Our Team
Thanks to the team here at Rolling Sands BJJ Retreat, we’re able to put on memorable and rewarding experiences for our guests. Each of our hosts is trained and experienced in maximizing the positive impact of our retreats.
Our instructors are from different backgrounds and academies, to bring our guests a dynamic range of styles and skill sets.
Autumn 2023 Instructors
Jahred Dell
If he’s not doing Jiujitsu, he is studying it like a master craftsman. Author of Articulate BJJ, a reputable BJJ podcast and blog, Jahred Dell is an established figure in the NZ grappling scene, not just for his knowledge on techniques and precise application of his work, but for his tenacity on the mats, especially in competition. A heavy set with frightening leg lock abilities, Jahred is both a top, and bottom game master. He also loves memes, PS4, and a quality craft beer or three after training…
Age: 30
Currently living: Auckland, NZ
Belt: Black
Favourite Submission: Rear Naked Choke
BJJ Career Highlight: ADCC heavyweight and absolute champion, ADCC Trials and ADCC Vegas Open Semi Finalist, Ventura Open Nogi Champion/ Sydney Grappling Industries Open Weight Champion
When not doing BJJ I love to: study art, watch films, listen to music and eat lots of food.
Best thing about summer is: The beach, barbecue and beer
Renato Cecilio Silva
After moving to NZ from the Gold Coast, this explosive Brazilian has been taking the NZ competition circuit by storm, and is now ready to call Aotearoa his home, having established his own gym here, a branch of his international Team; Southside BJJ. Renato loves how similar the Kiwi and Brazilian lifestyles are, and you will often find him spending his downtime on the East Coast beaches, hiking, exploring NZ, and always in the company of good friends.
Age: 33
Currently living: Auckland, NZ
Belt: 2nd Degree Black Belt
Favourite Submission: chokes from the back
BJJ Career Highlight: Pan Pacific Champ, South Pacific Champ, Asian Open Silver Medalist, NZ Champ
When not doing BJJ I love to: Mountain biking, travelling, exploring, being in nature, hanging out with people I like
Best thing about summer is: enjoying the weather, water activities, and training BJJ
Previous instructors…
Hope Douglas
We are absolutely honored to be bringing Hope to Aotearoa for the first time. Hope is part, and partly responsible, for the growing explosion and movement of phenomenal woman grapplers around the world. She is constantly traveling globally for both competitions, and seminars.
Hope is a Pan Ams, World No-Gi, Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, CBJJE World Championships and Sao Paulo State medalist and Copa Podio representative. In her homeland of Australia, she is a two-time Abu Dhabi World Pro trials winner, 4-time IBJJF Sydney International Open Champion, IBJJF Melbourne International Open Champion, Pan Pacific Champion, Victorian State Champion, Sydney Cup Champion and Events BJJ Champion.
We look forward to having Hope drop some knowledge bombs this summer, and perhaps we can impart some local knowledge on how to perfect the perfect cliff bomb, and may she return to Australia with a refined manu.
If you had Hope for a better summer of Jiujitsu, look no further…
Age: 32
Currently living: Sydney
Belt (and under whom): Both black belts, under Cicero Costha
Favourite Submission: Omoplata
BJJ Career Highlight: We both received our black belts in June 2019 and got to compete for 6 months at black belt before covid - in that time we medalled in a handful of international comps including Tokyo Grand Slam, Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, Rio Grand Slam, Sul Americano (Sao Paulo). We will be competing a lot in 2022 now that we can travel again, and hopefully hit the podium many more times.
BJJ Record: I'm not sure how to answer this - we've done so many comps!
When not doing BJJ I love to: I love reading, going to the beach.
Best thing about summer is: Beach and hot weather
Ari Tabak
From across the ditch, our biggest name and most decorated instructor to grace Rolling Sands Retreat, is Ari Tabak!
Ariel Tabak is an Australian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt who is affiliated under Cicero Costha. Ariel trains out of Sydney Australia at Westside Jiujitsu Club and Sydney Wrestling Academy. He has become a regular on the Abu Dhabi circuit, challenging multiple world class athletes. Some of Ariel’s notable achievements are; winning bronze at Rio Grand Slam, gold at Pan Pacific, and bronze at Asia ADCC trials.
It is Ari’s first time in Aotearoa, so we hope to give him the most incredible kiwi summer experience, as much as he will give us an incredible seminar, showing us what it means to be a world class BJJ athlete.
