MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Our Founder
'Professor Steve Heremaia, a cornerstone figure in the martial arts world, established the Black Dragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 1981 with a vision to inspire and empower individuals through the transformative power of jiu-jitsu. With over six decades of experience and a profound dedication to his craft, Professor Heremaia has left an indelible mark on the martial arts community.
Steven Heremaia
The Professor
10th Degree Black Belt (Grandmaster)
Senior Instructors
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Professor
Karel Valach-Nathan
8th Degree Black Belt
Coming Soon
Hoani Heremaia
Professor
7th Degree Black Belt
Hoani Heremaia stands as a living testament to the legacy of martial arts excellence, hailing from a lineage deeply entrenched in the world of combat mastery. Born into a family synonymous with martial prowess, he is the son of none other than the esteemed Grandmaster Steve Heremaia, a titan in the realm of martial arts.
In a momentous occasion, Grandmaster Jay bestowed upon Hoani the esteemed rank of 7th-degree black belt, an honor bestowed upon him during his father's own ascension to the pinnacle of martial arts mastery as a 10th-degree black belt.
Shihan
Warren Masters
5th Degree Black Belt
Coming Soon
Sensei
Stephen Andrews
2nd Degree Black Belt
Coming Soon
OUR ACTIVE INSTRUCTORS
Instructor
Sensei Tyrone Archer
Sensei Tyrone Archer, born in Auckland on April 24th, 1978, is a respected martial artist hailing from the Ngapuhi Iwi. Beginning his training at South Pacific Jiu-Jitsu under Terry Evans, he later transitioned to Black Dragon in 2011, discovering his mentor's lineage to the esteemed (GM) Steve Heremaia.
Archer's dedication led him to achieve his purple belt and earn the esteemed title of Chiu Dan, undergoing rigorous one-on-one training with the Grand Master. Sensei Tyrone embodies the values of discipline, perseverance, and respect.
Sensei Dennis O'Connell
Instructor
Sensei Dennis O'Connell, a pillar of the martial arts community, brings over 25 years of dedication to the Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu Academy. From student to mentor, his commitment embodies the club's values of discipline and perseverance. Join him for a journey of growth and camaraderie in the art of Jiu Jitsu.
Instructor
Sensei Joshua Nathan
Sensei Josh Nathan, son of Professor Karel Valach-nathan and grandson of Grandmaster Steve Heremaia, inherits a rich legacy in Jiu Jitsu. Embracing his role as a torchbearer, he is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Jiu Jitsu and imparting its wisdom. As part of the Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu Academy, he invites practitioners to join him in a journey marked by excellence, camaraderie, and the enduring legacy of Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu Academy.
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Instructor
Sensei Hone-Ra Dippie
Sensei Hone-Ra Dippie, a dedicated martial artist, began his journey in Jiu Jitsu in 2011 under the guidance of Grandmaster Steve Heremaia and Professor Karel Valach-nathan in Whakatane. Achieving the prestigious rank of 1st Dan Black Belt in 2023, he now leads the revival of the Bay of Plenty branch of the Whakatane dojo, embodying his passion for sharing knowledge and fostering a strong martial arts community at the Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu Academy.