Skip to content
The BJJ Story
Search
Back to people
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

Lachlan Giles

“Velachiraptor”

Source: bjjheroes.com

Lachlan Sven McDonald Giles is an Australian Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt representing Absolute MMA, globally known for his online platform SubMeta.

Biography

Lachlan Sven McDonald Giles, sometimes referred to by the nickname Velachiraptor, is an Australian Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt representing the Absolute MMA team who is known globally for his online learning platform SubMeta. Giles was born on June 17, 1986, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. During his teenage years, he began training in martial arts by taking a kung fu class, inspired by Jet Li's films. At age 15, Giles watched a tape of Royce Gracie competing in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 1). Believing jiu-jitsu was the best form of self-defense, he decided to join a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy. His first Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach was Tyrone Crosse, who developed the young grappler from white to purple belt. After a severe knee injury sidelined Giles from training for one year, he returned to find that his local club had changed and a new coach, John Simon, was leading the training group. Simon went on to award Giles his brown and black belts, with his black belt promotion taking place in 2012. Giles later received his first-degree black belt certification from Thiago Stefanutti, the head coach of Absolute MMA. Alongside his jiu-jitsu training, Giles attended La Trobe University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2008 and completed a PhD in Physiotherapy Research in December 2016. By the time he finished his doctoral degree, he had published four peer-reviewed research papers focusing on patellofemoral pain. In regional championships, Giles won first place in the middleweight black belt division at the 2016 IBJJF Pan Pacific Championship representing Maromba Academia International. At the 2017 Pan Pacific Championships, representing Absolute MMA Australia, the official IBJJF database records him winning gold medals in the middleweight and open class divisions of the gi competition, as well as the medium-heavyweight and open class divisions of the no-gi championship. Conversely, Absolute MMA's own website states that he swept the 2014 Pan Pacific black belt division with four gold medals. On the world stage, Giles won first place at the ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials in 2015, 2017, and 2019. At the 2017 ADCC World Championships, he competed in the under 77 kg division, where he lost on points to JT Torres. Later that year, Giles secured a bronze medal at the 2017 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship, placing third in the adult black belt light division after a points defeat against AJ Agazarm in the semi-finals. During his competitive campaign in 2019, Giles took first place in the professional male under 77 kg division of the ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials, which was held on May 19, 2019. In August of that year, he represented Team BJJ Fanatics at the inaugural Kinektic 1 event, where he achieved a clean sweep by submitting Mansher Khera, Will Weed, Joe Riggs, Chris Lytle, and Ricco Rodriguez. In September 2019, Giles entered the absolute division at the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship. He submitted heavyweight champion Kaynan Duarte with an inside heel hook, and defeated Patrick Gaudio in the second round using the same technique. After a semi-final defeat against Gordon Ryan via rear naked choke, Giles secured the absolute bronze medal by submitting Mahamed Aly with an inside heel hook in just over one minute. His bronze medal performance was considered notable because he faced a size disadvantage against heavyweights who outweighed him by around 20 kilograms. Beyond competing, Giles has built a career as a coach. When the Absolute MMA association established a second location in St Kilda in 2014, they selected him to lead their Brazilian jiu-jitsu program. From this academy, he trained several successful grapplers, including Livia Gluchowska. He also coached fellow Australian Craig Jones, whom he promoted to black belt in 2016. Craig Jones announced Giles's coaching role in March 2025; Giles went on to coach Team Australasia at the second Craig Jones Invitational later that year. In addition to his in-person coaching, Giles produces digital instructional videos for BJJ Fanatics, including his series titled 'The Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard'.

Sources for this profile

  • BJJ Heroes, 'Lachlan Giles' (undated).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles suffered a severe knee injury that forced him to stop training for a year, returning to train under new coach John Simon.

      Where in the source: forced to stop his training due to a severe knee injury. Upon his return (one year later) his local club had suffered a few changes and there was a new coach taking care of the workgroup, his name was John Simon.

