Coaches background
Meet the Coaches

Champions
Who Teach

World-class credentials. Patient, beginner-friendly coaching. You'll get championship-level instruction in a welcoming environment — no matter where you're starting from.

Two Head Coaches · Decades of Experience

Our Coaching Team

Elite Experience, Grounded Approach

At Refine MMA, you're learning from two coaches with deep competition pedigree at national and international levels — and a shared commitment to making every student feel welcome on the mats, from day one.

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Head BJJ Coach

Sam McCarthy

A BJJ black belt with over a decade on the mats, Sam has built Refine MMA's jiu-jitsu program around technical, patient instruction.

BJJ Black Belt (2023) — training and competing for over 10 years

Multiple 1st place podium finishes across all belt levels, nationally and internationally

Multiple-time national and state champion

8 years coaching experience in both BJJ and MMA

Coached and cornered successful BJJ athletes and notable MMA fighters in jiu-jitsu and MMA grappling

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Head MMA Coach

Alish Smith

A professional MMA fighter with over 30 fights across 3 major disciplines, Alish brings real, fight-night experience into every class. She's competed on the some of the best promotions in the sport and brings that experience to the Refine MMA mats.

Professional MMA fighter — 30+ fights across MMA, Muay Thai, and boxing (amateur and professional)

Competed nationally and internationally on major promotions including Cage Warriors, Fury FC, and Eternal

BJJ Brown Belt (2025)

State and national champion

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Still Beginner-Friendly

World-Class Credentials
Don't Mean an Intimidating Gym

Both Sam and Alish are known for patient, beginner-friendly coaching. You'll get championship-level instruction in a welcoming environment — whether it's your first class or your five hundredth.

Book a Free Trial
Get Started

Book Your Free Trial

Fill out the form below and we'll get you booked into your first class. No commitment — just show up and try it.

No commitment. No pressure. Just show up and try it.

Location

2/18 Tectonic Crescent
Kunda Park, QLD 4556

Get Directions →

Email

info@refinemma.com.au

Reply within 24 hours

Phone

0478 116 811

Call or text anytime

First Session Free

No sign-up fees. No contracts. Just walk in, train, and see if it's for you.