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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

David Thomas

Free childhood boxing inspired his free youth BJJ classes in Yeppoon.

Biography

David Thomas’s free youth BJJ classes in Yeppoon grew from free childhood boxing in New Zealand. He recalled finding purpose and self-control through boxing, and hoped BJJ could offer something similar. ABC’s December 2015 report described the electrician’s noncommercial club: donated Keppel Coast Gymnastics space kept it affordable for 30–40 pupils per class. Competition was optional; he supported those choosing it. ABC reported a California placing and plans to restart classes after the holidays. Family was central to his training. In Queensland’s parliament in May 2015, Lauga relayed his account of two years in BJJ and learning each session. His family’s March fundraiser helped fund a planned California trip, with Lauga contributing.

Sources for this profile

  • ABC Capricornia, December 2015.(opens in a new tab)

    • Free childhood boxing in New Zealand inspired Thomas’s free youth BJJ in Yeppoon. The electrician credited donated Keppel Coast Gymnastics space with making a noncommercial club affordable, reporting 30–40 pupils per class. He associated boxing with purpose and self-control, hoped to offer something similar through BJJ, and supported children’s choice about competing. ABC reported a California placing; a post-holiday class restart was planned.

      Where in the source: Childhood, community, competition sections.

      Accessed:

  • Queensland Hansard, May 2015.(opens in a new tab)

    • In her May 2015 address, Lauga relayed Thomas’s family-centred approach, two years in BJJ and learning from each session. His family’s March fundraiser supported a planned California trip; she contributed.

      Where in the source: p.481, Thomas.

      Accessed:

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