      Accessed:

    • Thiago Stefanutti, head coach of Absolute MMA, awarded Lachlan Giles his first-degree black belt certification.

      Where in the source: gym that had Thiago Stefanutti as a head coach – Thiago quickly became a strong influence in Lachlan's jiu-jitsu game, awarding him his first BB degree.

      Accessed:

    • Absolute MMA opened a branch in St Kilda in 2014 and hired Lachlan Giles to head the jiu-jitsu program.

      Where in the source: when the Absolute MMA association opened a second branch in St Kilda (2014) they invited Giles to be the instructor. An offer accepted by Lachlan.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Sven McDonald Giles is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt nicknamed Velachiraptor.

      Where in the source: Full Name: Lachlan Sven McDonald Giles Nickname: Giles is sometimes referenced by his training partners as Velachiraptor.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles is sometimes referred to by his nickname Velachiraptor.

      Where in the source: Nickname: Giles is sometimes referenced by his training partners as Velachiraptor.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles represents the Absolute MMA team.

      Where in the source: Team/Association: Absolute MMA

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles was born on June 17 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

      Where in the source: Lachlan Giles was born on June 17, in Melbourne

      Accessed:

    • John Simon awarded Lachlan Giles his brown and black belts, the latter in 2012.

      Where in the source: Simon awarded Lachlan his brown and black belts (2012) but was forced to retire due to an injury soon after.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles' first Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach was Tyrone Crosse, who developed him from white to purple belt.

      Where in the source: Giles' first BJJ instructor was Tyrone Crosse, a coach that developed the young Australian from white to purple belt.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles began training in martial arts as a teenager with kung fu after being inspired by Jet Li.

      Where in the source: Inspired by Jet Li's martial arts films, during his teens Lachlan joined a kung fu class.

      Accessed:

    • At age 15, after watching Royce Gracie in UFC 1 on tape, Lachlan Giles decided to join a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy.

      Where in the source: Giles saw a tape on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC I) and was immediately in awe of Royce Gracie's jiu-jitsu technique. Believing this was the best form of self-defense for himself, 15-year-old Lachlan decided to join a BJJ academy

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles won first place at the ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

      Where in the source: Main Achievements: 1st Place ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials (2015 / 2017 / 2019)

      Accessed:

    • By the completion of his PhD in December 2016, Lachlan Giles had four peer-reviewed publications focusing on patellofemoral pain.

      Where in the source: Giles also achieved a PhD in physiotherapy, complete on December 2016, having 4 peer-reviewed publications focusing on patellofemoral pain.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles coached and trained several successful grapplers at St Kilda, including Livia Gluchowska.

      Where in the source: From the St Kilda location, Lachlan worked with numerous successful grapplers, including big names such as Livia Gluchowska and Craig Jones.

      Accessed:

    • Conflicting accounts

      Lachlan Giles' lineage runs through John Will to John Simon to Lachlan Giles.

      Where in the source: Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr > Jean Jacques Machado / Rigan Machado > John Will > John Simon > Lachlan Giles

      Accessed:

  • Wikipedia, 'Lachlan Giles' (last edited October 11, 2025).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles was born on June 17, 1986.

      Where in the source: Lachlan Sven McDonald Giles (born 17 June 1986)

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles is an Australian grappler.

      Where in the source: Lachlan Sven McDonald Giles (born 17 June 1986) is an Australian grappler

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles attended La Trobe University, earning a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2008 and a PhD in Physiotherapy in 2016.

      Where in the source: Giles attended La Trobe University where he earned a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2008 and a PhD in Physiotherapy in 2016.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles placed third in the World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship in 2017 after losing to AJ Agazarm on points in the semi-finals.

      Where in the source: In 2017, Giles competed at the World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship where he came third place after being defeated by AJ Agazarm by points in the semi-finals.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles' bronze medal performance at the 2019 ADCC World Championships was notable due to his size disadvantage against opponents who outweighed him by around 20 kg.

