06/09/2026
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. ❤️🥊🇦🇺
