Combat Therapy Centre

What a weekend at the JMMAC Australian Titles.
We could talk about results, medals, takedowns and matches, but for us at Combat Therapy Centre, this weekend represented something much bigger.
Neo finished with a Silver Medal after a challenging day of competition. His first opponent was disqualified following two illegal head shots, with the second leaving Neo dizzy and nauseous. After medical assessment, Neo was unable to safely continue in the competition. While it was undoubtedly disappointing for him to have his day end that way, his wellbeing will always come before competition.
Alexi had a very short but decisive match. His takedown was excellent and his opponent was unable to continue. Alexi leaves the weekend as an Australian Champion, an achievement he should be incredibly proud of. 🇦🇺🏆
Rade perhaps walks away with something equally valuable: experience. Across the JMMAC weekend he competed in three matches, giving him opportunities to test himself, learn, adapt and experience both the physical and emotional demands of competition.
But the moments we are most proud of happened around the competition.
We watched these young men support one another, celebrate each other’s successes and stand beside each other when things did not go to plan. We saw teamwork, peer support, encouragement, humility and genuine care for one another.
Those things matter.
At Combat Therapy Centre, MMA is the vehicle, not the destination.
We use martial arts to help young people learn about goal setting, commitment, discipline, attitude, emotional regulation, responsibility and humility. We want them to learn how to pursue something difficult, how to conduct themselves when they succeed and, perhaps even more importantly, how to respond when they experience disappointment or loss.
Be gracious in defeat.
Be humble in victory.
Support the person beside you regardless of the result.
These are lessons that extend far beyond the cage.
We are enormously proud of Neo, Alexi and Rade, not simply for what they achieved this weekend, but for the developing responsible young adults we continue to see them becoming.
None of this happens in isolation. We are incredibly grateful to their families for the commitment, encouragement, travel, sacrifices and countless hours that allow these young people to pursue their goals.
A very special acknowledgement also needs to go to Rade’s dad, whose support throughout our time in Queensland was tremendous. Across the entire weekend he was there helping, encouraging and supporting not only Rade, but the broader experience for everyone involved. That kind of support makes a genuine difference and was deeply appreciated.
Medals are wonderful.
Championships are worth celebrating.
But seeing young people develop character, support their peers, pursue meaningful goals and learn to carry themselves with humility through both success and adversity?
That is the real win.
Congratulations Neo, Alexi and Rade.
We couldn’t be prouder of the way you represented yourselves, your families and Combat Therapy Centre. ❤️🥊🇦🇺

Rade has a MASSIVE division at the JMAAC Australian Titles, and he’s started with a bang! 🔥🥊

He used the cage beautifully to his advantage, stayed composed and listened to Matt’s coaching every step of the way.

Such a strong start to a huge day of competition.

Way to go, Rade! 👊🔥

We’re all cheering you on from Darwin. 🐊

Weigh in done. Hands wrapped. Nothing left to prepare.
The time for training is over.
In a few minutes, that cage door closes and it’s just Rade, his opponent, and the work he’s put in to get here.
No more drills. No more rounds. No more preparation.
Time to compete. Time to trust the work.
JMMAC Australian Titles 🇦🇺🥊
Let’s go, Rade. 👊🔥

🥊 BRISBANE BOUND! 🤼🔥

Our Junior MMA fighters are heading to Brisbane for the JMAAC (Junior MMA Competition) AUS Titles.

Over the past couple of months, these young athletes have been putting in the work. They’ve drilled, wrestled, grappled, struck, pushed through the hard rounds and kept showing up for one another.

Now it’s time to put all that training into action.

We’re incredibly proud of the commitment they’ve shown and the way they’ll be representing Combat Therapy Centre and the NT.

Competition is about so much more than the result. It’s about having the courage to test yourself, trust your training, manage the nerves and step into the arena ready to give it everything you’ve got.

Let’s get behind our Junior MMA team and send them plenty of support as they head to Brisbane! ❤️‍🔥

Fight hard. Stay composed. Support each other. And enjoy every second of it.

Drop them a message below and help us cheer them on! 👊🔥

What a session tonight! 🔥🥊

The MMA crew brought serious energy to the mats, with plenty of partner work, drilling and rounds that kept everyone moving.

One of the best things about nights like this is watching people work together. Different experience levels, different strengths, but everyone helping their partner sharpen their skills, push the pace and get better.

High energy. Great work. Even better crew.

This is what MMA training at CTC is all about. 👊

When Swann first walked through the doors at CTC, he had a goal: to step into the cage and compete in MMA.

He had never trained in the sport before, but he committed to the work, kept showing up, kept learning and ultimately did exactly what he set out to do. That takes courage, discipline and a willingness to be uncomfortable while you grow.

But Swann’s contribution to CTC has been about more than his own training. He has become part of the culture here, welcoming new members, helping out wherever he can and being the kind of training partner who makes the room better simply by being in it.

Swann, we’re going to miss having you around while you’re away. Thankfully, it’s only for a little while!

We’re incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved so far and look forward to welcoming you back to CTC later in the year.

The next chapter is waiting. 🥊❤️

We’re incredibly excited to announce that Combat Therapy Centre has partnered with the Northern Territory Government to deliver a series of bespoke programs for current serving Defence personnel, veterans and their families.

These programs have been thoughtfully designed to strengthen connection, build resilience and support healthy family relationships through a unique combination of movement, play and evidence informed practice.

Bringing together Matt’s extensive experience in combat sports, behavioural therapy and trauma informed practice, alongside Liz’s background in early childhood, child development and family engagement, these sessions offer something truly different for Defence and veteran families.

We would love your help to spread the word. If you know a current serving member, veteran or Defence family who could benefit from these opportunities, please share this post so they don’t miss out.

A special thank you to Top Ender Magazine, and especially Hannah, for championing this story and helping us share these opportunities with the wider community. We truly appreciate your support.

We’re honoured to be part of supporting those who have served our country, and we can’t wait to welcome families into the Centre.