Owner and Head Coach

Lucas began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2004 in Rio de Janeiro at age 14, training under Flavius Virginio—one of Ricardo De La Riva’s first black belts. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion, fueled by local competition wins and a growing obsession with the art.

After earning his brown belt, an MCL injury sidelined him—but also revealed his love for teaching. Lucas stepped into coaching and never looked back. In 2013, he earned his black belt under Professor Flavius and began balancing coaching with his work as a mechanical engineer.

By 2016, Lucas had left engineering behind and moved to Australia to pursue Jiu-Jitsu full time. He taught at respected gyms in Brisbane and Sydney, eventually landing at Garage Jiu-Jitsu, where he evolved into a full-time coach and active competitor. In 2019, he ranked #2 among adult black belts in Australia, secured national and state titles in both gi and no-gi, and coached students to national championship wins.

Lucas is the founder and head coach at Temple. He’s building a legacy rooted in discipline, humility, and community—and continues to pay forward the lessons BJJ has given him.

Coach Murilo first stepped onto the mats just to get in shape, but it didn’t take long for him to fall head over heels for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What started as a fitness journey quickly turned into a lifestyle shift. Through BJJ, Murilo discovered discipline, resilience, and the tools to become the best version of himself—not just as an athlete, but as a human.

Now, his mission is simple: help others unlock the same growth and confidence through Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re training for competition or stepping on the mat for the first time, Coach Murilo’s all-in approach makes sure you leave better than you came in.

Thiago started Jiu Jitsu at 21, during one of the hardest chapters of his life—navigating a divorce and feeling lost without his daughter. He was drifting, getting into trouble, until he found a group of Jiu Jitsu and surf guys in Japan who pulled him into a new way of living. That’s when everything started to shift.

He earned his blue belt at Gracie Barra in Brazil, then moved to Keisei in Japan, where he competed and eventually earned his purple and brown belts. After returning to Australia, Thiago joined Legacy and met Lucas from Temple. They connected immediately and began working together—he now coaches at Temple.

In January 2024, Thiago returned to Brazil and received his black belt from his Sensei—one of the proudest moments of his life.

Along the way, he also became a certified fitness coach (Cert III & IV) and now coaches both sport and Jiu Jitsu, including working with NDIS kids. For Thiago, coaching isn’t just about technique—it’s about helping people find their path, just like he did.

Sixteen years on the mat, and he’s still learning every day.

Duke Has been training here at Temple BJJ for the past 5 years since 2021, working his way up through the kids program and training in the adult classes consistently for the past 2 years. Pushed by his dad to train initially, he fell in love with the physicality of the sport and the community that Temple had to offer. Over the years, he naturally drifted into a role supporting kids classes, helping with showing technique and running small drills but once he got his blue belt he was able to expand his skills and responsibilities by running his own kids classes and working with the other coaches to improve the training experience for all students at Temple.

His jiu jitsu is built on an incredible competition journey with incredible matches across Asia and Australia including Thailand National competitions, Australian Nationals and state competitions as well the Asia Open held in Singapore. On top of this, an array of experiences and training with world champions has grown his passion for the sport immensely and not only developed his game but also leveled up his coaching.

Duke's legacy at Temple is not only to provide a good role model for his students, but to inspire them to push harder and look deeper into everything they do whether it be the technique of the day or on the competition mats.

Kaleb Ufton has been involved in martial arts since he was eight years old, starting with karate and later spending time in styles such as Aikido and Judo. This broad background has given him a deep appreciation for discipline, movement, and the way different arts shape character.

Kaleb found Temple during a difficult time in his life, and the mats quickly became a space where he could rebuild his strength, direction, and sense of connection. The support he experienced in the Temple community is a big part of why he now contributes as a coach.

He approaches coaching with humility, patience, and a genuine desire to help others grow—both in their Jiu-Jitsu and in their confidence off the mats.

Three years ago, I made a decision that would completely change my life. I was at a point where I knew something had to shift — not just in my body, but in my mindset and the way I approached life. That’s when I found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Walking into Temple BJJ for the first time was intimidating, but it also felt like the start of something real. I didn’t know it then, but I had found a home — a place filled with people who would challenge me, support me, and push me to become better every single day. Over time, that community became more than just training partners — they became family. Together, we celebrate victories, learn from losses, and grow both on and off the mats.

What began as a simple goal to get in shape quickly turned into something much deeper. BJJ became my outlet, my therapy, and ultimately my lifestyle. I’ve transformed in ways I never thought possible — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. This journey has taught me discipline, humility, and the power of perseverance.

Today, Temple BJJ isn’t just where I train — it’s where I’ve built confidence, resilience, and lifelong connections. It’s where I continue to evolve, one round at a time, surrounded by a family that shares the same drive, passion, and love for the art of Jiu-Jitsu.