OUR
TEAM

Scott Butler

Head Instructor

Scott began his martial arts journey in Warragul in 1985, before relocating to the Goulburn Valley in 1987. He trained Karate in Shepparton until 1992, then joined the Numurkah Goju Ryu Karate Dojo under the expert guidance of Sensei Michael Doyle, where he continues to train regularly.

Scott has travelled to Okinawa, Japan on many occasions to refine his skills under the guidance of Sensei Shigotoshi Senaha (10th Dan) and Sensei Takehiro Gaja (9th Dan). He currently holds the rank of 5th Dan in Okinawan Goju Ryu Ryusyokai and 4th Dan in Matayoshi Kobudo.

In 2008, Scott began training Jiu-Jitsu to complement his Karate, and in 2009 he transitioned to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, with a strong focus on authentic self-defence and real-world application. Scott first travelled to Gracie University in Torrance, California (USA) in 2014 and has since travelled to the United States a total of 20 times to train and complete the many certification programs, lifestyle summits, and instructor development courses offered through Gracie University.

Scott has undertaken private lessons and training with many members of the Gracie family, including Rickson Gracie, Rorion Gracie, Relson Gracie, Rolker Gracie, and Royce Gracie, as well as extensive private instruction with Professor Ryron Gracie, Professor Rener Gracie, and a number of Gracie University head instructors. He was awarded his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt by Ryron and Rener Gracie in Torrance, California.

After completing the Gracie University Instructor Certification Program (ICP) in 2015, Scott has continued to lead by example through ongoing personal development and consistent progression through the Gracie University curriculum, including BBS 1–4, PBS 1–4, and GST (Gracie Survival Tactics for law enforcement/first responders) Levels 1 and 2.

In 2025, Scott travelled to Brazil to further his training, attending the prestigious Gracie 100 event, training at the famous Gracie Academy, and also training at Master Leão Teixeira’s school.

Scott has conducted numerous seminars both locally and internationally, and is committed to preserving and teaching authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, with a clear emphasis on self-defence, confidence, and practical real-world skills.