Our Team
Our Team
At TFC, we’re proud to say that most of our team comes from within. We do our best to keep all our hires in-house — giving members of our amateur and pro fight teams the chance to work while they train, helping them fund their journey as they chase the big smoke.
When it comes to coaching, we don’t settle for average. All of our coaches have been in the arena themselves — they’ve fought, competed, and walked the path you’re now on. We believe you should only be learning from people who’ve truly lived it.
We’ve put together this page so you can get to know everyone on the team — from the front desk to the coaching staff and everyone in between. Whether you’re stepping into the gym for the first time or coming back after a break, we want you to feel comfortable knowing a little bit about the people you’ll meet, and the team that’s here to guide you through the life skills we teach at TFC.
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James Jarvie
Co-Owner / Managing Director
- Leads Business Development At TFC
- 16 Years Muay Thai Experience
- 10 Years Boxing Experience
- BJJ Blue Belt
James Jarvie
Known to most simply as “Jarvie,” James has over 16 years of Muay Thai experience and holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since starting his journey in 2008, he’s explored multiple disciplines including boxing and BJJ, staying deeply connected to the fight community even after stepping away from competition due to injury.
These days, Jarvie is more often found in the office than on the pads, but he still loves jumping on the mats whenever he gets the chance—whether it’s to learn something new or sharpen the fundamentals he’s built over the years.
Now leading the business side of TFC, Jarvie is the driving force behind the gym’s structure, systems, and growth. His relentless focus on culture and operations has helped shape TFC into one of Australia’s leading martial arts gyms—built to serve both everyday students and future champions alike.
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Ben Johnston
Co-Owner / Head Coach
- 16 Years Experience In Combat Sports
- 2x Muai Thai World Champion
- BJJ Brown Belt
- Eternal MMA Middleweight Champion
Ben Johnston
Ben Johnston has cemented his legacy as one of Australia’s most accomplished and respected combat sports athletes. With a career that spanned Muay Thai, Boxing, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ben brought a level of professionalism and drive that few could match.
A career highlight came in 2017 when Ben achieved the #1 world ranking with the WBC in the light-heavyweight division — one of the most prestigious titles in all of Muay Thai. He went on to capture the WBC Muay Thai World Title in 2018, solidifying his place on the global stage. Throughout his journey, he racked up a long list of accolades: multiple Australian and South Pacific titles, Southeast Queensland boxing championships and multiple BJJ tournaments. His experience was so highly regarded that he served as a key training partner to UFC champion Israel Adesanya in preparation for his bout against Alex Pereira.
Ben’s final chapter in competition came with a dominant performance in Eternal MMA, where he secured the Middleweight Title — his last belt before officially retiring from active competition. In a true show of leadership, Ben relinquished the title to open the path for his teammate and fellow TFC pro fighter Darcy Vendy, who stepped up and claimed the belt in his own right.
Now fully focused on coaching and mentorship, Ben plays an integral role at TFC, leading the development of the fight team and sharing the hard-earned lessons from a storied career. His commitment to excellence and constant evolution lives on through every athlete he helps guide.
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Lorin Thompson
Head of Operations
- 16+ years industry experience
- Drives growth & development
- Systemises and delivers on the overall TFC vision and mission
Lorin Thompson
Lorin has a strong background in business development and project management. She brings a rare combination of structure and strategy. Her expertise lies in communication and analysis, and she’s served in an administrative capacity, at all levels of boxing — locally, nationally, and internationally.
At TFC you will find her working hard behind the scenes to bring it all to life. Combat sports has played a pivotal role in Lorin’s life, she credits Boxing with helping to raise her children and travel the world, and it’s this affinity with the sport that keeps her deeply connected to the overall vision and mission of the company.
She aims to make combat sports more accessible for all – from grassroots up, create more fight fans, and work towards seeing a TFC world champ in every code.
Lorin remains a key player in the growth and success of TFC.
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Dan Hearn
Gym Manager / Lead Trainer
- Runs Our Muay Thai Fight Team
- Leads The Kids Program
- Keeps day-to-day Operations On Track.