      Where in the source: Giles' achievement was considered notable as he was much smaller than his opponents who came mainly from the Heavyweight divisions and outweighed him by around 20 kg.

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles coached fellow Australian Craig Jones and awarded him his BJJ black belt in 2016.

      Where in the source: He was the coach of fellow Australian grappler, Craig Jones whom he awarded a black belt in 2016.

      Accessed:

  • Absolute MMA, 'Congratulations Doctor Lachlan Giles!' (December 21, 2016).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles completed his PhD in Physiotherapy Research in December 2016.

      Where in the source: earned his PhD in Physiotherapy Research!

      Accessed:

  • Absolute MMA, 'IBJJF No-Gi World Championship 2017 Results' (December 19, 2017).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles won a bronze medal in the adult black belt division at the 2017 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship.

      Where in the source: Lachlan a bronze medal for their efforts. This is at adult black belt division

      Accessed:

  • IBJJF Database, 'World No-Gi Championship 2017 Results' (December 2017).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan S. M. Giles placed third in the Adult Black Belt Light division (162.60LB) at the 2017 World No-Gi Championship.

      Where in the source: ADULT / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT (162.60LB) 1 Renato Forasieppi Alves Canuto Zenith BJJ - Las Vegas 2 AJ Agazarm Gracie Barra 3 Lachlan S. M. Giles Absolute MMA Australia

      Accessed:

  • ADCC Federation, 'ADCC Asia & Oceania Trial 2019 Results' (May 12, 2019).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles won the professional male -77kg division at the 2019 ADCC Asia & Oceania Trial.

      Where in the source: Professional Male -77kg Lachlan Giles – Absolute MMA

      Accessed:

  • Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, 'ADCC Asia Oceania Championship 2019 Official Results' (May 19, 2019).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles representing Absolute MMA took first place in the -76.9kg division at the ADCC Asia Oceania Championship on May 19, 2019.

      Where in the source: -76.9kg 1 Lachlan Giles|Absolute MMA

      Accessed:

  • ADCC Federation, 'ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2019 Results' (September 28, 2019).(opens in a new tab)

    • At the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2019, Lachlan Giles took third place in the absolute division.

      Where in the source: ABSOLUTE Gordon Ryan Marcus Buchecha Almeida Lachlan Giles (AUS) Mahamed Aly (BRA)

      Accessed:

  • Absolute MMA, 'ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2019 RESULTS' (October 2, 2019).(opens in a new tab)

    • In the absolute division at ADCC 2019, Lachlan Giles submitted heavyweight champion Kaynan Duarte with an inside heel hook.

      Where in the source: In the Absolute/Open weight of day two, Lachlan Giles (under 77kg) came up against Kaynan Duarte (+99kg)

      Accessed:

    • In the second round of the absolute division at ADCC 2019, Lachlan Giles submitted Patrick Gaudio with an inside heel hook.

      Where in the source: Round two of the absolute division saw Lachlan come up against Patrick Gaudio (+99kg)

      Accessed:

    • In the absolute division semi-finals at ADCC 2019, Gordon Ryan defeated Lachlan Giles via rear naked choke.

      Where in the source: In the semi-finals of the absolute division, Lachlan steps into a match with Gordan The King Ryan (-99kg)

      Accessed:

    • Lachlan Giles secured the ADCC 2019 absolute bronze medal by submitting Mahamed Aly with an inside heel hook in just over one minute.

      Where in the source: Competing against Mahamed Aly (2018 world champion at black belt) for bronze

      Accessed:

  • Fight News Australia, 'ADCC 2017 News' (September 24, 2017).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles lost via points to JT Torres in the under 77 kg division at the 2017 ADCC World Championships.

      Where in the source: while in the under 77kg division, Lachlan Giles lost via points to JT Torres.

      Accessed:

  • Fight News Australia, 'Kinektic 1' (August 18, 2019).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles submitted Mansher Khera, Will Weed, Joe Riggs, Chris Lytle, and Ricco Rodriguez at Kinektic 1.

