MEEt THE COACHES
Gareth McLellan
2nd Degree Black Belt & Owner
Garreth’s professional sporting career started at the age of 19, playing flank to Top Fight Club rugby in Durban at Crusaders Rugby Club. In 2007, The Natal Rugby Union Selected him for a program that meant the change from flank to hooker with the promise of a Natal Sharks Rugby Contract. One of the requirements was that he increased his fitness levels.
Spending time with the Sharks fitness Coach, Jason Voster, who at the same time was South Africa’s leading MMA coach who used the sport as a form of training. “It became clear to Jason that I had a natural ability and was encouraged to pursue this direction.
I agreed to an amateur fight and was hooked. I completed my amateur career undefeated with a 10 – 0 fight record.
In 2008, after turning professional, I won my first fight against JP Kruger. I then moved to Johannesburg to further my career by Joining South Africa’s top MMA Gym, Fight Fit Militia.
In 2009 I started fighting for Extreme Fighting Championships (EFC).” Soldierboy went on to become one of the biggest household names in EFC South Africa as he claimed the Middle Weight Title twice during his reign, but had his mind set on an international stage. “ Shortly after my 2nd victory, I was invited to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) the most prestigious event in the MMA World.
Garreth received his black belt 6 years ago and now wants to give back to the mixed martial arts community by opening a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym and sharing his knowledge with people who share his passion.
Shana Power
Black Belt & Owner
Shana started her MMA journey 11 years ago, training under Richie Quan and Norman Wessels out of Fight Fit Militia while she was studying her fitness Diploma. She then furthered her studies and specialized in Sports Conditioning where she assisted top athletes in different sports to achieve their best.
“I have not only competed in the Crossfit regionals in 2010, I have competed in powerlifting, jiu jitsu comps and now mixed martial arts.”
Shana was the first women’s amateur Bantam Weight champion at Fightstars with a record of 4 – 0.
She has competed in the EFC, her record is currently 3 – 1.
“I have also travelled and trained with the best athletes in the world such as Holly Holm, Claudia Gadelha and Yana Kunitskaya to name a few.
I have owned a successful mixed martial arts gym, crossfit gym and made the best coffee in town, before deciding to immigrate to Bali. I trained under Andrew and Anthony Leone as well as Don for 3 years. I also upgraded my pad holding skills and was able to train with high level international athletes which made me a much better athlete and coach overall.”
Shana is currently a Purple Belt under Garreth Mclellan. “I am excited to share the mats with Garreth, coach alongside him and run a successful Jiu Jitsu School with him. I am also excited to share my knowledge and empower those who wish to learn and develop a new skill by not only focusing on the physical aspects of training but by helping athletes with the mental aspects of training and competing too.
Lenin
Black Belt
Lenin began his Brazilian Jiujitsu journey in 2001 and has since worked his way up to a brown belt level. He has also trained in MMA since then. Lenin has coached many BJJ athletes and professional MMA fighters for several years.
He cites his experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a coach, student, and (former) competitor as making a colossal impact on his problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
In BJJ, there is always a counter for whatever offense is mounted against you. In the same regard, he believes that the principles of BJJ transcend into everyday life.
He finds BJJ to be cathartic and is fascinated by the fact that it is an infinite system. Lenin maintains that BJJ is about self-improvement and is for everybody.
Wade
Black Belt
I have been doing Jiu Jitsu most of my life. I have trained and competed all over.
I have passion for MMA as well as BJJ and I am so excited to share my wealth of knowledge with all of you.
Join me @ 8292 Jiu Jitsu, let’s roll and have some fun
Gabrielle Du Toit
Purple Belt
When I was 14 years old I was asked to be a training partner for a family friend. Since then I have loved Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and would never choose anything else .
It teaches you not only to defend yourself but also builds confidence, creates a good balance, boosts your mental health, builds friendships and respect. What I love most about the nature of this sport is, you can compete against an opponent but afterwards you walk away as friends.
It makes me excited the minute I think of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I would definitely recommend others to try it as well. You will not be sorry.
Currently I am a purple belt, training under Garreth and Shana and I can’t wait to accomplish my next goal.
Look forward to training with you on the mats.
Jaden Elmira
Blue Belt
I started BJJ with Shana in her garage before 8292 opened, I fell in love with it because of all the different ways you can get to a submission, how everybody has a different style, how there’s always something new you can learn.
What i’m trying to get at is that BJJ always feels fresh and it never gets boring. BJJ is humbling and empowering at the same time, the skills you learn while doing BJJ translate to all aspects of life.
I look forward to seeing you on the mats.