Founder and Head Instructor

As a double Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Judo with over 10 years of mat time and 7 years of coaching experience, Professor Romina founded Grapple Up with the mission of creating complete martial artists on and off the mats. Whether it be body awareness, attitude, or healthy habits, she noticed that many kids and parents focus on the sport-specific gaps, not realising that there may be larger underlying reasons why a child might not be performing. 

​

Her love for martial arts started at the age of 8 on the Judo mats. Growing up as an energetic and competitive kid, Judo was the perfect way to channel her energy and explore what her body could do. During her teenage years, Judo was becoming less fun because it became all about competing. Medals began to mean less if the training wasn’t both fun and challenging. Her French Sensei at the time reassured her, ‘You can walk away from Judo, but Judo will never walk away from you. You will be back.’ Right he was. Romina returned to the Judo mats, became the 2021 Australian National Champion (-52kg), and achieved her Black Belt. 

​

For the same reasons Romina fell in love with Judo as a child, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became her newfound passion since day one. As an experienced competitor herself, she has led multiple young athletes to perform and WIN on the national and international stage. Six months after receiving her Judo Black Belt, she was awarded her Jiu-jitsu Black Belt.

​

As a Kids' Instructor, she has learned the verbal and physical cues that best resonate with children of all ages and experience levels. The best part of her job is talking to her students about topics beyond the mats. She is not shy to start both silly and deep conversations with her young students.