Your Martial Arts Instructors
Your Martial Arts
Instructors
From Brazil to the Northern Beaches — A Legacy of Leadership
At Ortiz Martial Academy, our instructors are more than just martial arts experts—they’re mentors, motivators, and passionate teachers who inspire students of all ages to achieve their goals. Whether you’re a young beginner taking your first steps in martial arts or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
With years of training and teaching experience, each instructor brings a unique blend of knowledge, discipline, and enthusiasm to every class. We believe that martial arts is for everyone—kids, teens, adults, and families alike. Our mission is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow, gain confidence, and embrace the martial arts journey at their own pace.
No matter your skill level or aspirations, our instructors are committed to helping you unlock your potential through expert guidance and personalized instruction. Join us, and let’s train, learn, and achieve greatness together!
Founder, Head Instructor - Professor
Black Belt - 3 Dan
Professor Edson Ortiz is the founder and owner of Ortiz Martial Arts Academy. He was born in Brazil in 1971, he immigrated to Australia and began training BJJ in 1998. He was initially a Judoka (Judo Practitioner) before starting his journey with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Black Belt – 3 Dan
Instructor
World-Class Coaches. Real-World Mentors.
In 2008 after seeing the devastating effects of bullying in the local area, it was Edson’s ambition to help the surrounding community through teaching self-defence for those in need, and guide individuals to improve their confidence, physical and mental health. He has been proud to teach and mentor students in martial arts for over 16 years.
Edson started the academy as a purple belt and practiced relentlessly to continue his own improvement. By 2010 Ortiz entered the BJJ competition scene with an academy team to great success, often defeating larger academy’s under black belt instructors. Edson is nationally recognized as a world class BJJ instructor with multiple NSW championship team titles, but his proudest achievement is the training and mentoring of his sons Thiago and Rafael who are the most successful BJJ junior athletes in Australia.
- 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
- Over 27 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and 11 years in Judo
- Direct student of Coral Belt Master Paulo Sergio Santos
- Founder of Ortiz Martial Arts Academy (Est. 2009)
- Coach of 3 Junior World Champions and won over 27 national team titles
- Known nationally as a world class coach and for his technical precision, calm leadership, and ability to mentor students of all ages with care and discipline
Professor Thiago Ortiz
Black BElt Instructor
Thiago is the middle son of Edson’s 3 children. He was born in 2004 and started training in 2009 under his father. From a young age Thiago has been teaching and assisting with classes whilst also training rigorously himself.
Thiago is a world class BJJ competitor with many Junior world titles under his belt, and has been ranked No.1 for 7 years, and was the first Brown Belt Australian to win 2nd at Abu Dhabi World Pro in 2024. He is also a certified instructor for BJJ and self-defence, as well as a great role model, inspiration and mentor for our younger students.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, and one of Australia’s most accomplished junior athletes
- 3x Kids World Champion, Pan Kids Champion, and No.1 ranked junior in Australia for 5 consecutive years
- First Australian Brown Belt to place 2nd at the Abu Dhabi World Pro
- Ranked No.1 Adult in Oceania in both 2023 and 2024
- 9x National Champion & 8x Pan Pacific Champion
- Passionate about guiding the next generation of athletes and leaders
Our Vision
We envision a community where martial arts serve as a path to self-improvement, resilience, and personal excellence. Through expert training and a commitment to tradition, we aim to inspire students to push their limits, embrace challenges, and achieve their highest potential—both on and off the mat.
Our Mission
At Ortiz Martial Academy, our mission is to empower individuals through discipline, strength, and skill. We foster a supportive environment where students of all levels can grow, gain confidence, and master the art of martial combat.
- Inspire personal growth through discipline, strength, and skill development
- Foster a supportive community that encourages respect, resilience, and confidence
- Provide expert training that blends tradition with modern techniques
- Empower students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential
- Promote martial arts as a path to self-improvement, leadership, and lifelong success
Why Choose Us
Ortiz Martial Arts Academy is the first Martial Arts academy in Pittwater to introduce BJJ in our program to provide the best structured programs for learning Martial Arts at any level and age. We have a unique system to teach which provide the best way of learning a complex and effective martial art. Unlike some competitors, great emphasis is put on creating a safe environment for younger and older practitioners so they are able to feel safe while training, creating the environment to provide a necessary boost of confidence to excel in life.
Kids and teens it will notice an increase of discipline and maturity unparalleled to any other activity.
We also have great results in competition, winning many team events and having 3 world champions. Furthermore our team are not only qualified but have great experience in dealing with students that have learning, or personal difficulties.
In addition we have a great balance to our classes to suit anyone whether their interests be for competition, self-defence, lifestyle or hobby which is something our competitors don’t offer. Our academy is a tool to bring the best version of oneself, promoting and awarding good discipline and behaviour and creating great leaders wihthin our community.
Free Trial Classes, Free Uniform, Free Private Lesson with No enrolment fee when you sign up with us.
Enjoy the Benefits of Martial Arts
- Improve physical fitness and coordination
- Learn how to Defend yourself
- Build confidence and discipline
- Join a supportive and welcoming community