Age: 28
Currently living: Sydney
Belt (and under whom): Both black belts, under Cicero Costha
Favourite Submission: Omoplata
BJJ Career Highlight: Rio Grand Slam Bronze. Pan Pacific Gold. Asia ADCC trials Bronze.
BJJ Record: We've done so many comps!
When not doing BJJ I love to: gaming!
Best thing about summer is: Beach and hot weather
Jonathan Bell
When not hunting deer in some remote forest of Aotearoa, Jon is hunting submisssions at Tukaha HQ.
The head instructor, alongside Pedro Fernandes, enjoys a top pressure game, and brings a delightful fusion of old school pressure and new school leg locks.
Back takes and venison back strips are two of his favourite meals. Jon is also the instructor of the Tukaha Woman’s classes, and prides himself on bringing a versatile system that is accessible for everyone, at any stage of their Jiujitsu journey. It is a great honour to have Jon join us for summer 2022.
Age: 42
Currently living: Auckland
Belt: 3rd Degree Black Belt
Favourite Submission: Mounted Cross Collar Choke
BJJ Career Highlight: Competing at Abu Dhabi World Pro
When not doing BJJ I love to: Hunting, fishing and surfing
Favourite thing about summer: Training No-Gi :)
Van Robertson
Don’t let her size fool you… Van has enjoyed humbling many macho men on the mats over the years, proving and illustrating just why the techniques and mechanics developed by Helio Gracie 100 years ago are so effective!
Van was born in Saigon, Vietnam and lived in the United States for most of her life. Her training began with Tae Kwon Do when she was 12 years old. She has also trained in several other styles, including MMA, Kickboxing, Aikido, Karate, and Vovinam (Vietnamese martial arts).
Van leads the charge for women’s Brazilian Jiujitsu in Aotearoa, setting an example to both men and women on how to be a leader both on and off the mats. We are very grateful to have her join us over the summer and show us some A class tech!
Age: 50
Currently living: Auckland, NZ
Belt: Black Belt
Favourite Submission: S-MOUNT ARMBAR
BJJ Career Highlight: Opening my own BJJ academy 11 years ago! (VR Jiujisu)
When not doing BJJ I love to: Play piano and walk
Best thing about summer is: Lots of walking weather!
Accolades: PLACED 1st in US OPEN AS WHITE BELT AND BLUE BELT. PLACED 1ST AS BLUE BELT IN IBJJF PANAMS. PLACED 3rd AS PURPLE BELT IBJJ WORLDS
Renato Cecilio Silva
After moving to NZ from the Gold Coast, this explosive Brazilian has been taking the NZ competition circuit by storm, and is now ready to call Aotearoa his home, having established his own gym here, a branch of his international Team; Southside BJJ. Renato loves how similar the Kiwi and Brazilian lifestyles are, and you will often find him spending his downtime on the East Coast beaches, hiking, exploring NZ, and always in the company of good friends.
Age: 33
Currently living: Auckland, NZ
Belt: Black
Favourite Submission: chokes from the back
BJJ Career Highlight: Pan Pacific Champ, South Pacific Champ, Asian Open Silver Medalist, NZ Champ
When not doing BJJ I love to: Mountain biking, travelling, exploring, being in nature, hanging out with people I like
Best thing about summer is: enjoying the weather, water activities, and training BJJ
Jahred Dell
If he’s not doing Jiujitsu, he is studying it like a master craftsman. Author of Articulate BJJ, a reputable BJJ podcast and blog, Jahred Dell is an established figure in the NZ grappling scene, not just for his knowledge on techniques and precise application of his work, but for his tenacity on the mats, especially in competition. A heavy set with frightening leg lock abilities, Jahred is both a top, and bottom game master. He also loves memes, PS4, and a quality craft beer or three after training…
Age: 29
Currently living: Auckland, NZ
Belt: Brown
Favourite Submission: Rear Naked Choke
BJJ Career Highlight: Ventura Open Nogi Champion/ Sydney Grappling Industries Open Weight Champion
BJJ Record: 2x Mana Submission King, Gi & No Gi National Champ, Sub Only National Champ, Sydney & Melbourne Grappling Industries medalist (5x Gold, 3x Silver)
When not doing BJJ I love to: study art, watch films, listen to music and eat lots of food.
Best thing about summer is: The beach, barbecue and beer
Rion Bro
Where’s the fruit bro??
