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Two training partners meeting on the mat.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
Portrait unavailable. General BJJ illustration; not a likeness of this person.Illustration: The BJJ Story

Brandon Newman

Brandon Newman helped build East Rand BJJ, where newcomers can borrow uniforms and learn with help from experienced students.

Biography

Brandon Newman began BJJ at 16 with brother Nathan Raaths, initially as preparation for MMA, he told the Boksburg Advertiser. He chose BJJ instead and opened an academy at 22. East Rand BJJ’s own history describes the academy Newman built with Allen Cliffe and Xola Kumalo: a small gym that had to weather setbacks. It records his later black-belt promotion in the United States. Medical sales work meant early and evening training; in 2025 he left to teach. On January 25, his coach Ashley Williams of Draig awarded him a second-degree black belt after 19 years’ practice. For beginners, the academy’s guidance starts with practical help: borrowing a uniform, asking coaches or more experienced students for assistance, and practicing at their own pace. A school-published student testimonial describes that help from coaches and higher-ranked training partners. On June 28, 2025, Newman led training, sparring and belt promotions. Andre Belcher advanced to brown, Aziz Aripov to purple and Lindsay Jaftha to blue. Newman singled out their continued attendance and work. A separate June report described children demonstrating techniques and working through drills before receiving stripes or belts. Newman praised their steady effort and progress.

Sources for this profile

  • Boksburg Advertiser, January 2025.(opens in a new tab)

    • Ashley Williams, his coach from Draig, awarded Newman his second-degree black belt at East Rand BJJ on 25 January 2025, after a reported 19 years practising BJJ.

      Where in the source: Award ceremony.

      Accessed:

  • Boksburg Advertiser, February 2025.(opens in a new tab)

    • Newman said he began at 16 with brother Nathan Raaths, choosing BJJ over MMA, and opened an academy at 22. Medical sales work meant early and evening training; in 2025 he left that job for teaching.

      Where in the source: Personal interview.

      Accessed:

  • East Rand BJJ.(opens in a new tab)

    • East Rand BJJ credits Newman, Allen Cliffe and Xola Kumalo with building a small academy through setbacks; Newman later received his black belt in the United States. Its beginner guidance offers borrowed uniforms, coaching help and individually paced practice. A published Jacques Joubert testimonial describes beginners receiving help from coaches and higher ranks.

      Where in the source: Academy history and beginners.

      Accessed:

  • Boksburg Advertiser, July 2025.(opens in a new tab)

    • Newman led training, sparring and promotions on 28 June 2025: Andre Belcher received brown, Aziz Aripov purple and Lindsay Jaftha blue. He praised their sustained attendance and work.

      Where in the source: Grading report.

      Accessed:

  • Boksburg Advertiser, June 2025.(opens in a new tab)

    • A June 2025 report described children practising drills and demonstrating techniques at East Rand BJJ before receiving stripes or belts; Newman praised their regular effort and progress.

      Where in the source: Children’s grading.

      Accessed:

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