Founder & Head Coach
UFC Veteran & Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Richy’s journey with martial arts began as a late teen at a time when it wasn’t widely accessible. Unlike traditional team sports, martial arts offered him the individual challenge he was searching for. Determined to learn, he pushed to find a gym, traveling wherever necessary to train and immerse himself in the sport.

With nearly two decades of international experience, Richy has competed at the highest levels, including 8 UFC fights, black belt-level Jiu-Jitsu competition in the UAEJJF, and bouts in boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling tournaments. Beyond his own career, he has recruited, coached, and mentored multiple UFC athletes, cornering over 150 fights worldwide with an over 90% win rate.

As the founder of Aspire MMA, Richy brings his passion and expertise to help others develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Now a proud father of three young children, Richy and his wife Dara are dedicated to building a supportive community at Aspire MMA where everyone is welcome.

Co-founder
Manager

Dara brings a unique blend of creativity, operational experience, and a passion for community-building to the academy. With a professional background that spans photography and engagement strategy, Dara has honed skills in managing diverse creatives worldwide, creating compelling content, and fostering meaningful connections.

Her experience as an engagement specialist emphasised community management and collaboration, which now serves as the foundation for her role at Aspire MMA. At the academy, Dara focuses on managing daily operations, and cultivating a welcoming and supportive environment both on and off the mats.

Mum of three children, Dara and Richy moved their family to Mudgee to build a place for growth and new beginnings.

Coach Karen
Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt

Karen started Jiu-Jitsu as a way to meet new people and learn self-defense. Early in her journey, she began noticing positive changes in her life, such as improved physical fitness, increased confidence, and greater self-belief—all of which kept her coming back to the mats. This sparked her passion for competition and led her to compete around the world, achieving multiple state, national, and international titles, including a silver medal at the IBJJF World Championships.

Fast forward to today, Karen and her partner, Sean, have settled in Mudgee with their young daughter, Mana—two friendly faces you’ve likely seen around the gym. Karen is excited to bring her 13 years of mat time and a decade of coaching experience to the Aspire MMA team. She is passionate about sharing Jiu-Jitsu with the team, helping them grow through martial arts, and fostering a supportive community.

Coach Sean
Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt

Born and raised in Fiji, Sean lost two limbs in an accident at age seven. He wasn't able to run or participate in the same sports able bodied children did, which led him to the water and martial arts. Sean has gone on to achieve state, national, and international records in two sports— Swimming and Jiu-Jitsu. 

After retiring from swimming, his passion for martial arts led him to Jiu-Jitsu, where he became a UAEJJF Parajiujitsu World Champion. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Sean has coached athletes, CEOs, and disabled military veterans, helping them unlock their potential. He believes in adaptability—finding what works for each person and applying the right mindset to reach your goals. Come say hi to Sean—he’s often around the gym with his partner, Karen and their daughter, Mana.

With 18 years of experience as a paramedic, Lisa knows firsthand the importance of staying calm under pressure, adapting to challenges, and pushing through adversity. These same qualities—resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance—is what drew her into martial arts. A lifelong fitness enthusiast with a passion for boxing, Lisa has recently developed an interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, embracing its mental and physical challenges.

A Mudgee local and mother of two, Lisa plays a vital role in keeping Aspire MMA running smoothly. From managing administration and health and safety to tackling handyman tasks around the gym, she helps create a safe, welcoming space for everyone.

Whether she is keeping things in order, supporting the team, or rolling on the mats, she is always up for a challenge and a chat—so if you see her around, be sure to say hi!