Our Coaches
Nate Kuhnert
Pictured with Axis Australia Head Coach - Professor Jason Roebig
Nate has been training in Brazilian & Gracie Jiu Jitsu for over 15 Years with previous experience in Boxing, Karate, Muay Thai, Judo & Japanese Jiu Jitsu. He is the first home grown Axis Jiu Jitsu Sunshine Coast Black Belt, receiving it from Professor Jason Roebig of Axis Jiu-Jitsu in 2023. With a direct lineage through Mr Roebig, Kron Gracie, Takamasa Watanabe & Master Rickson Gracie.
He has had a professional career including Military Service, Security & Investigations, Health & Safety and Coaching & Mentoring. Nate combines these decades of experience to deliver contextualised training for all levels. Focusing on the fundamentals of Efficiency, Connection, Body Wiring, Sensitivity to Movement & Timing, Nate aims to 'Keep Jiu Jitsu Honest', preserving the original intent of Jiu Jitsu, as the most effective Self Defence Art.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black BeltDiploma OHSTAE Trainer/AssessorSecurity Operations
Chris Bishop
Pictured with Axis Australia Head Coach - Professor Jason Roebig
Chris started his Martial Arts journey as a teenager with traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu (1992), after a hiatus through Uni and travel, he started training Western Kickboxing in 2004 in the UK, and then the Crazy Monkey Defence Program in 2005 which is a self defence, boxing based system for stand up, clinch and ground.
It was at this time he was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2006) which forged a life long passion with the art, and it is now his main focus as a practitioner as well as coach. Like Nate, Chris has a strong emphasis on Fundamentals - Breathe, Base, Weight Distribution, Connection and Mastery of Movement.
He also likes to ensure that all clients have a solid understanding of self defence prior to elaborating and exploring the more sportive aspects of Jiu Jitsu as well as the self development aspect of Martial Arts which seems to go hand in hand. He embodies Chris Haueter’s mantra of ‘Think Street, Train sports, Practice the Art’.
Educated primarily, and continuing to work, as a Registered Nurse, Chris has found himself in numerous education and leadership roles others. He utilises this experience break down things into its technical and conceptual basis to articulate it in a way which promotes better understanding to the client. He has also studied Learning and Assessment to a Masters Level and so can use a variety of teaching methods to get the most out of our clients.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black BeltMasters in Adult Learning and AssessmentRegistered Nurse
Geordie Carr
Pictured with Nate and Chris on being awarded his Brown Belt
Geordie began his Jiu Jitsu journey in earnest in 2017, following his recovery from a significant knee injury that he sustained during his time playing Rugby League. In his quest to find a suitable source of discipline and exercise, Geordie trialed several different martial arts options, but ultimately, nothing resonated with him until he discovered the supportive and dedicated Axis Jiu Jitsu team. While his initial passion for the sport began as a love for competition, Geordie’s perspective on martial arts and Jiu Jitsu quickly evolved into a deeper appreciation for self-preservation and self-defence. Since experiencing this substantial change in focus, Geordie has channeled his considerable energy and enthusiasm into preserving the art as he stepped into a coaching role in at Axis Jiu Jitsu Sunshine Coast in early 2023.
Drawing from his background in occupational therapy, Geordie skillfully integrates his accumulated knowledge into each of his Jiu Jitsu sessions. He prioritises the individual progress of his students through tailored training approaches and a strong emphasis on accountability, striving to create a nurturing environment that encourages skill mastery among his students. Geordie is dedicated to working closely with each of his students to determine what the "just right challenge" is for each individual, ensuring that they are provided with the best possible environment for personal growth while also making sure they do not feel overwhelmed as they embark on their unique Jiu Jitsu journeys.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Brown BeltBachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)Occupational Therapist (Mental Health)
Jareth Shiels
Jareth is our dedicated morning coach, you can tell by the bed hair.
As a newly minted Gracie Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt, Jareth has a comprehensive back ground in competitive Jiu Jitsu, and also coaches his morning clients in striking, Mix Martial Arts and while primarily focuses on NoGi, has an in-depth knowledge of utilising the Gi as well.
While he is an invaluable member of the team purely from his knowledge of the game, Jareth is a massive advocate for mental health and is an ambassador for the Shaka Project who’s mission is to open the conversation to mental health issues and suicide prevention through connection, mate ship and creating space of men (and women) to be vulnerable, encouraged, empowered and accountable to one another. We are proud to Jareth on our mats, let alone a coach for our clients.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Brown BeltAmbassador for the Shaka Project
Mat Mentors
At most Martial Arts clubs senior clientele will aid in the classes. At Axis Jiu Jitsu, this is no exception and this is something we actively encourage as it's a big part of martial arts and their personal journey to 'give back' and foster new clients. This is seen a lot through or purple belts and above.
This enhances the learning of both the mentor and the beginner. The mentor has to conceptualise and communicate what and how they are doing things, which reinforce their learning and the beginner gets a different perspective on what is being taught by the coach, which aids in their learning. We have found that the beginners develop exponentially quicker through this process and ultimately end up giving back by pushing the game of their peers, mentors and coaches. Steel sharpens Steel.