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Head Instructor - Vladimir Popovic
Vlad’s Credentials
Vladimir started training martial arts at the age of just 14 years old. He began his journey with Judo and received his Judo black belt in 2014 from the Serbian Judo Federation. He started learning the Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he was 21 years old, and received his black belt in 2019 under Master Pedro Sauer and Professor Thiago Gianneli Bertoni. He has competed nationally (Serbia) and Internationally (Europe and Asia), in both sports, at all levels.
Vlad graduated with both a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Sport Sciences and Physical Education from the University of Belgrade, Serbia, as well as a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from University Union – Nikola Tesla.
Has been a full-time coach in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo for over 15 years now and has worked in Serbia, Kuwait and now Singapore.
Vlad’s Philosophy
When he teaches, Vlad tries to combine both science and theory. He has learned a lot from fellow instructors, books, and experiences he has gained through years of training and competing. Vlad is committed to teaching both the self-defence style of Jiu-Jitsu and sport style of Jiu- Jitsu.
Besides self-defence and the amazing philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu, Vlad considers Jiu-Jitsu as an excellent tool to improve everyone’s life. BJJ’s ability to train the mind and body to find comfort, calmness and react rationally in seemingly uncomfortable situations never fails to amaze him.
Vlad has over 15 years of experience working with children, where he feels that coaches have a huge responsibility because besides teaching them martial arts and fighting skills we are educating them – physical, intellectual and moral education, which can be more important than anything else.
Confucius’s quote perfectly describes his philosophy: If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for 10 years, plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years, educate children.
Notable Competition History
Singapore Open 2020 – 1st Place Gold Medal
Al Ain Open 2018 – 2nd Place Silver Medal
Belgrade Open 2016 – 1st Place Gold Medal
Serbia Open 2016 – 1st Place Gold Medal
Nis Open 2016 – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
Belgrade Open 2016 – 1st Place Gold Medal
Belgrade Open 2015 – 1st Place Gold Medal
Nis Open 2015 – 1st Place Gold Medal
Knjazevac Open 2015 – 1st Place Gold Medal
Draza Mihailovic tournament 2014 – 2nd Place Silver
Belgrade national championship 2014- 3rd place
Zvonko Osmajlic tournament 2013- 2nd place
National Young Seniors 2022 – 3rd place
Seminars
- Lucas Lepri 2014, 2022
- Davi Ramos 2015
- Rodrigo Cavaca 2015
- Robert Drysdale 2015
- Aleksandar Kukolj 2016
- Royce Gracie 2017, 2018
- Tom De Blass 2018
- Nemanja Majdov 2019
- Pedro Sauer 2018, 2020, 2023
- Braulio Estima 2023
- Yuri Simoes 2023
- Ashley Williams 2023
- Felipe Pena 2023
- Robert Deagle 2023, 2024
- Jozef Chan 2023, 2024
- Craig Jones 2024
- Lachlan Giles 2024
CCK Instructor - Jude Kang
Jude is a Jiujitsu black belt under Alexsandro ‘Leke’ Machado. Growing up as an art student and a musician, he was never interested in martial arts or self defence. However, it all changed after watching the UFC and discovering the art of Jiujitsu.
Captivated by the sheer technical abilities and movements put on display by various submission specialists in the cage, it reminded him of the anime and video game characters that he loved, and he was convinced to sign up for his first class. Like countless many others, he was captivated by the art almost immediately, and the rest is history.
Starting out at a mere 45kg, Jude understands and places a heavy focus on awareness and technical knowledge, ensuring everyone can learn effective fighting techniques without compromising safety.
Competition History
Jude still competes actively in both MMA and Jiujitsu, and is currently a part of the Singapore Asian MMA national team.
Purple belt
SEA Grappling (57kg) – Gold
Johor Open (64kg) – Gold
DUMAU Asia (Open-weight) – Bronze
IBJJF Manila (57kg) – Silver
Brown belt
SEA Championships (59kg) – Bronze
IBJJF Tokyo Asian Open 2019 (57kg) – Silver
WFS Grappling (66kg) – Gold
Black belt
ADCC Singapore (88kg) – Silver
IBJJF Asian Open 2024 – Bronze
Lavender Instructor - Muhammad Munshi
Coach Munshin’s goal in martial arts is to develop both physical and mental discipline, fostering resilience and confidence through rigorous training. He aims to enhance his skills in coaching while also promoting a deep understanding in BJJ and respect for tradition. Additionally, he aspires to achieve a sense of community by connecting with fellow practitioners, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others on their martial arts journeys. Lastly he aims to gain more experience in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu.
Work experience:
Full-time coach at Fighter Fitness for 1 year as a blue belt.
Assistance coach for 2 years at Fortitude Martial Art and Fitness.
Head instructor at Trifecta Martial Art for 2 years.
Assistant instructor at GJJ Singapore Lavender for 2 years.
Achievements:
Dumau Singapore open (white belt)
Dumau Jakarta Open (blue belt)
Copa di Malaysia (purple belt)
Abu Dhabi World’s Pro master division (purple belt)
Certification:
Brown belt under prof Vladimir Popovic (Pedro Sauer association)
CCK Instructor - Muhammad Amin Bin Ismail
Coach Amin heads the kid’s program at Gracie CCK.
Having produced many champions out of the kids training under him, his results are a testament to the passion and effort he puts into every single kid that walks through our doors.
Inspired by the legend Royce Gracie, Amin started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2010, and is currently a brown belt under Professor Jude Kang at Gracie CCK.