Michael Bromley

Brown Belt 2nd Degree

Michael’s martial arts journey began back in 2008. It started when he decided to explore Ukidokan Karate and Kickboxing under the guidance of esteemed Sensei Nadine Champion and Sensei Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. Originally motivated by the desire to find an enjoyable fitness activity for his upcoming wedding and aid in his weight loss journey, Michael found himself training alongside legends of kickboxing and MMA like Larry Papadopolous and Peter Graham at his gym. The challenges he faced during his training, including a memorable spinning back kick to the face that made him question existence, provided valuable insights into self-discovery.

While the striking techniques in martial arts initially excited him, Michael’s fascination with grappling steadily grew. In mid-2013, he summoned the courage to attend a BJJ class at UFC Gym in Sydney, and from that moment on, he became a dedicated practitioner, striving to train every day since then. For Michael, grappling felt like his natural element, and his dedication paid off when, in just 17 months, he achieved his blue belt in November 2014.

Relocating to Brisbane in mid-2016, he found a new home at Arte Suave, where his passion for BJJ only deepened. In July 2017, during a visit to JJM in Brisbane, where Michael used to cross-train, he received the unexpected and humbling honor of a purple belt from Jean Jacques Machado.

BJJ is a family affair for Michael, as both of his children train at Arte Suave as well. His daughter started her jiu-jitsu journey in 2017, and his younger son joined in 2018.

In 2020, Michael’s dedication and commitment were recognized by Professor Anker Fuglsang of Arte Suave, who awarded him the highly esteemed brown belt. With over a decade of mat experience, Michael is grateful for the transformative journey and the remarkable coaches and individuals he has had the privilege to share it with.

Guided by his Sensei and coaches, Michael has imbibed the importance of passing on the knowledge and love for the art to others, viewing it as an integral part of his journey to become a supportive pillar for his fellow practitioners. Teaching BJJ brings him immense joy, as he desires for others to experience the same pleasure and fulfillment he derives from the practice.

In his classes, Michael emphasizes fitness, enjoyment, and fluid movement. Striving for personal growth during his own workouts, he ensures that his classes maintain an up-tempo pace, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment. As a proponent of teamwork, he incorporates activities that foster group energy and motivation.

Michael’s personal BJJ philosophy is rooted in simplicity: master the art of controlling opponents, purposefully make their experience uncomfortable, and approach it all with a smile on your face.

Drawing from his coaches’ invaluable advice, such as “You’re only a white belt once,” “You can be world-class,” and “Breathe, Michael!” he offers his own guidance to aspiring practitioners. He emphasizes the importance of consistent training, wholehearted engagement, and the management of ego and fear. Whether aspiring to be world-class or seeking to embrace BJJ as a lifelong passion, Michael believes that with dedication, one can achieve their desired level of proficiency.

For Michael, BJJ extends beyond being a fun activity—it serves as a cornerstone of his physical and mental well-being. Battling generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression, he incorporates BJJ into his mental health plan. Moreover, the opportunity for constant improvement and optimizing his health motivate him, especially as he acknowledges the limited physical skills one can develop with age. Inspired by his own health journey, he strives to seize every opportunity to improve his well-being.

Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, Michael leads a fulfilling life with a wide range of interests. He finds joy in travel, cherishes culinary experiences, indulges in wine and scotch, and enjoys spending time with his BJJ-training children. Additionally, he manages a brand and marketing business for lawyers, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. Michael also keeps himself entertained with a variety of activities. He loves listening to podcasts, even hosting his own, and enjoys playing Fortnite with his kids. As a devoted Brisbane Broncos and Rugby league fan, he eagerly follows the sport, and during summers, he becomes a cricket enthusiast. Furthermore, he is an avid reader, particularly indulging in sci-fi novels.

In summary, Michael Bromley’s profile is one of dedication, perseverance, and a love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His journey in martial arts has shaped him into a skilled practitioner and a passionate teacher who finds joy in passing on his knowledge to others.