Our Instructors

Damian Nam

Brown Belt under Steve Oliver

Coach Damian is your head instructor at Oliver MMA Browns Bay. Working closely with Professor Steve Oliver, he is dedicated to bringing the best training possible to our members. Coach Damian got into the business of martial arts because he shares the same vision and passion as our Professor. As a man of faith, he truly believes that this is his mission in life - serving his community the best way he can and playing his part in creating a better future. He takes pride in serving others. Coach Damian is also a physiotherapist by day, practising out of the clinic inside our academy. Having learned from many great coaches over the years, he is dedicated to doing the same and passing on the knowledge passed onto him.

Anthony Bowler

Blue Belt under Steve Oliver

Coach Ants is a hardworking family man who has been training with his son Oscar since 2019, took one class and never looked back. He loves training hard and competing with his son as much as possible with a never give up attitude. Coach Ants enjoys working with the kids, seeing their confidence and fitness develop as they come through the ranks. You will see him most of the time at the academy.

Stu Young

Brown Belt under Steve Oliver

Coach Stu is one of our instructors for our adult classes. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with 20 years of martial arts experience, having previously trained in the art of Muay Thai kickboxing and Judo. A builder by trade, he loves the competition and the team environment that training in martial arts brings. He has competed and placed in both local and oversea competitions. He now strives in helping the next generation be the best version of themselves.

Professor Steve Oliver

3rd degree Black Belt under Ricardo Libório

Professor Steve Oliver comes from a family of high achievers. His father was a New Zealand weightlifting legend - Don Oliver, who won gold at the 1966 Commonwealth Games and represented New Zealand in multiple Olympics. Our Professor is the epitome of hard work and has always strived to be the best. This has led him to seek the best training possible, having trained with the legends of the sport and now under the guidance of BJJ and MMA legend, Ricardo Libório. Professor Steve has always been passionate about giving back to the community and started Oliver MMA for this reason. First starting in his basement, now there are five Oliver MMA branches all over North Island and still growing. Our Professor is also the founder of the biggest grappling circuit in New Zealand, hosting NZ Grappler tournaments all throughout the country.