings to their training.
At Nexus, Craig represents the standard we stand for:
elite technique, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to lifting our entire community to the next level.
Peter Asmanis
Coach Peter — Kids Coach & Active Competitor
Peter is a dedicated young coach who brings a calm, steady presence to the Nexus mats — but step into competition, and you’ll see a completely different side of him. As an active Jiu-Jitsu and MMA competitor with multiple gold medals, Peter has already made a strong impression in Melbourne’s combat sports scene.
His ability to combine technical precision with competitive intensity makes him a powerful role model for the kids he teaches. Within our Kids Program, Peter is known for his clear instruction, patience, and the way he builds confidence in every young student he works with. Parents appreciate his professionalism and leadership, while kids thrive under his guidance.
Driven, disciplined, and always pushing for the next win, Peter represents the competitive spirit that defines Nexus.
At Nexus, Peter leads from the front:
focused, courageous, and dedicated to lifting the next generation.
Julian Kuret
Coach Julian — Kids Coach & Competitor
Julian is a young, dynamic coach who has quickly become a strong role model for the youth at Nexus. With a growing presence in both Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, he brings a rare combination of skill, discipline, and infectious enthusiasm to every class he leads.
As an active competitor, Julian sets the standard through action. He shows our younger students exactly what hard work, consistency, and a champion’s mindset look like — day in and day out. His energy on the mats is contagious, making training both exciting and inspiring for the kids who look up to him.
Despite his young age, Julian has already built a reputation as a rising athlete in Melbourne’s combat sports scene. His future in both Jiu-Jitsu and MMA is bright, and his dedication to coaching makes him an invaluable member of the Nexus team.
At Nexus, Julian embodies the spirit of our community:
hungry to grow, committed to excellence, and always pushing forward.
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