Nic Barker

Black belt 1st degree

Nic Barker, a captivating figure shrouded in mystery and infused with a touch of absurdity, embarked on an extraordinary journey that propelled him from the remote mountains of Victoria to the status of a legendary Jiu Jitsu coach.

In 2009, Nic began his remarkable journey in the vibrant city of Melbourne, seeking the tutelage of the iconic Australian Jiu Jitsu pioneer, Peter de Been. Immersed in the training environment at Peter’s renowned St Kilda headquarters, Nic quickly ascended the ranks, earning his blue belt in 2010 and eventually attaining the coveted purple belt in 2011. These achievements were the result of unwavering dedication to rigorous training and a series of challenging competitions. Notably, Nic competed across various weight classes, from Feather (Pena, 70kgs) to Ultra Heavy (Pesadíssimo, 100.5kg+) and open weight divisions, all while never exceeding 74kgs himself.

In addition to his competitive endeavours, Nic actively contributed to the Jiu Jitsu community as a referee, scorer, and timekeeper in State, National, and Pan Pacific Championships. This involvement provided him with an intimate understanding of the intricacies and rules of the sport. Nic’s commitment extended to his significant contribution to Grappling Industries, where he played an instrumental role in organizing and running their Australian competitions, supporting the growth of the sport across the country.

Driven by his fascination with the nuances of Jiu Jitsu, Nic embarked on a coaching journey early in his Jiu Jitsu career. It was a fateful encounter with Kit Dale at Peter de Been’s gym that propelled Nic to new heights. Kit, renowned for his unconventional methods and captivating storytelling, became Nic’s primary training partner and mentor. Under Kit’s guidance, Nic achieved the esteemed rank of Brown belt in 2013. Together, they nurtured numerous students who have gone on to excel in international competitions, cementing their legacy in Australian Jiu Jitsu.

In 2015, Nic found his new home at Arte Suave upon moving to Brisbane, continuing his pursuit of excellence. Under the supervision of Anker Fuglsang, Nic reached the pinnacle of his journey, earning his black belt in 2017 and becoming Nauru’s first Jiu Jitsu Black Belt.

In his relentless pursuit of excellence, Nic sought mentorship from renowned Australian and global Jiu Jitsu legends, fully immersing himself in the vibrant Australian Jiu Jitsu community. It is through this immersion that Nic has endearingly earned the nickname “The Gipsy of Jiu Jitsu,” a testament to his diverse experiences and connections within the art.

Beyond the realm of martial arts, Nic’s insatiable thirst for knowledge extends to various disciplines. He has extensively studied sport coaching in diverse fields such as AFL, Netball, Tennis, and Basketball, enriching his coaching approach with a wide range of strategies and techniques that enhance his students’ development. Additionally, Nic has conducted seminars for AFL and NRL teams, sharing highly effective methods in contact, tackling, and ground control.

While Nic’s stern countenance and aversion to humour may create an aura of seriousness, his classes take an unexpected twist. Structured in a fun and playful manner, Nic employs a unique teaching style that encourages game play and situational training for both juniors and seniors. His classes emphasize control, focusing on infinitesimally minute details. Drawing from his training experiences in other martial arts, including Judo since 2007 and wrestling since 2011, Nic’s meticulous attention to detail is evident, allowing him to stay abreast of the ever-evolving competition M.E.T.A at the highest levels.

Nic Barker, the enigmatic enigma of Jiu Jitsu, remains a source of bewilderment and amusement within the martial arts community. He has carved out a unique place in the annals of Jiu Jitsu history, forever remembered as the mad genius who seamlessly blended martial arts with whimsy, leaving a trail of laughter in his wake.

Additionally, Nic offers exclusive private lessons that provide unparalleled growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With 2-on-1 and small group options available, these private lessons ensure focused learning, allowing students to benefit from Nic’s undivided attention and personalized guidance. Whether addressing specific questions, clarifying concerns, or refining techniques in-depth, these private lessons offer the opportunity to delve into the nuances of each move and explore variations not covered in regular classes. In just one hour, students can address multiple areas of improvement, potentially saving months or even years of trial and error.

Nic’s unwavering dedication to Jiu Jitsu permeates every aspect of his life. Beyond the gym, Nic’s hobbies revolve entirely around the art—he watches Jiu Jitsu, reads about Jiu Jitsu, practices Jiu Jitsu, teaches Jiu Jitsu, learns Jiu Jitsu, and engages in various other Jiu Jitsu-related activities. His gruelling schedule often sees him working 28 hours a day, 11 days a week, 572 days a year, all in pursuit of unyielding improvement. His time away from the gym is dedicated to attending Jiu Jitsu seminars, competing in Jiu Jitsu tournaments, or eagerly taking on coaching roles in different locations, driven by his desire to share his wealth of knowledge with others. Notably, Nic has earned the esteemed title of “The World’s Best Smelling Grappler” every year since 2009, an accolade that remains unquestioned by those who have had the pleasure of meeting him.