Meet Our Staff

Marcelo Lopez

Owner/Instructor

Marcelo Lopes grew up in Rio de Janeiro and started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1997, at Team Supreme with Rafael Calderas. Marcelo began his path to the black belt among the best, as Team Supreme is home to Brazil’s greatest BJJ fighters and numerous times world champion team.

• Marcelo Lopes, Black Belt 2nd Degree

• Personal trainer Certificate

• World Submission Grappling Black Belt

• Personal Self Defense Trainer

• 6 Years of Freestyle Wrestling

• MMA Coach

• Certificate in Applied Sport Level 4(CCNZ)

• LESMILLS Body Trainer Certificate

• Tribe Team Training Coach - FIT, CORE, LIFE & KIDS

Owen Sweetman

Instructor

Owen is a Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Marcelo Lopez and a Brown belt in Judo. Owen has trained both BJJ and Judo  at Junior and Senior levels in Nelson for many years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and has played a major role in developing BJJ here in Nelson over the past 10 years.

Anna Wenham

Instructor

Anna has a Blue belt under Marcelo Lopez. A keen competitor with an excellent competition record. With qualifications in Sport & Fitness and a young son who is also a member of nelsonbjj, Anna has the passion and experience to effectively teach our little champs class. 

Richard Townsend

Instructor

Richard has a career in education, and with a purple belt in BJJ under Marcelo Lopez he is developing into a senior club coach. His passion for helping students reach their full potential through Sport & Fitness is shown in his commitment to the club.