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Portrait unavailable. General BJJ illustration; not a likeness of this person.Illustration: The BJJ Story

Chance Wanlass

Chance Wanlass welcomed Singapore’s growing community of BJJ hobbyists in 2023.

Biography

Chance Wanlass recalled arriving in Singapore from the United States in 2012. That July, Kreation introduced him as the new head Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor at BXG Fitness and Kreation, noting his training with the Machado brothers. A later program grew through a teaching partnership. In a 2025 Grapple Asia interview, David Ooi recalled Wanlass running BJJ at Move To Live from 2016. Ooi began helping in 2018 and spent about three years teaching with Wanlass’s guidance. Wanlass awarded Ooi’s belts from purple onward, including black in March 2021. At roughly five weekly classes, further growth meant finding their own venue for a full-time program, which became Singapore Submission Grappling. The school dates its founding to 2022 and lists Wanlass as owner and coach. Its stated approach draws on varied lineages, letting practitioners develop styles around their mental and physical attributes and learn at their own speed. In May 2023, Wanlass told TODAY his academy had over 150 active members amid Singapore’s wider growth. He welcomed participation for enjoyment and lifestyle, seeing a more inviting environment for beginners beyond a focus on competition.

Sources for this profile

  • TODAY/CNA, May 2023.(opens in a new tab)

    • Interviewed in May 2023 as SSG’s co-owner and BJJ coach, Wanlass recalled arriving in Singapore from the United States in 2012. He estimated that local participation and school numbers had grown substantially since then, and reported over 150 active members at his academy. He welcomed a shift beyond competition towards hobby and lifestyle participation as a good setting for beginners.

      Where in the source: Wanlass’s interview within participation report.

      Accessed:

  • Kreation, July 2012.(opens in a new tab)

    • In July 2012, Kreation announced Wanlass as the new head jiu-jitsu instructor at BXG Fitness and Kreation, describing him as having trained with the Machado brothers.

      Where in the source: July 26, 2012 announcement.

      Accessed:

  • Grapple Asia, October 2025.(opens in a new tab)

    • In a 2025 interview, David Ooi recalled Wanlass running BJJ at Move To Live from 2016 and Ooi helping from 2018. About five weekly classes prompted them to seek their own venue for a full-time programme, becoming SSG. Ooi said Wanlass awarded his belts from purple onward, including black in March 2021, after roughly three years teaching under Wanlass’s guidance.

      Where in the source: Questions 5, 6 and 8.

      Accessed:

  • SG², school history.(opens in a new tab)

    • Singapore Submission Grappling dates its founding to 2022.

      Where in the source: About SG² section.

      Accessed:

  • SG², coaches.(opens in a new tab)

    • The academy lists Wanlass as an owner and coach. Its stated approach draws on different lineages, encouraging practitioners to develop grappling styles suited to their mental and physical attributes at their own pace.

      Where in the source: Coach introduction and named Wanlass card.

      Accessed:

Lineage

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