The Coaches' Philosophy
Our head coaches Spud and Sid have had an amazing journey coming from the Gracie Parramatta Jiu Jitsu Academy. While also learning and bringing both the Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Machado Jiu Jitsu systems to Apex BJJ. The result is a hybrid training style that mixes the best of modern Jiu Jitsu with the effective foundational base of old school BJJ
Professor Parwaiz Haidary (Spud)
Beginning BJJ
Professor Parwaiz like many before him came from a striking background inspired by the early UFC DVD’s he would watch at home and at work. Early on Professor Parwaiz (Spud) was referred to a local MMA gym in Kingsgrove teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Without hesitation he began his journey with the Machado team, at the Lions Den Academy.
After almost 2 years of training under the Renzo Gracie affiliate, Professor Parwaiz moved to Merrylands NSW. Professor’s initial focus was on No Gi training until he began his journey at the Gracie Parramatta Jiu Jitsu Academy. It was here that Professor fell in love with the Gi again. He began grading and eventually earned his black belt in just under 10 years. He also competed a few more times with success earning multiple gold medals until he eventually began a family and settled into coaching and teaching
“In 2003 it was very early days for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & a very different scene compared to modern Jiu Jitsu today” – Prof. Parwaiz Haidary
Training
Accomplishing multiple competition wins in the No Gi Jiu Jitsu format as well as the Gi. Professor Parwaiz then went on to continue his training under the Renzo Gracie banner.
After almost 2 years of training under the Renzo Gracie affiliate, Professor Parwaiz moved to Merrylands NSW. Professor’s initial focus was on No Gi training until he began his journey at the Gracie Parramatta Jiu Jitsu Academy. It was here that Professor fell in love with the Gi again. He began grading and eventually earned his black belt in just under 10 years. He also competed a few more times with success earning multiple gold medals until he eventually began a family and settled into coaching and teaching
Building The Apex Team
After 20 years of training in the sport and whilst training at Gracie Parramatta Spud met Coach Sid Halabi. Together they formed a friendship & comradery. This eventually led to the birth of Apex BJJ and the start of the Merrylands BJJ scene. Calling on local talent the team has been building member by member and has now exploded onto the Sydney Jiu Jitsu scene in a extremely short time.
Coach Sid Halabi
Introduction To BJJ
Coach Sid Halabi began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey through his son, Jayba Halabi. After enrolling Jayba in the kids classes at Gracie Parramatta, Sid quickly became drawn to the technical and strategic side of the ground game and stepped onto the mats himself shortly after his son started training.
Background
Coming from a background as a former Rev X athlete, Coach Sid was already familiar with hard work, discipline, and mental resilience. These traits carried naturally into his Jiu Jitsu training, where he embraced the challenges of the sport and committed fully to improving his new found skills as a Jiu Jitsu athlete
Jiu Jitsu Training
During his time at Gracie Parramatta Jiu Jitsu, Sid was an active BJJ competitor, a strong leader, and a mentor to many students.
Coach Sid achieved the rank of Brown Belt under the Gracie Parramatta team. While also competing successfully. He led by example on and off the mats, motivating not only competitors but everyday members who needed guidance, encouragement, or an extra push to stay consistent. Known for his work ethic and intensity, Coach Sid sets the standard for training and preparation.
Creating Apex BJJ
He has since teamed up with Coach Spud to bring the same level of commitment, structure, and determination to the Merrylands, Parramatta areas and beyond.
The Gracie Parramatta Jiu Jitsu Base Revised
The Gracie family are known for the creation of the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It exploded onto to the scene in the early 2000’s through the UFC’s then relatively unknown competitor Royce Gracie. Fight fans discovered that the Gracie system really works. It has proven time and again that it is very effective as a martial art and for self defense. At Apex BJJ we teach the Gracie system as well as incorporate it with our Wrestling and Judo programs. Creating a truly terrifying mix of Grappling that has become unbelievably popular among Parramatta and Merrylands locals. At Apex BJJ we have created a comprehensive grappling game for our students. The results? Well they speak for themselves. With multiple competition wins, huge leaps in progression and testimonials from students themselves. Find out why more and more are making the switch to Apex
The Journey After Gracie Parramatta Jiu Jitsu Academy
Although Gracie Parramatta no longer exists, the lessons and knowledge Sid and Spud have brought to Apex BJJ are now alive and well. We believe in keeping the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tradition alive and providing a platform for others to continue to grow and learn through this amazing martial art and sport
The Birth of apex & Honouring the Gracie & Machado Traditions
Whilst at the Parramatta Jiu Jitsu gym both coaches enjoyed teaching extremely successful classes with varying styles, achieving multiple awards of recognition as well as competition wins. They also loved giving back to the Gracie Parramatta community through charitable donations and other key moments. Both enjoyed success and built lasting friendships during their 9+ years training with the Gracie Parramatta Jiu Jitsu team. As the time came to create their own legacy the coaches decided to venture to Merrylands to establish a Jiu Jitsu gym that could truly change Merrylands for the better.
Beginner Jiu Jitsu Pathway
A structured beginner Jiu Jitsu pathway designed to teach fundamentals, build confidence, and safely guide new students from their first class through consistent progress on the mats.
First Grading - The Apex Way
Your first grading at Apex BJJ marks the transition from beginner to confident student, focusing on fundamentals, consistency, and real understanding of core positions and techniques the Apex way.
The Kids BJJ Class Explosion
The Kids BJJ Class Explosion is a high energy program designed to build confidence, discipline, and coordination through fun, structured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for kids.
Adapting To Modern No Gi
Focuses on techniques and positions not normally taught by BJJ academies. Referred to as the dark arts, Apex focuses on efficiency in Jiu Jitsu as the key for success
The Gracie Jiu Jitsu System With a Twist
Our comprehensive BJJ knowledge allows our coaches to look at techniques and problems differently. Knowledge is key and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is no different. The extensive experience and understanding of both complex and simple techniques allow them to not only demonstrate but prove the technique's effectiveness. Combined there's over 30 years of BJJ and Grappling knowledge and experience
Beginners BJJ Classes
Learn from our carefully curated beginners program
Self Defense Classes
Become competent and be able to defend yourself effectively
Advanced Jiu Jitsu Classes
Learn a multitude of advanced Jiu Jitsu techniques
Wrestling Classes
Learn how to wrestle and become a problem
Actual Apex BJJ Parramatta Member Reviews
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The Apex of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling in Parramatta & Merrylands. Our Parramatta Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling classes provide beginner and advanced BJJ classes for all ages. We have classes for adults, women's BJJ classes and kids BJJ classes all year round. Join the our Jiu Jitsu gym and become a part of the Apex training program. Book a free trial class here
Apex BJJ is a Parramatta BJJ academy offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for beginners, adults, women, and kids. Train with experienced coaches in a welcoming environment just minutes from Parramatta
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