Dan Hearn
Dan is TFC’s Gym Manager — overseeing the day-to-day running of the facility, managing staff, and staying on top of retail, inventory, and operations. Dan has been full-time with us for 4 years, but was supporting members and assisting as a trainer long before that — even while he was still actively fighting.
Dan leads our Kids Program and plays a major role in coaching across the gym. You’ll regularly find him running lunchtime Boxing and Muay Thai classes, evening sessions, and helping new members get started on the right foot.
Dan is the head coach of TFC’s Amateur Muay Thai Fight Team, guiding the next generation of fighters through every stage of their development — from first spar to fight night. Having trained exclusively under TFC, Dan has learned directly from Ben and now passes on that same style and system to his students.
Whether you’re starting out, dropping into a lunch session, or chasing a fight, you’ll get to know Dan quickly — and you’ll see firsthand how much he puts into this gym.
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Nick Kepu
Senior Coach / Front Desk
- Coaches striking & fundamentals classes
- Assists new members learning the basics
- Supports afternoon operations at front desk
Nick Kepu
Nick is one of TFC’s most senior lead trainers, known just as much for his smile behind the front desk as he is for his work on the mats. With 9+ years of MMA experience, a purple belt in BJJ, and a combined amateur and pro fight record of 12 wins and 5 losses, Nick brings serious knowledge and positive energy to the gym every day.
He coaches striking classes and supports other coaches on the mats, while also assisting the admin team with membership support in the afternoons. Nick’s been coaching at TFC for over 3 years and is a key part of the gym’s team culture. His goal is to keep inspiring others — through his fights, his coaching, and the way he carries himself.
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Carter Heatley
Membership Consultant / Front Desk
- Handles all new member enquiries
- Oversees sign-ups & onboarding
- First point of contact at TFC
Carter Heatley
Carter is TFC’s Membership Consultant and the first point of contact for nearly everyone who joins the gym. He’s responsible for handling all new enquiries, walking members through the sign-up process, and making sure every new face is properly onboarded and confident before jumping into their first class.
Whether it’s before someone walks through the door, at the front desk getting them started, or following up to make sure they know what to expect — Carter is there at every step of the journey.
Outside of the office, Carter enjoys training across multiple disciplines including Muay Thai and BJJ and is a keen follower of the combat sports world — especially the UFC. Carter is working towards getting his blue belt in BJJ. His passion for the sport makes him a natural fit for helping new members take their first steps at TFC.
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Diego Pereira
Lead Trainer & TFC Fighter
- BJJ Black Belt & Pro MMA Fighter
- Head coach of Kids BJJ Program
- Leads daytime BJJ classes
- Striking coach for Boxing & Muay Thai
Diego Pereira
Diego “El Pantera Negra” Pereira is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and professional MMA fighter, Diego brings over 14 years of experience in BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, and MMA. He currently holds a pro MMA record of 11 wins and 7 losses, including 4 knockouts and 2 submission finishes.
At TFC, Diego leads our Kids BJJ program and heads up the daytime BJJ schedule. He’s also a technically sharp striking coach across both Muay Thai and Boxing, known for his attention to detail and calm, strategic approach to training.
Beyond the gym, Diego is still actively competing with long-term goals in mind — and members can expect to see him continuing to chase big opportunities on the pro scene while guiding the next generation on the mats at TFC.
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Shenayd Jarvie
Membership Support
- Manages cancellations, suspensions & overdue accounts
- Ensures members stick to agreed membership plans
- Applies policies fairly and consistently
Shenayd Jarvie
Shenayd has been part of Team TFC since 2018. Over the past seven years, she’s helped grow the gym while raising a family alongside her husband and co-founder, James Jarvie. These days, she manages what’s arguably the hardest role in the gym — overseeing cancellations, suspensions, and debt.
TFC’s membership plans are designed with purpose, and Shenayd’s job is to make sure members stick to the agreement they chose. She applies every policy with fairness, consistency, and respect — even when the conversations aren’t always easy. Whether you’re heading off on holiday, dealing with an injury, or just need to make a change to your membership, Shenayd will be the one to guide you through it.
