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Over my years of training Jiu-Jitsu, training has always developed new challenges and helped me break through new boundaries and seeing how I can apply the lessons learned on the mat to the rest of my life kept me excited. When I started, the idea of being able to "roll" and learn new techniques was a big drawcard. As I kept training, the learning got deeper, not just the technique, but also within myself. Seeing positive lifestyle and character changes not just within myself but among others is keeping me so motivated to improve, not just as a student but as a coach.
If the only thing people learned was not to be afraid of their experience, that alone would change the world. Sydney Banks (Three Principles Discoverer)
Other than Jiu Jitsu, spending time with my family and reading.
Jiu Jitsu for Everyone
Roan grew up in Johannesburg, South African and started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007 with Rodney King at the original Team Monkey Jits Gym and became the local representative and instructor in New Zealand and then Melbourne. Roan has years of martial arts training (and national and international competitions in ITF Taekwon Do) is backed by years of experience where he had to apply his skills while working as a close protection officer on high-risk contracts and venue security officer at some of South Africa’s most notorious nightclubs in the late 90’s to early 2000’s. In 1997, Roan’s first reality-based self-defence school opened in South Africa, and evolved into the Personal Protection Academy (PPA) doing extensive consulting and training work for the South African Police Services and the close protection and ‘safer door’ community in South Africa. Arriving in New Zealand, Roan opened his own gym and coached Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing for 7 years, and been a Gracie Barra Instructor since 2015.
- Certified Gracie Barra Instructor
- Working with children checked
- First Aid certified
- Internationally qualified close protection officer and security consultant
- ITF Taekwondo 1st degree (National colors and national team representing at World Championship - 1997 and 1999)
Lineage - Master Carlos Gracie Jnr - Marcelo Rezende - Roan Theron
I was born in South Africa, later moved to New Zealand, and began my martial arts journey with boxing at Crazy Monkey. In 2015, I started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and haven’t looked back since. I’ve been competing for over 10 years and have earned multiple gold medals at prestigious competitions. For the past two years, I’ve also been focused on coaching — helping kids, teens, and adults discover the same confidence and resilience I’ve gained through BJJ.
Recent Competitions
2024
Vic State – Silver – Juvenile Blue Belt Ultra-Heavyweight
Nationals – Gold – Juvenile Blue Belt Ultra-Heavyweight
2023
OKJJC – Gold – Juvenile Blue Belt Ultra-Heavyweight
Grappling Industries – Gold – Juvenile Blue Belt Ultra-Heavyweight
Vic State – Gold – Juvenile Blue Belt Ultra-Heavyweight
Certifications & Qualifications
Certified Gracie Barra Instructor (ICP Certified)
Working with Children Checked (1015170A-01)
First Aid Certified
Lineage: Master Carlos Gracie Jnr → Marcelo Rezende → Roan Theron → Keanen Theron
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been a part of my life for over a decade, and it continues to push me to grow in every aspect. From the first time I stepped on the mats, I was drawn in by the challenge and constant learning. Competing has sharpened my discipline and mindset, but it's coaching that has deepened my love for the art. Seeing students gain confidence and build character through Jiu-Jitsu motivates me to keep learning, growing, and giving back.
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." — Tim Notke
When I’m not training or coaching, I enjoy spending time with family and going to the gym.