That is the tagline of our favourite Vegan fighter, Rion Bro. This plant powered native embodies what we are all about at Rollings Sands; a lifestyle based on travel, BJJ, and the great outdoors. Rion is always on the road, camping, exploring his backyard, and making new friends at BJJ clubs across the country. After a hearty roll, you will find Rion chowing down on an entire watermelon, and like Popeye with his spinach, the plants give him a superhuman strength for his size, and a keen eye for hunting submissions. Friendly and all round good cat, this guy is so chill, he makes a freezer look warm. Everyone wants to be friends with Rion Bro. (And no, no one knows what his last name is, and legend has it, neither does he.)
Age: 32
Currently living: Hawke’s Bay, NZ
Belt: Black
Favourite Submission: Rear Naked Choke
BJJ Career Highlight: National Champ, although traveling to and training at different gyms is very rewarding
When not doing BJJ I love to: Travel
Best thing about summer is: Fruit
Rolling Sands Staff
Cameron Jones
Owner/ Host
An actor by trade, Cameron found BJJ in 2016 while living in LA, and was immediately attracted to the sport, finding the black and white nature of sparring a nice contrast from the ambiguous and subjective nature of the film and tv industry. Passion turned to obsession, and Cameron found himself training twice a day under former UFC veteran, Gabe Ruediger, who coached him through both National, and World competitions in California. Returning home in late 2018, Cameron spotted potential for his love of the BJJ lifestyle, and love of the NZ summer lifestyle to be merged together, and to be surrounded by healthy, like minded people.
Age: 30
Currently living: Auckland, NZ
Belt: Purple
Favourite Submission: Kneebar
BJJ Career Highlight: Winning Worlds at white belt, and my coach giving me my blue belt on the podium with my flag behind me
BJJ Record: Gi, No Gi, and absolute Gold medalist NABJJF Nationals, Gold medal at Worlds, 2x Bronze, 2 x Silver NABJJF LA Open, Silver ADCC NZ Intermediate 2021
When not doing BJJ I love to: read, write, watch good films, ride my Harley, eat meat, surf, throw some kettle bells around
Best thing about summer is: Summer nights drinking with friends, lots of BBQ meat, surfing all day, afternoon naps, minimal clothing
Jahred Dell
If he’s not doing Jiujitsu, he is studying it like a master craftsman. Author of Articulate BJJ, a reputable BJJ podcast and blog, Jahred Dell is an established figure in the NZ grappling scene, not just for his knowledge on techniques and precise application of his work, but for his tenacity on the mats, especially in competition. A heavy set with frightening leg lock abilities, Jahred is both a top, and bottom game master. He also loves memes, PS4, and a quality craft beer or three after training…
Age: 30
Currently living: Auckland, NZ
Belt: Brown
Favourite Submission: Rear Naked Choke
BJJ Career Highlight: Ventura Open Nogi Champion/ Sydney Grappling Industries Open Weight Champion
BJJ Record: 2x Mana Submission King, Gi & No Gi National Champ, Sub Only National Champ, Sydney & Melbourne Grappling Industries medalist (5x Gold, 3x Silver), NZ ADCC Champion 2021
When not doing BJJ I love to: study art, watch films, listen to music and eat lots of food.
Best thing about summer is: The beach, barbecue and beer
Pane Haraki
Driver/Chief Manu advisor
Pane is a veteran of combat sports in NZ. From King Of The Ring, to BJJ Nationals, Pane has done it all. But what most don’t know about Pane, is that he is also the undisputed Manu King of Aotearoa.
If you can’t find him on the mats, he will be scouring for a high spot to jump into some body of water. He is the John Danaher of Manu’s. Not only will your BJJ improve at Rolling Sands, but your manu game is going to be second to none.
Age: 45
Currently living: Hastings
Academy: Ceasar MMA (owner)
Belt: Purple
Favourite Submission: Arm Bar
BJJ Career Highlight: 2019 Nationals GOLD
BJJ Record: 2018 National Masters Champ, 2019 National Champ, 2020 National champ, 2021 Silver
When not doing BJJ I love to: Swimming at waterfalls and the sea
Best thing about summer is: Freedom to travel and train
Sue Pitts
Camp Mother/Staff
Ziggy Stardust
Rolling Sands Mascot/Camp Guardian
No one can pass Ziggy’s guard. He’s too quick. Faster than lightning and quicker than 2 minute noodles.
Ziggy will most likely be seen doing zoom laps around any table. Followed by looking stoned and sleeping 12 hours. He lives life at the extreme end of both. Rumour has it that he trained under Master Helio himself.
Collar Rank; Coral
Likes; Tables, BJJ, Any breathing person
Dislikes; Crates