We’ve tried handing this role off before, but no one does it quite like her. The systems she’s built help keep the gym running smoothly behind the scenes — and while it’s a job that often goes unnoticed, it’s a big reason why TFC functions as well as it does.
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Nate Law
Lead Trainer & TFC Fighter
- Coaches Boxing & Muay Thai
- Leads the TFC Teens program
- Focused on reaching the UFC
- Active Pro MMA Fighter
Nate Law
Nathaniel “Nate” Law Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Nate is an active professional MMA fighter with a current pro record of 3 wins and 1 loss — all 3 wins coming by knockout. With over 6 years of training in MMA and Muay Thai, and almost 2 years coaching at TFC, he brings sharp technique, fight-tested experience, and high energy to every session.
At TFC, Nate is one of our lead striking trainers, teaching both Boxing and Muay Thai. He also heads up our TFC Teens program, helping guide the next generation of fighters through strong fundamentals and discipline-driven training.
Nate’s ultimate goal is to compete in the UFC — and he’s chasing it daily. Whether you’re learning to throw your first punch or preparing for your next fight, he brings the same focus and intensity to everyone he coaches.
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Max Davidson
Front Desk / Support Trainer
- BJJ blue belt & active MMA competitor
- Runs Sunday Open Gym at TFC
- Supports coaching in our Kids Program
Max Davidson
Max “Meridius” Davidson is an active amateur MMA fighter with over 5 years of training experience and a current fight record of 6 wins and 4 losses — including 3 submission wins and 1 KO. He holds a blue belt in BJJ and is currently ranked the #1 amateur featherweight in Australia.
Max has been part of the TFC team for over 2 years, working across both reception and coaching. You’ll find him behind the desk most days of the week. He plays a key support role in the TFC Kids Program and runs our Sunday morning Open Gym, helping members get extra time on the mats.
With long-term goals of becoming a UFC champion, Max brings serious drive and focus to everything he does at TFC — and he’s only just getting started.
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Nakia Melody
Lead BJJ Trainer
- BJJ Black Belt with 15+ years experience
- 14 years coaching, 3 years at TFC
- Top-level MMA referee & judge
Nakia Melody
Nakia is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with over 15 years of experience in BJJ and MMA, and more than 14 years of coaching. For the past 3 years, he’s been a key part of the coaching team at TFC, bringing a structured, technical approach to every class he leads.
Before stepping back to focus on coaching and helping Ben run the TFC MMA team, Nakia was widely respected as one of the top referees and judges in Australian MMA. His deep knowledge of the sport, both in competition and behind the scenes, gives him a unique ability to mentor and guide students at all levels.
Nakia is known for his clear communication, technical precision, and calm leadership style. Outside of the gym, he’s a bit of a serial hobbyist — always learning something new, but martial arts remains at the heart of everything he does.
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Harry Shappard
Lead Trainer / Morning Trainer
- Former WBC QLD & Australian Muay Thai Champion
- Runs morning Boxing & Muay Thai
- Transitioning to MMA competition
Harry Shappard
Harry started his combat sports journey right here at TFC with zero experience — and worked his way up to become one of the gym’s most accomplished fighters and respected coaches. Over a Muay Thai career that saw him claim 18 wins (6 by TKO), he earned the WBC Queensland title twice and ultimately captured the WBC Australian title before stepping away from competition.
Now retired from Muay Thai, Harry has shifted his focus to MMA and coaching full-time at TFC. He’s one of our lead striking trainers and runs most of the morning Boxing and Muay Thai classes. He’s also a core coach in our Kids Striking Program and assists in evening Muay Thai sessions, helping build skill and confidence across all levels.
Known for his sharp technique and no-nonsense style, Harry brings years of fight-tested experience and discipline to every session he leads. He’s a living example of what can happen when you commit to the process — starting from scratch and rising through the ranks — and now he’s helping others do the same.
