MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Our Founder
'The Grandmaster Steve Heremaia 10th degree grandmaster, a cornerstone figure in the martial arts world, established the Black Dragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 1979 with a vision to inspire and empower individuals through the transformative power of jiu-jitsu.
As New Zealand's 1st 10th degree Black Belt (Grandmaster) awarded to him by grandmaster Professor Wally Jay. With over six decades of experience and a profound dedication to his craft,
GM Steve Heremaia the highest ranked Maori Martial Artist in the world has left an indelible mark on the martial arts community.
Steven Heremaia
The Grandmaster
10th Degree Black Belt (Grandmaster)
Senior Instructors
The Professor
Karel Valach-Nathan
8th Degree Black Belt
Professor Karel Valach-Nathan is a highly respected martial artist with a distinguished career, having been personally mentored by Grandmaster Steve Heremaia and serving as his understudy for many years. This mentorship laid the foundation for his extensive knowledge and deep commitment to martial arts.
Currently, Professor Nathan serves as the Chief Technical Advisor for Black Dragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy New Zealand (BDJJANZ). He has been instrumental in founding several BDJJANZ branches in and around Auckland, with the Bay of Plenty and Whakatane branches being established in the early 2000s. Throughout his journey, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to GM Steve Heremaia.
In addition to his work in Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Nathan holds multiple Dan grades in several martial arts, including Judo, Kung Fu, Weaponry, and Small Circle Jiu-Jitsu. His extensive martial arts background has allowed him to train many students, with several achieving Black Belt status under his guidance.
Professor Nathan has also had the privilege of training with and demonstrating alongside some of the world's most renowned martial artists, including Professor Wally Jay and Sijo James DeMile. These experiences have further enriched his expertise and expanded his martial arts knowledge.
In 2013, Professor Nathan was inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame, a testament to his contributions and influence in the martial arts community. Additionally, in 2024, he taught a seminar at the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with fellow practitioners.
Today, Professor Nathan continues to lead the revitalization and restoration of Black Dragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy New Zealand, ensuring the academy’s continued growth and preserving its legacy for future generations.
Hoani Heremaia
The 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 New Zealand.
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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 New Zealand.