      Where in the source: Lachlan Giles def. Mansher Khera via Submission (Inside heel-hook) Lachlan Giles def. Will Weed via Submission (Inside heel-hook) Lachlan Giles def. Joe Riggs via Submission (Armbar) Lachlan Giles def. Chris Lyttle via Submission (Inside heel-hook) Lachlan Giles def. Ricco Rodriguez via Submission (Inside heel-hook)

      Accessed:

  • My MMA News, 'Kinektic 1 Live Results' (August 16, 2019).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles represented Team BJJ Fanatics at Kinektic 1 on Friday, August 16, 2019.

      Where in the source: What: Kinektic

      Accessed:

  • Jiu Jitsu Legacy, 'CJI 2 News' (March 20, 2025).(opens in a new tab)

    • Craig Jones announced that Lachlan Giles will coach the Australian and Asian misfits team at the Craig Jones Invitational 2.

      Where in the source: The first misfits team announced will be representing Australia and Asia and be coached by Lachlan Giles.

      Accessed:

  • Absolute MMA, 'Our Team' (undated).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles is known globally for his online Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu learning platform SubMeta.

      Where in the source: He’s known globally for his ground-breaking instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, his innovative platform SubMeta

      Accessed:

    • Conflicting accounts

      Lachlan Giles won four gold medals in the 2014 Pan Pacific black belt division according to Absolute MMA.

      Where in the source: sweeping the 2014 Pan Pacific black belt division with four gold medals.

      Accessed:

  • BJJ Fanatics, 'ADCC Spotlight: Lachlan Giles' (September 25, 2019).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan Giles publishes BJJ instructional videos such as 'The Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard' on BJJ Fanatics.

      Where in the source: The Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard By Lachlan Giles is easily one of the best resources available ANYWHERE.

      Accessed:

  • IBJJF Database, 'Pan Pacific Championship 2016 Results' (October 2016).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan S. Giles won first place in the Middleweight black belt division at the 2016 IBJJF Pan Pacific Championship representing Maromba Academia International.

      Where in the source: Adult / Male / Black / Middle 1 Lachlan S. Giles Maromba Academia International 2 William Ferreira Dias Nova União 3 Ricardo Laffranchi MyBJJ Team

      Accessed:

  • IBJJF Database, 'Pan Pacific Championship 2017 Results' (October 2017).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan S. Giles won Middleweight and Open Class gold at the 2017 Pan Pacific Championship representing Absolute MMA Australia.

      Where in the source: Adult / Male / Black / Middle 1 Lachlan S. Giles Absolute MMA Australia

      Accessed:

  • IBJJF Database, 'Pan Pacific No-Gi Championship 2017 Results' (October 2017).(opens in a new tab)

    • Lachlan S. Giles won Medium-Heavy and Open Class gold at the 2017 Pan Pacific No-Gi Championship representing Absolute MMA Australia.

      Where in the source: Adult / Male / Black / Medium-Heavy 1 Lachlan S. Giles Absolute MMA Australia

      Accessed:

  • MMA Mania, Anton Tabuena, CJI 2 post-event report (September 1, 2025).(opens in a new tab)

    • After CJI 2, MMA Mania identified Lachlan Giles as Team Australasia’s coach at the event.

      Where in the source: Lachlan Giles, who coached Team Australasia

      Accessed:

  • FIGHT.TV, Austin Jones, The Craig Jones Invitational 2: Event Roster Release (July 14, 2025).(opens in a new tab)

    • The CJI 2 event roster published by broadcaster FIGHT.TV listed Lachlan Giles as Team Australasia’s coach before the August 2025 tournament.

      Where in the source: The Full Fight Card and Team Rosters for CJI 2 — Team Australasia Roster: — Coach: Lachlan Giles

      Accessed:

Competition results

Recorded tournament results, newest first
YearEventResultDivision
2019ADCC 2019Source: adcombat.comAbsoluteNo-giVerified3rd placeAbsoluteNo-giVerified

Lineage

View in lineage tree

Trained under

Students2