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"Uncle" Des Maea
Lead Trainer / Support Trainer
- 20+ years of experience in combat sports
- Known as “Uncle” around the gym
- Always happy to hold pads and give back to the fighters
"Uncle" Des Maea
Known as “Uncle” by all our members, Des is a well-known figure in the combat sports community with over 20 years of experience across Boxing, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Eskrima knife fighting—a discipline he has personally trained in, though not something we teach at TFC.
Des has been a dedicated part of the TFC team for the past 2 years, and he’s deeply committed to giving back to the next generation of fighters. Whether it’s holding pads or sharing his wealth of experience, he’s always there to support anyone willing to put in the work. His focus is on helping others not just become better fighters, but better people.
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Jevahn Prele-Chong
Lead Trainer / BJJ Morning Trainer
- 14 years of BJJ experience
- Brown Belt
- Morning BJJ lead
- Assists in kids & evening classes
Jevahn Prele-Chong
Jevahn is a BJJ brown belt with 14 years of experience and a lifetime spent around combat sports. Having started training as a kid himself, he understands firsthand what it takes to keep young athletes engaged, learning, and progressing — which makes him the perfect coach for the next generation coming through.
He leads our morning BJJ program and also assists in kids and evening classes, bringing calm energy, technical knowledge, and a real passion for the sport to every session. Whether it’s helping a new adult learn the basics or mentoring a young kid just starting out, Jevahn is all about building solid foundations and passing on what he’s learned along the way.
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Jayde Grey
Support Kids Trainer
- Started training at TFC at age 8
- Has competed in Muay Thai
- Trained in Thailand with family
Jayde Grey
Jayde started training at TFC when she was just 8 years old and hasn’t looked back since. Over the years, she’s grown up on the mats, developing a deep love for Muay Thai alongside her mum and brother — both of whom have trained at TFC for the past 6 years. The whole family even made the trip to Thailand together to experience Muay Thai at the source.
Jayde has now had a couple of fights under the TFC banner and is always eager to compete, though finding matchups in her age and weight class has been a challenge. Still, she stays consistent with her training and is passionate about progressing in the sport.
Now coaching in the kids program, Jayde brings a calm, caring energy to the mats. Having started young herself, she understands what it’s like to be the new kid in gloves — and she’s dedicated to giving back to the next generation the same way others once supported her.
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Paul Merry
Kids Class Trainer
- 15+ years training with Ben & Jarvie
- Former fighter & founding TFC member
- Coaches kids purely to give back
Paul Merry
Pauly started training with Ben and Jarvie nearly 15 years ago at Iron Fist and has been part of the TFC family since day one. A former member of the fight team himself, he’s had a few fights under his belt but has always been known more for helping others than chasing the spotlight.
Outside the gym, Pauly runs a successful mechanics workshop — but Muay Thai remains a true passion. He’s made multiple trips to Thailand to train and continues to stay actively involved in the sport.
His coaching journey began almost 8 years ago when his kids were training at TFC. Though his children moved on, Pauly never did. He’s continued showing up week after week, coaching in the kids program purely out of love for the sport and belief in what it can do for young people. It’s not uncommon for him to leave work, coach the kids, and head straight back to the shop — no complaints, no fanfare, and never expecting anything in return.
Pauly is one of those rare people who just shows up for others. And TFC is better for it.
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Ford Heatly
BJJ Trainer
- BJJ purple belt
- Coaches every second Saturday morning
- Passionate about BJJ
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Dave Moore
TFC Maintenance & Facilities
- Keeps TFC clean, safe & running smooth
- Passionate about 5-star facility standards
- Trains BJJ in his spare time
Dave Moore
Dave is our behind-the-scenes legend — responsible for all things maintenance and keeping the facility looking and running its best. While you might not deal with him directly, you’ve definitely seen the results of his work. From clean mats to functioning equipment and tidy spaces, Dave’s the reason TFC stays five-star, day in and day out.
He’s passionate about what he does and takes real pride in creating a space where our members can train safely and comfortably. You might also catch him on the mats training BJJ — so if you do, be sure to say thanks for everything he does to keep the gym in top shape.
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Lachlan Walker
Support Trainer / Facilites
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Izaiah Hernandez
Support Kids Trainer
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Logan Jackson
Support Kids Trainer
