Professor Vaughan Antonio is a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach and community leader with a career spanning sports, education, and public health.
With a background as a Lecturer in Exercise Sport Science and High Performance Sport Technical Advisor, Vaughan has combined academic expertise with practical coaching at the highest level. He is a Level 3 NZBJJF Advanced Instructor, an IBJJF & WCJJO World Champion, and a Public Health and Wellbeing Advisor, bringing a unique blend of technical mastery, holistic health knowledge, and international experience to his students.
Vaughan began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2008, initially as a way to maintain fitness for rugby. His competitive spirit soon led him into Kickboxing, MMA, and BJJ, where he gained extensive experience across multiple combat sports. He was involved with FIGHTSHOP NZ, which was part of Southern Tribes Aotearoa, Oliver MMA, and Gracie Barra NZ, before moving into coaching roles.
At Scorpion Gym, Vaughan trained fighters in MMA before expanding into building his own teams. He established his first club under Southern Tribes Manawatu, where he developed a strong youth program, initiated UCOL MMA, and mentored Southern Tribes gyms across Horowhenua and Whanganui. His vision for BJJ in New Zealand has always extended beyond the mats—focusing on community, youth development, and pathways into international competition.
When Oliver MMA / Gracie Barra NZ aligned with American Top Team under Professor Ricardo Liborio, Vaughan made connections with gyms all over New Zealand and attended national camps and competed overseas.
Beyond New Zealand, Vaughan has also played a significant role in developing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Pacific. Through family connections in Port Vila, Vanuatu, he helped establish BJJ programs on the islands. He continues to travel there twice a year for training and grading, while also mentoring local trainers remotely to ensure sustainable growth of the sport.
In October 2023, Vaughan opened his another academy in Upper Hutt. He now delivers classes for kids, adults, and women’s only groups, continuing his mission to empower communities through martial arts, health, and wellbeing. His philosophy emphasizes not only competition success but also personal growth, resilience, and lifelong learning through Jiu-Jitsu.
Philosophies & Teaching Style
- Holistic development
The inclusion of kids, teens, adults, and a competition track suggests he believes in serving the full spectrum of practitioners—supporting technical growth, physical fitness, and mental resilience from the young up. It’s not just about winning, but about lifelong development. - Fundamentals first & steady progression
As someone who has competed and coached across experience levels, Vaughan likely emphasizes strong fundamentals—technique, form, positional control—before building up to more advanced or competitive skills. - Respect, discipline, community
Being involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu clubs in NZ with multiple age groups usually means fostering discipline, mutual respect, and sportsmanship. These values are almost universal in BJJ schools, and his competition and teaching background would reinforce these. - Competition mindset balanced with personal growth
Because Manawatu BJJ runs a competition-specific team and participates in tournaments, Vaughan probably supports competition for those who want it, but also understands that training is valuable even if you don’t compete. Goals might include self-improvement, confidence, and resilience. - Inclusiveness
The fact that classes are offered for children, older students, competition, and non-competition tracks suggests accessibility is important. Likely, he believes BJJ should be for many people, not just elite athletes.
