Shane grew up on farms travelling around Australia and never really had the opportunity to practice any sports – unless you count chasing sheep or driving tractors! Shane always had a fascination with Jackie Chan and when he settled in Geelong, he was able to try various styles of martial arts, including Krav Maga and Muay Thai. Shane continued to practice these forms of martial arts when he moved to Brisbane.
Eventually Shane moved to the Sunshine Coast where he began his BJJ journey in 2008 – while training Freestyle Martial Arts in the early days at Infinity. There were a couple of guys in the club who had been learning some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; and every time he would train with them they would tie him in knots with ease, smile, slap his hand and start again. In those moments when Shane was getting “beaten up”, he realised just how effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is as a practical & effective martial art. Primarily because most fights end up on the ground.
Shane immediately began training and learning as much Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as he could and even entered a few competitions; where he managed to bring home a few gold and silver medals. This was a massive accomplishment for Shane as he had never competed in any sports before. The atmosphere was incredible, and it really kicked off his love for the sport.
Around 2010 Infinity employed Neil Owen – who had recently moved from the UK – to take over coaching and share his wealth of knowledge with the wider Infinity team. Neil’s concept-based training began to open up a whole new world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the team. Positional control, sweeps and submissions began to work for Shane and he started to see how they all fit into the big picture. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is like a fitness chess game; a real challenge for the mind and body, this is how Shane became really hooked.
Shane believes the benefits, camaraderie and fun to be had with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu make it a sport that ticks all the boxes.
Shane loves to compete in local BJJ competitions; but his primary focus is on teaching and sharing his knowledge and passion for this sport with his students as he knows first hand that it can tremendously improve so many aspects of life; just as it has for him.
In addition to being one of valuable black belt instructors, Shane also is the head of Infinity Competition. Shane oversees comp days for the Infinity team and is the go-to man when it comes to all aspects of competing.